PBS Special to Spotlight Legendary Hip-Hop Band The Roots
Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group The Roots will be the subject of the next episode of "NEXT at the Kennedy Center," a primetime series from The Kennedy Center and PBS that spotlights cultural leaders from the worlds of hip-hop, jazz, folk, comedy, modern dance and more.
"The Roots Residency," an hour-long special that will air on PBS at 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27., promises to give audiences rare insights into the band through one-on-one interviews with its founders Questlove and Black Thought, bookended by an electric performance by an "electric performance" filmed during its residency at the Kennedy Center.
“The Roots have existed at the forefront of culture for over three decades. They are deeply committed to ensuring that generations of artists and communities see themselves powerfully reflected through their work and at venerable institutions like the Kennedy Center,” Simone Eccleston, director of hip-hop culture and contemporary music at The Kennedy Center, said in a statement.
"The Roots Residency’ is a testament to their capacity to not only change the lives of individuals but also to transform institutions. The impact of our partnership is that we are forever changed as an organization. Through their residency, The Roots have created powerful platforms for the celebration of multihyphenates, cultural leaders and emerging artists. We hope that viewers experience their genius as performers, curators and cultural catalysts.”
Formed by Questlove and Black Thought in 1987, while they were students at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Roots have been a mainstay of hip-hop culture for over 30 years.
Its pioneering use of live musical instruments, a revolving lineup that has featured as many as 12 members at a time and an eclectic approach to rap and other genres they dabble in have branded the group as innovators. While their deep discography, The Roots have released 16 studio albums, featuring hits like "Things Fall Apart" and "Phrenology," has earned the group critical praise and three Grammy Awards.
When they are not selling out venues are working on their 17th studio album, "End Game," The Roots serve as the house band on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon."
"The Roots Residency," an hour-long special that will air on PBS at 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27., promises to give audiences rare insights into the band through one-on-one interviews with its founders Questlove and Black Thought, bookended by an electric performance by an "electric performance" filmed during its residency at the Kennedy Center.
Jan. 27 at 9/8c on @PBS, the Kennedy Center celebrates hip hop legends @theroots! 🎧🎶
— The Kennedy Center (@kencen) January 23, 2023
Join us for the #KenCenNextPBS special featuring an electrifying performance & highlights of their #KenCenHipHop For the Culture Artist Residency. pic.twitter.com/V4VIumHceG
“The Roots have existed at the forefront of culture for over three decades. They are deeply committed to ensuring that generations of artists and communities see themselves powerfully reflected through their work and at venerable institutions like the Kennedy Center,” Simone Eccleston, director of hip-hop culture and contemporary music at The Kennedy Center, said in a statement.
"The Roots Residency’ is a testament to their capacity to not only change the lives of individuals but also to transform institutions. The impact of our partnership is that we are forever changed as an organization. Through their residency, The Roots have created powerful platforms for the celebration of multihyphenates, cultural leaders and emerging artists. We hope that viewers experience their genius as performers, curators and cultural catalysts.”
Formed by Questlove and Black Thought in 1987, while they were students at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Roots have been a mainstay of hip-hop culture for over 30 years.
Its pioneering use of live musical instruments, a revolving lineup that has featured as many as 12 members at a time and an eclectic approach to rap and other genres they dabble in have branded the group as innovators. While their deep discography, The Roots have released 16 studio albums, featuring hits like "Things Fall Apart" and "Phrenology," has earned the group critical praise and three Grammy Awards.
When they are not selling out venues are working on their 17th studio album, "End Game," The Roots serve as the house band on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon."
Watch some of the highlights from The Roots' performance below.
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