← Back to the dial
The Roots
📷 Aaron Matthews from Thornhill, Canada. · CC BY 2.0

▸ Artist · 1999–1999

The Roots

1 song in the crate.

🎧 Ask the DJ about The Roots

The Story

Formed1987OriginUnited StatesGenrealternative rock, rock music, hip-hopLabelGeffen Records, DGC Records, Interscope RecordsMembersQuestlove, Black Thought, Malik B., Captain Kirk Douglas, James Poyser, Ian Hendrickson-Smith

With a groove that blends hip-hop and soul, The Roots have been a vibrant force in the music scene, emerging from Philadelphia to redefine what a band can be. Anchored by the smooth flows of frontman Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter and the impeccable rhythms of drummer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, their sound spans alternative rock, funk, and beyond. Known for their dynamic live performances, they bring an infectious energy to the stage, whether it’s at a festival or as the house band for late-night television, captivating audiences with their musicianship. Tracks like "You Got Me" showcase their lyrical depth and genre-bending style, making them more than just a band—they’re a cultural institution. With members like Captain Kirk Douglas and James Poyser in tow, The Roots continue to push musical boundaries, inviting listeners to groove along on a journey that feels both timeless and fresh.

By The Liner Notes · facts via Wikidata & Wikipedia.

Facts via Wikidata (CC0).

🎟️ Admit One

Ticket Trail

Find the setlist. Save the memory.

No.
9999

Trying to remember what they played when you saw The Roots back in the day? Jump to Setlist.fm to search real historical setlists, then come back and save the memory.

Search historical setlists on Setlist.fm.

Were you there?

Setlist searches open on Setlist.fm. G33Z3R does not host or verify external setlist data.

🛍️ Get the The Roots merch

Affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate and an 80sTees affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Details

You Got Me
The Roots
1999

📼 The Roots by decade

📺 Heard on these vibes

📀 More like The Roots

Songs from the same scenes, sound, and era — by other artists.

Insane in the Brain
Cypress Hill
1993
They Want EFX
Das EFX
1992
It Was a Good Day
Ice Cube
1992
U Can't Touch This
MC Hammer
1990
Slam
Onyx
1993

What does The Roots remind you of?

The drive, the dance, the heartbreak, the summer. Add a memory of The Roots.

💭 No rules — but if you’re stuck: what was on TV · what you were eating · the movie it brings back · who you were with

💜 Memories are kept forever — they live on this artist’s wall. You can delete yours anytime.

Community Memories