Friday night, I had the honor of witnessing hip-hop history unfold as The Roots took over New York’s iconic Blue Note Jazz Club to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their second studio album, Do You Want More?!!!??! The intimate venue, a longtime home for the legendary group, set the perfect stage for a night steeped in nostalgia, masterful musicianship, and a reaffirmation of why The Roots remain one of hip-hop’s most innovative forces.
From the moment Black Thought stepped onto the stage—clad like a Philly-bred African king, commanding the mic with the presence of a true master—it was clear this wasn’t just another anniversary show. He didn’t just perform; he embodied the essence of each track, seamlessly delivering lyrics penned three decades ago without a single misstep. For most artists, revisiting a 30-year-old catalog would be a challenge. For Black Thought? It was just another clinic in lyrical precision.
Questlove and the band breathed new life into every song, proving once again why The Roots have been alternative hip-hop’s gold standard since their emergence in 1992. Their ability to fuse live instrumentation with razor-sharp lyricism remains unmatched, and on this night, it was on full display.
Midway through the set, Thought took a pause to share a gem of a story—one that only adds to the legend of The Roots. He recalled a time in Los Angeles when none other than The Notorious B.I.G. approached the group, casually singing their classic Silent Treatment. Moments like these aren’t just anecdotes; they’re reminders of The Roots’ permanent mark on hip-hop culture.
The anniversary run featured a three-night, six-show series from March 13th-15th which sold out instantly. The Roots paid full tribute to Do You Want More?!!!?!!, digging deep into their catalog to revive songs that haven’t been performed live in decades.
And it wasn’t just The Roots holding down the stage. The night saw special guest appearances from original album contributors Rahzel, Ursula Rucker, and longtime collaborator Dice Raw—who closed out the show by flipping his classic freestyle on The Lesson Pt. 1. Comedian Dave Chappelle and rapper Busta Rhymes were a few of the celebs in tow to witness this historic tribute to a classic album. The energy in the room was electric, and the performance was a testament to why The Roots are still hip-hop’s standard-bearers.
For over 30 years, The Roots have continued to push boundaries, redefine the genre, and inspire generations. Watching them live, even after two decades of personal fandom, remains as exhilarating as ever. This was more than a concert—it was a masterclass in longevity, artistry, and the kind of timelessness that few in the game can claim.
One thing’s for sure: Black Thought is still in your top five. If he isn’t, you weren’t at Blue Note on Friday night.