Photos and Write Up by: Ismail “Calligrafist” Sayeed
This year’s Roots Picnic was… interesting, to say the least. Day 1 was rough — heavy rain, long delays, and poor communication meant many people missed major performances after set times were pushed back by hours. Understandably, the crowd’s experience took a hit.
That said, the music still delivered.
Maxwellclosed the night like a true young elder, still smooth and powerful.Musiq Soulchildtook us back with a full performance of hisAijuswanaseingalbum, celebrating 25 years.Miguelbraved the rain with a set you didn’t want to miss.LattoandGloRillaheld it down for the ladies, andElmienebrought a soulful calm to the storm. Sadly, I missedTemsandJeezydue to the weather and set changes.
Day 2 brought sunshine and a completely different vibe — from jump rope competitions to bold fashion and a parade of legends.
Meek Millshut it down with a Philly-rooted set, monologues and all, bringing outFridayy,Skrilla, and of course closing with “Dreams and Nightmares.”Lenny Kravitzlit up the stage with unmatched energy.Kaytranadaturned the park into a dance club.J. Period’s Live MixtapewithPusha T,No Malice,2 Chainz, andBlack Thoughtwas pure hip-hop magic.Adam Blackstonebrought outJagged EdgeandTotalfor a dose of R&B nostalgia, andDJ Diamond Kutskept the crowd moving all weekend, bringing outFreewayandBeanie Sigelfor a proper hometown moment.
All in all —musically, it was dope; logistically, not so much. But big love to the Roots Picnic team — here’s to a smoother, sunnier year next time.
