Questlove was O’Brien’s guest for the September 4 episode of the podcast, and their hour-plus conversation included insight into how Jimmy Fallon helped piece The Roots back together again.
Questlove explained that personal and professional responsibilities were stretching The Roots thin around 2009, so they wished “a Celine Dion situation would happen,” meaning a stable residency. Their version of that was joining up with Fallon, first on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon and then as the in-house band on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, which he said “is what we needed to actually bond and be friends again.”
The Grammy and Oscar winner then shared a story involving the Red Hot Chili Peppers around 2006 that had previously made him realize that he was no longer friends with his longtime bandmates
“We’re on tour with the Chili Peppers, and it’s a European tour. And they’re playing, like, soccer — I’m sorry, post-[Ted] Lasso, football stadiums,” he said. “You know, it’s like 80,000 to 120,000 [people] a night. Every three to four songs, those guys get into sort of a football magic circle huddle. By the fourth time they do this, I’m thinking like, ‘Oh, they’re gonna call an audible and change up the setlist.’ And then, I had the setlist in my hand, I’m like, Wait, they didn’t change anything. … Why do they keep having these little meetings every five songs, and nothin’ changes from what I know the show to be?”
He continued, “I see Flea in catering, and I’m like, ‘Dude, what are you guys talking about when you go into that huddle?’ And Flea is like, ‘Yo, man, it’s like, I don’t know, man. We’re just so full of gratitude.’”
While Questlove was initially “dismissive” of Flea’s reasoning, his manager put it into perspective: The Red Hot Chili Peppers “actually” liked each other, and The Roots has unknowingly transitioned from being friends to “just business partners” around 2006 or ’07.
“I realized, Ah, sh*t. We’re really not friends. We’re just nine strangers that just play the same songs every night, and that’s it,” Questlove said. “What wound up happening at Fallon is Jimmy has a way of disarming you. At least for the first six years, we were 13-year-olds in adults’ bodies, we could do silly things and not feel like we’re gonna lose our street cred because we’re doing silly sh*t.”
At one point, Questlove said, Fallon “talked The Roots into an eight-man human pyramid,” which perfectly illustrated how crucial Fallon would be to reconnecting them with each other and their individual humanity.
Rock The Bells, one of the most highly anticipated Hip-Hop festivals, is set to deliver an unforgettable lineup featuring iconic artists known for their lyrical and instrumental prowess.
The latest addition to the festival is none other than Hip-Hop royalty, Run-D.M.C. Joining the already star-studded lineup, which includes LL COOL J, these Kings of Queens are set to create a historic homecoming moment for Hip-Hop fans.
Adding to the excitement, The Roots will join forces with LL COOL J and Z-Trip to back his performance at the festival. This collaboration is expected to elevate the musical experience to new heights.
Last week LL COOL J said, “I’m doing this for Queens, for NYC, and for the HIP-HOP culture. There’s no better place for me to perform during this moment in Hip-Hop than my hometown. This isn’t just a Festival; it’s a testament to the power of the culture that changed the world. Get ready!! We are impacting history!! It’s time to Rock the Bells!”
In addition to these announcements, Rock The Bells has previously revealed an impressive lineup. The Native Tongues reunion will bring together Queen Latifah, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, Monie Love, and Black Sheep for a much-anticipated performance. Another highlight of the festival will be a special melody set by Queens of the Mic, featuring MC Lyte, Yo-Yo, Sha Rock, Roxanne Shanté, and Monie Love, paying homage to the influential women of the genre.
The festival will also feature performances by legendary artists Ludacris, Method Man & Redman, Swizz Beatz with special guests, Salt-n-Pepa, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Slick Rick, Fabolous, and many more.
Co-presented by Procter & Gamble and Walmart, the Rock The Bells Festival will return to Queens, NY, on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the iconic Forest Hills Stadium. With last year’s edition selling out, fans can expect a day filled with incredible performances, unforgettable moments, and a celebration of Hip-Hop culture.
