Questlove Reflects: “We’re In a Way Happier Rhythm Now”

Questlove opens up about the Roots’ journey, their London leap, and finding harmony after decades of making music together.

From Philly Streets to London’s Musical Embrace

There’s something poetic about the Roots circling back to where it all began overseas. Early in their career, the band made a gutsy move to London to record their debut album, Organix, back in 1993. This move, often called their “Hendrix moment,” pays homage to Jimi Hendrix’s own transatlantic leap in the ’60s. For roughly five years, London became the fertile ground where the Roots nurtured their burgeoning fanbase, eventually leading them to sign with DGC/Geffen Records back in the U.S.

Questlove recalls, “What got us over there was really a whim. We felt like we needed to be in an environment that embraced musicianship.” It was that hunger to be amongst fellow serious musicians that pushed them across the pond.

But this wasn’t just a carefree adventure. The move carried heavy risks. Coming from the grit and grind of Philadelphia, where money was tight and survival was the daily hustle, Questlove’s mind raced with worries. “It’s wholly different when you’re broke and you have the mentality that we had,” he shares candidly. “Do I have to hustle over here as well just to survive? How do we survive day to day? There’s real things to worry about, like this apartment we’re in, can we get heat on? Can we get electricity up? But it’s also like, when’s our next gig coming?”

He paints a vivid picture of being the group's “overthinker,” constantly scanning their surroundings as if their brain was a GPS, mapping out safe exits and assessing their safety. It’s a tension many artists face when chasing dreams far from home.

Questlove rocking the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, 2025 (Credit: Julia Beverly/WireImage)

London’s Jam Sessions and Fractured Friendships

London didn’t just offer a new city; it offered a rebirth of musicianship and the magic of live jam sessions. The Roots soaked in this culture, frequenting these sessions and refining their craft. However, even as their musical bonds grew, the personal relationships among the band members felt the strain.

Questlove reflects, “Moving to London allowed us to be in a place where you’re in a whole new continent that believes in musicianship still. It was also a very tense field. The one thing that eroded—the business thrived—was the friendship.”

He acknowledges the harsh reality of hip-hop’s history, where many talented artists have faced early burnout or worse. “The only way to truly still be here in good health is if you evolve with the times,” he says. For him, that meant pausing for a “ground zero moment” to assess his relationships and personal growth, not just as Questlove the musician but as Ahmir Thompson the human being.

Questlove’s thoughtful gaze (Credit: Christian Germoso)

The Roots Rise: From Organix to Grammy Glory

Despite the trials, the Roots weathered the storm and marched forward. After releasing Organix, their journey accelerated with a string of landmark albums: Do You Want More?!!!??! (1995), Illadelph Halflife (1996), Things Fall Apart (1999), and Phrenology (2002).

Their 1999 hit “You Got Me,” featuring Erykah Badu, became a breakthrough moment, earning them their first Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. This track, a timeless blend of soulful storytelling and sharp rap, introduced the Roots to a wider audience beyond the underground scene. A decade later, their collaboration with John Legend on the album Wake Up won two more Grammys, proving they were not just survivors but pioneers.

Their reputation as consummate musicians also led them to become the house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon since 2009—a prestigious role that showcased their versatility and charisma nightly.

Questlove’s creative spirit didn’t stop at music. In 2022, he won an Oscar for his documentary Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), spotlighting the historic 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival that was all but forgotten in history. It’s a testament to his deep love for music’s cultural roots and legacy.

Roots legends Questlove and Black Thought sharing the spotlight (Credit: Joshua Kissi)

Humble Beginnings: Busking and Breakthroughs

It’s hard to imagine now, but the Roots started humbly—as a high school group mostly for fun and maybe impressing a crush or two. Questlove laughs remembering those early days: “We were a group in name only in high school so we could do a talent show and get some girl’s phone number—that was it.”

Then came the summer of ’92, a defining moment. The group took to busking on the streets of Philly, and an unexpected windfall of $120 in four hours made them feel rich beyond belief. “Like, ‘Wow, $60 for you, $60 for me. We’re definitely doing this next week, right? We’ll make more money next week.’”

That burst of confidence propelled them into the studio just six months later, recording what would become their first album. What started as a single song snowballed into 18 tracks, ultimately leading to their record deal a year later.

New Film, Renewed Bonds, and Looking Ahead

Fast forward to today, and Questlove’s latest film Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs That’s the Weight of the World) is earning glowing reviews—boasting a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. More importantly, the Roots themselves have rekindled their friendship and creative spark.

“We’ve been together for 35 years and I’ll say just really starting last year or two years ago, we got back into that place again where we’re friends and we love playing with each other again,” Questlove shares. “That’s something I never thought I’d see. I thought it was like marriages. You’re all in love for the honeymoon period and that’s it, but it doesn’t have to be that way.”

He credits a heightened awareness of human dynamics and spirituality—separate from organized religion—as essential to preserving these bonds. “Relationships are everything. As a leader, I wanted to make sure that I’m doing right by my guys as well. So we’re just in a way happier rhythm now than we ever been in the history of this band.”

Ursula Rucker joins the Roots onstage at the 2025 Roots Picnic (Credit: Julia Beverly/WireImage)

The Long-Awaited New Album and Future Plans

While the Roots haven’t dropped a new album since 2014’s …And Then You Shoot Your Cousin, fans have been patiently awaiting their next project. The passing of their longtime manager Rich Nichols—whom they fondly call their Brian Epstein—slowed things down considerably. But the band is inching closer to completing the album, hoping for a release by the end of this year or early 2027.

Questlove jokes about avoiding the fate of Guns N’ Roses’ famously delayed Chinese Democracy album: “We just don’t want it to become Chinese Democracy, which is the long-awaited, 28 years in the making third Guns N’ Roses album. So the joke is don’t take three decades making your record.”

In the meantime, Questlove is gearing up for the Roots Picnic in the UK, a celebration of music featuring Nas, Common, Floetry, Musiq Soulchild, and a special live mixtape set with Benny the Butcher, Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), and Black Thought. There’s even a jam session with jazz pianist Robert Glasper, promising a truly unforgettable experience.

“The only way to truly still be here in good health is if you evolve with the times.” – Questlove

Looking back at this incredible journey—from those Philly busking days to global stages and groundbreaking films—the Roots’ story is one of resilience, friendship, and evolution. It’s a reminder that thriving in music isn’t just about the hits; it’s about growing together through every rhythm life throws at you.

FAQ

• How did London influence the Roots' early career?
  London’s rich musicianship scene and vibrant jam sessions helped the Roots refine their craft and build an international fanbase, despite the personal challenges it brought.
• What was the significance of the song “You Got Me”?
  Featuring Erykah Badu, it won the Roots their first Grammy, elevating them to mainstream recognition and expanding their audience worldwide.
• Why have the Roots taken so long between albums?
  The death of their longtime manager, Rich Nichols, deeply impacted the band’s momentum, slowing down their recording process for the next album.
• How has Questlove’s perspective on relationships and spirituality evolved?
  He emphasizes spirituality over organized religion and sees nurturing relationships as crucial to longevity in the music industry.
• What can fans expect from the upcoming Roots Picnic UK event?
  A stellar lineup featuring Nas, Common, Floetry, Musiq Soulchild, and special collaborative performances including a jam with Robert Glasper.

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