The 2024 Roots Picnic, which took place at the top of June in the City of Brotherly Love, and it was the perfect kickoff to Black Music Month.

Now in its 16th year, the festival, founded by The Roots in 2008, was held at The Mann Center at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. The two-day event boasted a diverse lineup of artists, including Nas, Philly’s own Jill Scott, André 3000, Gunna and Lil Wayne, with The Roots as headliners. Special guests Trombone Shorty and PJ Morton added a New Orleans flavor to the mix.

While the absence of Victoria Monet and Tyla was felt, the show pressed on with tireless energy and enthusiasm. The performances were not confined to just one stage but spanned two: the Fairmount Stage and the Presser Stage. On both platforms, powerhouse artists such as Marsha Ambrosius, The-Dream, Fantasia and Babyface captivated the audience with their extraordinary performances, leaving an indelible mark on music lovers. Alongside them, rappers Sexyy Red, Smino, Method Man & Redman, and Wale as well as country rising star Shaboozey and various other talents ensured the event was an unforgettable experience for all.

The Roots Picnic also featured live podcast shows from the Centennial Stage, featuring R&B Only, U+ME+RNB, Tonight’s Conversation, Juan Ep Is Life, Mina’s House Podcast and They Have the Range.

Photo: Taylor Hill/Getty Images for Live Nation Urban
Photo: Courtesy of Grand Marnier

Between the captivating performances and engaging discussions, around 30,000 attendees were treated to a variety of unique experiences each day of the event. They had the opportunity to sample delicious offerings from a diverse range of food vendors, explore and purchase Black art and apparel, and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere.

Grand Marnier transformed its space into a beach-esque environment. Grand Marnier delighted everyone with a curated selection of delectable cocktails made with its signature Grand Marnier cognac and Espolòn tequila, which was throughout the day and evening and added a refreshing touch to the festivities.

For 144 years, Grand Marnier has been a staple, providing drink connoisseurs with perfect libations for any occasion. This year’s festival brought together the worlds of hip-hop and cognac, highlighting their longstanding relationship and the festival’s commitment to both industries.

 

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This is the latest of Grand Marnier’s projects within hip-hop over the past year, joining The Rouge Room with 2 Chainz and the Holiday Gift W(r)apping Program with Teezo Touchdown.

The Roots Picnic is more than just a music festival; it celebrates Black culture. It’s a community, a gathering of music lovers from across the country, all united by their love for diverse performances and a shared ethos.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the festival’s first day was the highly anticipated live mixtape show by Brooklyn-based DJ J.Period, featuring iconic emcees Method Man & Redman. The pair took to the stage and had the audience rapping word for word to the classic hits, including “Da Rockwilder,” Wutang Clan’s “Method Man” and “Protect Ya Neck,” and Raekwon’s “Ice Cream.” The headliners also brought out fellow rapper Black Thought, who dropped heavy-hitting bars alongside special guests Common, Philly native Freeway and Harlem’s own A$AP Ferg.

The festival embraced the familiar sound of R&B singer, songwriter and producer The-Dream, who delivered a standout set that seamlessly transitioned from ’90s to early 2000s hip-hop. He opened with his 2007 hit single “Falsetto,” then eased his way into other fan favorites like “Shawty Is a Ten,” “Throw It in the Bag” (original and remix) and “I Luv Your Girl.”

Fans were later torn between splitting their time or making a choice, as Sexyy Red and Nas performed simultaneously on the main and Presser stages. While the St. Louis native had everyone twerking and chanting “get it, sexyy” to her biggest single to date, the Queensbridge rapper opened with “Spicy” and then unloaded an extensive list of classic tracks, including “N.Y. State of Mind,” “The World Is Yours,” “Nas Is Like” and more. Nas also shared a special moment with rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah, declaring him his “f**king favorite rapper.”

Day 1 of the Roots Picnic concluded with Jill Scott, affectionately known as “Jilly from Philly,” as she serenaded the crowd with her sultry voice, taking everyone down memory lane with hits like “A Long Walk” (which she started by lighting up a spliff), then transitioning to “The Way,” “You Got Me” and more — leaving festivalgoers excited for what else was in store the next day.

Despite some set times running behind schedule and occasional showers punctuating the weather on Day 2, attendees remained undeterred, thoroughly enjoying soul-stirring performances that continued throughout the day and into the night. Amerie rocked the stage with hits like “1 Thing” and “Why Don’t We Fall in Love,” all while exclusively revealing to Blavity that she has new music in the works. Meanwhile, Wale drew a sold-out crowd at the Presser Stage with tracks including “The Need to Know,” “The Matrimony,” “Poke It Out,” Sue Me” and more.

As Fantasia shut down the main stage with electrifying performances of “When I See U,” “Free Yourself” and her stirring rendition of “Proud Mary,” the festival’s energy soared to new heights. Meanwhile, gospel singer Tasha Cobbs Leonard continued the spiritual journey, taking everyone to church on a Sunday afternoon with soul-stirring songs like “Burdens Down,” “Break Every Chain” and “Put a Praise on It.”

With timeless charm, Babyface, at 65 years old, effortlessly had all of the aunties, the older crowd, and even some of the younger folks dancing throughout the festival grounds. He delivered an unforgettable performance of his hit singles, including “Whip Appeal,” “Never Keeping Secrets” and “Soon as I Get Home.” The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter also serenaded the audience with classic tunes from other prominent artists like Tevin Campbell (“Can We Talk”), Usher and Monica (“Slow Jam”), Johnny Gill (“My, My, My”) and many more.

Lil Wayne and The Roots took to the stage to close out the festival with a bang, offering a vibrant celebration of New Orleans culture. As mentioned earlier, the special guests joined them to ensure that the festival ended on a high note, leaving attendees with memories to cherish until next year’s event.

Black Music Month continues in Nashville later this month with the inaugural Blavity House Party Music Festival.

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