Ahmir Khalib Thompson, known globally as Questlove, is an icon in the music industry, celebrated for his versatility. So, what is the net worth of this hip-hop star in 2023?
Celebrity Net Worth estimates Questlove’s net worth in 2023 to be around $14 million. This figure embodies his success in various aspects of the music and entertainment industry.
The Musical Journey
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 26: Recording artist Questlove of music group The Roots performs onstage during the 2016 BET Awards at the Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/BET/Getty Images for BET)
Questlove is most recognized as the drummer and co-frontman of the Grammy-winning band The Roots. Their innovative blend of hip-hop and live instrumentation has led to numerous successful albums and tours, contributing significantly to Questlove’s wealth. Beyond his music, Questlove has found success in television. As the bandleader for The Roots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he has gained significant exposure and income.
Author, Director, & Entrepreneur
NORTH ADAMS, MASSACHUSETTS – JULY 08: Questlove of The Roots performs at Mass MoCA on July 08, 2022 in North Adams, Massachusetts. (Photo by Douglas Mason/WireImage)
Questlove’s talents extend to writing and directing. He has authored several books and made his directorial debut with the documentary Summer of Soul, adding another source of income and further enhancing his reputation. At the 2022 Academy Awards, Summer of Soul took the trophy for Best Documentary Feature.
Questlove is also an entrepreneur with successful ventures in the food industry. His Questlove’s Cheesesteak and Questlove’s Vegetarian Cheesesteak have been popular additions to several sports stadiums, contributing to his net worth.
The Influence Of Questlove
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 27: Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson winner of Documentary (Feature) award for ‘Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)’ award poses in the press room during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
While his net worth is noteworthy, Questlove’s influence in music and culture extends beyond his earnings. His innovative style and commitment to music education have inspired countless artists and fans. The famed musician’s net worth in 2023 is a testament to his diversified talents, entrepreneurial spirit, and influential career in music and entertainment. With a net worth of $14 million, Questlove has carved a unique path to success, proving that a passion for art and a savvy business mind can lead to financial prosperity. His story serves as a blueprint for aspiring artists, showing that creativity and versatility can result in cultural impact and financial success.
Usher will take the stage at the annual The Roots Picnic at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia at 9:15pm Eastern Time on June 4. It’s his third big festival appearance of the year, following on from Dreamville and Lovers & Friends. The Roots have hosted the music festival every year, except 2020 and 2021, since 2008. However, Usher appears to building up to something big. His diamond-certified album Confessions turns 20 next year and he has promised “some incredible activations” to celebrate it. Furthermore, Usher has voiced his interest in headlining the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show and will perform in Europe later this year.
Usher has performed at the festival once before, in 2016. However, he is returning as one of the major headliners. Usher made headlines earlier this year while headlining the Lovers & Friends Festival. The night before the festival, Usher got into a physical altercation with Chris Brown. While Usher performed, he did so wearing sunglasses after he allegedly beat down by Brown’s entourage. Neither artist has publicly commented on what went down during Brown’s birthday party.
Walking through the festival grounds at around midnight local time, fans were going wild as Usher moved through the crowd. “You’re watching history in the making!” Usher can be heard saying. Despite his set being nearly 24 hours away, he was absolutely adored by the crowd around him. Saturday night was closed out by Ms. Lauryn Hill. Other artists featured on the first day of the festival included Symba, GloRilla, and DJ Akademiks.
The Sunday lineup is absolutely stacked. On the Park Stage, Usher is preceded by the likes of City Girls and Ari Lennox. Elsewhere, acts like Saucy Santana and DJ Drama can be found on the Presser Stage. Finally, the Podcast Stage is being headlined by Charlamagne Tha God. We’ll have any news that comes out of the festival. Who are you excited about at the festival? Let us know in the comments Follow all the latest music news here at HotNewHipHop.
Scott Storch, the iconic music producer, has had quite the journey in the industry. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $250,000, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Although it may not seem like a significant amount for someone with such an illustrious career, it’s essential to understand the various factors that have influenced this figure.
