The Roots

After fourteen years away, The Roots return to Paris on July 9, 2026, at the Zénith de Paris. Formed in Philadelphia around Questlove and Black Thought, the band established a singular approach to performing hip-hop on stage: live instruments, an organic groove, brass, keyboards and a finely honed rap that moves between jazz, soul and funk. The collective likes to stretch out themes, improvise, link medleys and play with the dynamics of a band — a signature that has shaped its reputation since the 1990s.

Their trajectory includes Do You Want More?!!!??!, Illadelph Halflife, Things Fall Apart, followed by How I Got Over and Undun — milestones where the writing brushes against darker or more soulful textures without losing its sense of rhythm. In terms of distinctions, The Roots have four GRAMMY Awards, including Best R&B Album for Wake Up! with John Legend, Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for 'Hang in There' and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group for 'Shine', from a total of twelve nominations.

At the Zénith de Paris, the band promises a strong live return: Black Thought's precise flow, Questlove's rhythmic leadership and a repertoire broad enough to span classics, soulful detours and new directions.