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The Roots Set to Host ‘A Roots Picnic Experience: The Class of ’95’ in Los Angeles
On June 8, the renowned hip-hop band the Roots will present a special event in Los Angeles, titled “A Roots Picnic Experience: The Class of ’95.” This concert will showcase a lineup of iconic 1990s rap artists, including Lil’ Kim, Redman, Method Man, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, DJ Quik, Raekwon, E-40, Goodie Mob, and Havoc from Mobb Deep, alongside the Roots themselves. Additional artists are expected to be announced at a later date. Tickets for this highly anticipated event will be available for purchase on Wednesday, December 11, starting at 10 a.m. PT through the Hollywood Bowl’s official site. Tickets.
This concert marks the second time the Roots Picnic will make its way to Los Angeles, following last summer’s popular event titled “Hip-Hop Is the Love of My Life,” which featured heavyweights such as Queen Latifah and Common. The Roots have reassured fans that this Los Angeles show does not replace the traditional Philadelphia festival, stating on Instagram, “DON’T WORRY PHILLY, WE’LL BE BACK FOR YOU IN 2025.”
Reflecting on the significance of the year 1995, drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson expressed, “1995 was our true arrival. While previous years marked pivotal moments in our journey, 1995 was when it all truly came together with the release of our first major album, Do You Want More?!!!??!.” He reminisced about the vibrant hip-hop scene of that era, highlighting a time when the genre was flourishing with innovation and creativity. Thompson painted a picture of a musical landscape brimming with potential, stating, “Those were the days that produced classic album after classic album, unleashing countless new ideas about art. This is the story of those days.”
In 2023, Rolling Stone recognized the Roots Picnic as Hip-Hop’s Greatest Festival. Tariq Trotter, known as Black Thought, emphasized the festival’s familial atmosphere, stating, “This is a family affair. That’s the vibe.” He noted that many artists who perform at the Roots Picnic are often mesmerized by the sense of community among the attendees, particularly the representation of Black audiences in Philadelphia. Last year, the Roots Picnic featured a variety of talented artists, such as Lil Wayne and André 3000, contributing to its reputation as a premier event in the hip-hop world.
Source
www.rollingstone.com