Understanding Scott Storch’s Career
Scott Storch began his career as a member of the hip-hop group The Roots. He eventually began producing music for other artists, becoming one of the most sought-after producers in the early 2000s. Storch produced hits for a plethora of artists, including Beyoncé, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, and Christina Aguilera.
Scott Storch Net Worth: The Peak
SAN BERNARDINO, CA – MAY 06: Producer Scott Storch performs onstage during Powerhouse 2017 at Glen Helen Amphitheatre on May 6, 2017 in San Bernardino, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
At the peak of his career, Storch was a millionaire many times over, with his net worth reaching an estimated $70 million. He was living a life of luxury, complete with a mansion in Miami, a private yacht, and a collection of luxury cars.
The Downfall & Comeback
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 05: Music producer Scott Storch attends the grand opening of KAOS Dayclub & Nightclub at Palms Casino Resort on April 05, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images for Palms Casino Resort)
However, Storch’s wealth did not last. He struggled with drug addiction, which affected his ability to produce music and led to extravagant spending. He reportedly squandered his fortune on drugs, parties, and a lavish lifestyle. This reckless spending and a few ill-advised investments led to a significant decrease in his net worth. In recent years, Storch has made a commendable effort to overcome his addiction and get his life back on track. He has returned to producing music and worked with artists like Trippie Redd, Russ, and T.I., contributing to his current net worth.
Despite his past financial issues, Scott Storch’s net worth in 2023 stands at an estimated $250,000. This figure is a testament to his resilience and determination to rebuild his life and career after hitting rock bottom.
Conclusion/TLDR
Scott Storch’s story is a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of fame and fortune. However, it’s also a story of resilience and the power of second chances. While his net worth may not reflect the heights he reached at the peak of his career, it signifies his journey toward recovery and redemption.
Storch’s is also a reminder that success in the music industry is not solely defined by net worth. His influence on the industry and his contribution to countless hit records further cemented his status as a legendary figure in music. As he continues on this path of recovery and creative resurgence, his net worth is poised to grow.
The Roots’ debut album Organix officially turned 30 years old on May 19. When most fans associate a classic album with The Roots, they think of 1999’s Things Fall Apart. Their fourth studio album, many largely accredit the record to shifting the intersection between jazz and hip-hop for good. However, there was a decade-long process to Things Fall Apart, which all started with their debut project Organix. It kicked off the beginning of one of the most influential hip-hop groups ever. Nowadays, the group is the iconic driver of sound for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
In 1992, the group was looking to get out of their hometown to exist in a better creative space for their debut project. The initiative would lead them to the cloudy streets of London, where The Roots spent a year perfecting Organix. Through underground concerts, the city was introduced to the sharp MC Black Thought and the personality-filled afro behind drummer Questlove. Questlove was anything but a worldwide sensation. With The Roots still an underground London outfit, they would attempt to sell their CDs to concertgoers in person.
The Roots’ Organix Attracted The Attention Of Major Labels
The Roots’ entrepreneurial efforts to promote Organix did just enough to attract major record labels to begin knocking on their door. Two years later, they would release their debut studio album Do You Want More?!!!??!. As a result, many believe that Do You Want More?!!!??! is the first album the rap-jazz outfit ever released. Organix exists in a world of hip-hop imagination rather than concrete numbers. The project is nowhere to be found on streaming services such as Spotify. However, it’s worth looking back on The Roots’ Organix, a record that set the groundwork for their critically acclaimed career.
Featuring 17 songs, Organix blatantly stands out from the field of 90s hip-hop by the end of the first track. “The Roots is Comin’” features a tantalizing bassline and live drums, with Black Thought shouting out his Philadelphia upbringing. In fact, Black Thought and Questlove initially met while attending high school in Philly. You can hear this intimacy in the sound of The Roots. Initially formed in 1987, their debut project culminated years of experimentation and struggle after heading home from class. You can hear this rawness in the sound of Organix. Dense and layered, it’s easy for the listener to imagine themselves listening to the group in an enclosed recording studio.
