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Black Thought: Authenticity Fuels 40-Year Music Longevity
29 Jul
Summary
- Pre-show tapping ritual awakens senses before The Roots take the stage.
- Authenticity and creative risks are key to nearly 40 years of success.
- The Roots formed in Philadelphia in 1987 and are known for live instrumentation.
Black Thought shared that The Roots perform a unique pre-show ritual involving collective "tapping" to awaken their senses before every performance, a practice that has become essential over their nearly 40 years together. This ritual, which might appear unusual to outsiders, helps prepare the band for the stage.
The legendary hip-hop group, formed in Philadelphia in 1987, credits their sustained success to unwavering authenticity and a willingness to take creative risks. Black Thought explained that this philosophy allows them to evolve and challenge themselves beyond comfortable boundaries, which is crucial for continuous growth and improvement.
The Roots have not only released acclaimed albums and toured extensively but have also served as the house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon since 2014. Their recent European tour was described as some of their best performances yet, with future engagements including Roots Picnic London and A Great Night in Hip-Hop.
