I have been fortunate to cover the Roots Picnic for the past 7 years. A Philadelphia staple, the annual 2-day festival continues to set the tone, kickstarting all the Summer vibes. This year was no different. Navigating the daily crowds of 30,000, Fairmount Park was the place to be to soak up the sights, sun and sounds. Iconic figures in Hip Hop, R&B, Country, and Go-Go, graced the festival’s three stages, providing the soundtrack for the weekend.
Headlining this year’s festival, Nas, Jill Scott, and Lil Wayne—alongside The Roots— all put on remarkable performances to close out each night of the festival. Other notable performers, throughout the weekend, included Method Man and Redman, Fantasia, Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, Robert Glasper, Sexy Red, Babyface, Scarface, Amerie, Wale, Marsha Ambrosias, Funk Flex, Shaboozey, Andre 3000 and more.
During Nas’ set, the Queensbridge MC revealed who his favorite rapper is by bringing them out on stage with him. Greeted by the crowd’s cheers, Ghostface Killah joined his fellow New Yorker for a surprise appearance.
Taking over three separate stages, Roots Picnic celebrated Black culture across music, food, liquor, art, dance, and more. In addition to the two music stages, the Centennial stage also hosted live podcasts, DJ sets, and other curated activations. What continues to truly set this festival apart is its dedication to spotlighting and honoring Black culture and music — a perfect way to bring in Black Music Month
Jilly from Philly put on for her city with her Neo-soul driven set that featured an ethereal eco-centric stage design. While Sexyy Redd stirred up some controversy with her MAGA-inspired stage design and wardrobe. And somehow, the two ended up sharing the stage during Jill Scott’s set, making it one of our favorite moments from the weekend.
Another standout moment from the Picnic was Babyface’s pitch-perfect set. Hard to believe that at 66 years old, the 12-time GRAMMY winner still boasts elite vocals that remind us of the breadth of his catalog. It was truly a nostalgic performance.
Overall, Roots Picnic 2024 featured an electrifying lineup of musical acts, blending genres and generations for an unforgettable experience. While music is at the forefront of the festival, it also offered a diverse array of food, art, and cultural experiences, creating a vibrant atmosphere where attendees could immerse themselves in Black culture, creativity and community.