The Roots Existed In Their Own World
Organix’s reputation as a jaded demo tape doesn’t fit with the fearless artistic direction of the record. The Roots’ sound never fit in with the foreboding landscape of hip-hop in the early ’90s. In an era of tense competition, many of their East Coast contemporaries were rapping aggressively over boom-bap beats. Intricate drum patterns took the forefront, with MCs rambling about the overcrowded streets of Brooklyn. On the West Coast, Dr. Dre was popularizing the G-funk sound. Better reflecting the laid-back nature of the California beaches, the sound was more melodic compared to the grittiness of the East Coast. However, each legion had their guns pointed at the other.
The Roots existed in their own world outside of the West vs. East Coast battles. Instead, they emphasized live instrumentation, which delivered an utterly unique sound for the time. Of course, Black Thought was on the mic with Questlove on the drums. However, you also had Lenard Hubbard’s bottom-heavy bass work and the compelling keyboard notes from Scott Storch. The group wasn’t exactly the first to integrate jazz into their sound. A Tribe Called Quest, Gang Starr, and Digable Planets displayed an infatuation for the genre. The Roots were clearly inspired by these groups. However, they were the first to implement jazz in a headfirst, mainstream manner.
The Roots Helped Popularize Hip Hop-Jazz Fusion
While Organix would be outdone by plenty of respective projects from The Roots, its importance in setting the groundwork for their later works can’t be denied. Black Thought is playful on Organix, sometimes sounding blatantly off-beat. However, the messiness of the record is both a detractor and an appeal. It’s a nostalgic mess at its best. The captivating loops of Questlove set the stage for Things Fall Apart and Phrenology.
To this day, The Roots are hailed as the unsung heroes of hip-hop. Having secured a gig as Jimmy Fallon’s background band on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, The Roots would finally enter the mainstream. Impressively, they were able to do it while staying true to themselves. In particular, lead MC Black Thought has had an iconic solo career. A critical rapper on 2022’s Cheat Codes, the album of the year effort proved that the 50-year-old remains one of the best MCs out. Black Thought truly is your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper, a legacy that began in the streets of London with Organix.
Philadelphia rapper and The Roots frontman Black Thought, whose real name is Tariq Trotter, prepares to captivate readers with his upcoming memoir titled The Upcycled Self. Set to be released on November 14 by One World, the memoir aims to provide a courageous model of living an examined life. Black Thought delves into his journey […]
The Roots co-founder Black Thought (real name Tariq Trotter) has made his name in music thanks to his top-tier lyricism and prolific storytelling. The “Glorious Game” rapper’s latest announcement is a culmination of his extraordinary talents. Taking to social media, the entertainer revealed that he’s penned his life story, this time in the form of a memoir.
Titled The Upcycled Self, the book will be released on November 14 via One World, an imprint of Random House Books. Sharing the cover image on Instagram, Black Thought wrote a touching message about the forthcoming release.
“The storytelling continues,” Black Thought captioned the post. “The medium is ever-evolving. I’m so proud of this work. It’s been years in the making — the story of the Upcycled Self — a focus on childhood forged from the fire. I hope in sharing so much about my upbringing; we can find new courage to start the difficult conversations that prompt healing with ourselves and others. As men. As Black men. As humans.”
The book is described as a “moving portrait of the artist as a young man, but gives readers a courageous model of what it means to live an examined life.” Although this is Black Thought’s first physical book, back in 2021, he released an audiobook, 7 Years, in partnership with Audible.
The Upcycled Self is out 11/14. Find more information here.
Black Thought, the prolific emcee in The Roots, legal name Tariq Trotter has announced the release of a new memoir. The legendary wordsmith stated the memoir The Upcycled Self is years in the making. Not only that, the book is set to be released on November, 14th on One World. However, preorders are open right now. In a statement from the publisher, the memoir is described as “a beautifully bluesy story of a boy genius’s coming of age. “Trotter explores the vital questions we all have to confront about our formative years,” added the publisher.
