One great thing about the Roots is that they embrace all types of music. With an eclectic set of artists on the bill which includes new artists such as the electro Marc E. Bassy, reggae brethren Chronixx, internet sensation Brianna Cash, Hiatus Kaiyote, Rae Stremmured, Donn T, Phantogram and more, there was something for everyone.
Raury was a sight for sore eyes. The adorable 18 year old played his hits on the come-up from the ATL, and the crowd was feeling his set. He wore a brown opened shirt and had fun parading around the stage to “God’s Whisperer,” and others.
DJ Mustard got the crowd going with radio hits from the new age. Everyone was lit from the time he stepped on the stage to the time he stepped off. Spinning tracks from Fetty Wap and Drake, Big Sean, Omarion and more, he was definitely the hype needed to get everyone excited for the headliner events.
A$AP Rocky played songs from his latest album “AT.LONG.AT.LAST.A$AP” (and “Wild For the Night” from his first album) while the crowd was feeling him, they were a little too chill for his taste. He commented that they all must be smoking, but stayed positive saying that he loved the vibe and that it was a “beautiful day” in Philadelphia.
Talk about crowd hype when The Weeknd came on the stage; the ladies went wild for his passionate lyrics and smooth vocals. He did not miss a beat on the vocal tip by the way. He proved his point in a stationary position in the middle of the stage, only moving his hands up and down slowly while he sang. Girls were melting singing all of his songs word for word like “Love Me Harder,” and “Wicked Games.”
The Roots took the stage and played two hits before introducing Erykah Badu, who started off with “Window Seat.” Every one in the crowd was singing her lyrics back at her the entire time. She wore a loose white shirt, loose white pants, a taupe cloak, feather earrings, space sunglasses, beaded neck attire, and a flowing fro.
During her song “Love of My Life“, Erykah would sing a verse, and then the Roots would flip it to another one of their tracks like “The Rising,” but when Erykah sang a verse and Freeway came out to perform “Roc The Mic” the crowd went wild. Then she sang another verse and the Roots flipped it and the LOX came out to perform “All About The Benjamins (Remix).” It was a great throwback.
One of the highlights of Erykah’s performance was “Green Eyes.” This is one of her most poignant songs ever; it just pulls on the heart strings, you know, like music is supposed to do. After performing the last line, “You tried to trick me” she shook her head with so much emotion, as if she could still tap into the pain that it took her to write the song in the first place. Erykah also sang more hits like, “Bag Lady,” and “Gone Baby/Don't Be Long” and the crowd was all ears the whole time. The Weeknd came out and closed the show with one last hit, and everyone left filled.
The Roots are thinking about taking the show on the road, considering that the attendance is growing and so is their notoriety of being “the best band in the land.” If you missed it, you may have another chance to catch them in your city in the future.--GB
