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The Roots Announce Star-Studded ‘Class of ’95’ Picnic Experience at Hollywood Bowl

The Roots are set to celebrate a pivotal year in hip-hop history with their second-ever Roots Picnic in Los Angeles. Dubbed A Roots Picnic Experience: Class of ’95, the one-day festival will take place on June 8, 2025, at the iconic Hollywood Bowl. This special event will feature an all-star lineup of legendary acts, including Lil Kim, Method Man, Redman, E-40, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Raekwon, DJ Quik, Goodie Mob, and Havoc of Mobb Deep, with more artists to be announced.

The Roots, not only headlining but also serving as the backing band for all performances, promise a memorable showcase of hip-hop classics. Tickets for this highly anticipated event go on sale Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 10 a.m. PT.

A Nod to 1995: The Year It All Came Together

Questlove, The Roots’ iconic drummer, reflected on the significance of 1995 in a statement, calling it “the year it all came together.” The group’s major-label debut album, Do You Want More?!!!??!, was released that year, marking their arrival as a force in the music industry.

“Hip-hop was an entirely new ballgame back then,” Questlove recalled. “Those were the days when creativity thrived at both regional and global levels, producing classic album after classic album. It was a time when the world was our oyster.”

The festival will celebrate not only The Roots’ journey but also the enduring legacy of hip-hop in the mid-1990s—a golden era that redefined the genre.

Not to Be Confused with Philly’s Roots Picnic

This event is distinct from The Roots’ annual Roots Picnic held in their hometown of Philadelphia, which will also return in 2025. However, fans can expect the same high-energy performances and a nostalgic celebration of hip-hop culture.

New Music on the Horizon?

Fans might also be in for a treat as whispers of new music from The Roots have been circulating. The buzz began with Kendrick Lamar’s recent music video for “Squabble Up,” which paid homage to the group’s 1999 hit “The Next Movement.” Questlove’s reaction on Instagram fueled speculation, saying, “Damn, now we GOTTA FINISH THIS LP huh? We back BABY!”

This would mark The Roots’ first album in over a decade, a highly anticipated project for their loyal fanbase.

Celebrating Hip-Hop’s Legacy

A Roots Picnic Experience: Class of ’95 promises to be more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of a transformative year in hip-hop history. With The Roots at the helm and a lineup of iconic acts, the event is a must-attend for fans of the genre.

Secure your tickets early and join The Roots and their legendary guests as they bring the spirit of 1995 back to life on June 8, 2025, at the Hollywood Bowl.

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