Furthermore, the publisher mentions that Black Thought explores multiple questions like forgiving the people who love and hurt us. Not only that the book also dives into confronting the question of how to honor and rediscover our first dreams. “The Upcycled Self doesn’t just narrate a riveting and moving portrait of the artist as a young man, but gives readers a courageous model of what it means to live an examined life,” detailed the publisher. Black Thought has never cheated fans when it comes to putting out great work. Reportedly the memoir is filled with vivid vignettes. Thought pens the stories of the four powerful relationships that molded him.
In an Instagram post announcing the book, Black Thought wrote in his caption that “The storytelling continues. The medium is ever evolving.” The Streams of Thought emcee has always brought us works of immaculate raps through his work with The Roots and his solo projects. Additionally, the prolific rhymer also wrote in his caption that the book is “a focus on childhood forged from the fire.” If Black Thoughts memoir is anything like his music, it’s surely a must-read. Furthermore, the legendary rapper expresses how proud he is of this project and how he hopes this book opens up bigger conversations.
However, this isn’t the only project Black Thought has been working on as of late. Recently he revealed that he was in album mode detailing the release of his highly anticipated Streams of Thought Vol. 4. Moreover, The Roots co-founder also dropped a collaboration project with the soulful El Michel’s Affair. Are you grabbing a copy of Black Thought’s new memoir? Are you hyped for Streams of Thought Vol. 4? Let us know in the comments below.
Black Thought is fresh off the release of Glorious Game, his latest collaborative album with American soul band El Michels Affair. The album is yet another quality release in his prolific career, which includes eleven studio albums with The Roots and his Streams of Thought series. He also has arguably the greatest freestyles in hip hop history and also released an album with Danger Mouse in 2022. With all the music he has shared throughout the years, Black Thought is also known for delivering some incredible guest verses. He is widely considered one of the best rappers, and his features are legendary. Black Thought’s best guest verses are known for their show-stealing bars, no matter who is on the track.
This list looks at the best Black Thought features he has contributed throughout his career. Each verse is selected considering the quality of bars, flows, and delivery in comparison to the other rappers on the song. The songs are listed in chronological order.
Big Pun – “Super Lyrical” (1998)
Black Thought is known for always having the best verse when he gets on a song. On Big Pun’s “Super Lyrical,” the debate on who has the best verse is closer than one might think. Throughout the song, Big Pun and Black Thought continue to out rap each other, much like “Brooklyn’s Finest,” where they continue to raise the bar throughout the song. Big Pun’s verse impresses with complex rhyme schemes, while Black Thought’s flow is more simplistic yet equally effective. The contrast between rhyme styles on this song makes for one of hip hop’s greatest collaborations. This song was also one of the early examples of when Black Thought’s guest verses would encourage other rappers to step their game up.
Ghostface Killah’s 2010 song “In Tha Park” is a nostalgic song about what made the origins of hip hop in New York so special. Ghostface kicks off the track by rapping about when he started falling in love with hip hop. He cites his first time seeing a DJ scratching with the MC rocking the crowd, along with the fashion. Black Thought continues with this concept, but his verse centers around the early days of hip hop’s scene in Philadelphia. His verse is also noticeably more energetic, with a flow that matches the ruggedness of the beat’s distorted guitar loop. He makes specific references to different parts of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, putting his unique spin on the song, matching Ghostface’s verse.
Talib Kweli – “Art Imitates Life” (2013)
The best Black Thought guest verses usually start at the end of a song, saving the best verse for last. However, he starts things off on “Art Imitates Life,” setting the bar extremely high for the verses from Talib Kweli and Rah Digga. What makes this song so unique is how unorthodox the beat is. Despite how off-kilter the instrumental may be, all three rappers deliver incredible verses. His flow and ability to cut through the beat effortlessly set Black Thought’s verse apart from the rest.
“Bird’s Eye View” is one of Black Thought’s most legendary guest verses. Raekwon and Joey Bada$$ set the bar high with phenomenal verses over a soulful beat produced by Statik Selektah. Even with those great verses, Black Thought completely eclipses them by rapping for two minutes straight. His rhyming on the song is incredible, and he spits quotable bars, such as when he raps, “My sonogram was an image of a gun in the womb / That was soon to be doper than heroin in a spoon.” The verse is even more impressive when you learn that he did it in one take.
Statik Selektah – “The Imperial” (2015)
Much like “Bird’s Eye View,” Statik Selektah allows Black Thought the majority of the song to showcase his lyrical skills on “The Imperial.” Action Bronson and Royce Da 5’9” deliver fantastic verses, lending their unique styles to the song. Much like Raekwon and Joey Bada$$ on “Bird’s Eye View,” it is very difficult to out-rap Action and Royce on a song. However, it is not for Black Thought as he raps for nearly three minutes, resulting in an earth-shattering verse that came close to the same acclaim as his Funk Flex freestyle. He raps at the highest level on this song with complex rhyme schemes and killer one-liners.
Rappers have struggled to keep up with one Black Thought verse, but Freddie Gibbs does a pretty good job keeping up on “Extradite.” It takes from “Nautilus,” Bob James’s 1974 song, one of the most sampled tracks in hip hop history. Freddie Gibbs is on point the entire time and can keep up with Black Thought most of the song. The amazing thing about the collaboration is that the beat goes through many different phases throughout. Black Thought spits two killer verses and can match Freddie’s tough rapping style with his clean, concise delivery.
PRhyme – “Wishin’ II” (2015)
Much like “Extradite,” the beat on PRhyme’s “Wishin” changes throughout the song, forcing the rappers to keep up with the instrumental. The original version featured Common and was already impressive enough. “Wishin’ II” takes things to another level as Black Thought kicks one of his best verses. He starts over the slower portion of the beat with the same conviction as when it speeds up. He gets into his groove when the production speeds up. As mentioned, it is tough to out-rap Royce Da 5’9”, but Black Thought set the bar too high on this song.
Roc Marciano – “Diamond Cutters” (2018)
During this later part of his career, Black Thought rapped over more experimental beats. These new and refreshing stylistic choices have helped him push musical boundaries. His appearance on Roc Marciano’s “Diamond Cutters” is a prime example of how unique production choices helped Black Thought approach songs differently. His sharp delivery and impressive rhyme schemes cut through the eerie flute sound in the beat. It contrasts well with Roc’s off-kilter flow.
“Crowns For Kings” starts with one of Benny The Butcher’s best verses ever. He raps about his humble beginnings over the triumphant horns in the beat. It was a magnificent way to start a song and an EP. Black Thought’s verse, on the other hand, is last for a good reason. Not only is it one of his best guest verses, but it’s the best verse on Benny’s EP. Black Thought matches Benny’s content in his bars as he paints a picture of being a kid surrounded by poverty and turning it into a success story. He raps, “We was crooks, tryna cop more rides than Great Adventure / Any image we took, not a father was in the picture.” It is easily one of the best Black Thought verses.
Eminem – “Yah Yah” (2020)
Like “In Tha Park,” Eminem’s “Yah Yah” is a song that pays homage to the earlier eras of hip hop. The song is chaotic, consisting of a bombastic instrumental with energetic verses from Eminem, Royce Da 5’9”, and Black Thought. Black Thought sticks to the topics, referencing Slick Rick and J Dilla. He keeps listeners on their toes, constantly switching his rhyme schemes and keeping up with the rapid tempo of the beat.
Overall, Black Thought tends to have the best guest verse when he hops on a track. He has spit so many legendary guest verses that it is difficult to narrow the list down to ten. In addition to his latest release, Black Thought also recently announced two new albums.
