For almost two decades and going strong, the Roots Picnic has been one of the premier festivals for rap, R&B, soul, and everything melanin in between. Held in Fairmount Park, this year’s edition was another classic in the books. Backed by amazing weather and textbook curation, not enough good things can be said about the two-day event. From a musical standpoint, the Picnic does a great job of balancing old and new artists from various genres, catering to everyone.
Whether it was Shaboozey and Sexyy Red or Babyface and Lil Wayne, attendees of all ages had a plethora of artists to enjoy.
That itself sprinkles down to the crowd’s energy throughout the weekend. Even artists like Smino agree that the Roots Picnic feels less like a festival and more like a family get-together. Fairmount Park’s biggest advantage is the natural landscape, allowing plenty of space for blankets amidst the standing crowds without being blocked off. When Wale performed his classic “No Hands” verse, the crowd erupted from the ground floor up to the hills.
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If not that, then it’s consistently a shining moment for the influence and pride of the city. Hometown heroes Jill Scott and The Roots delivered stellar performances in front of a sold-out crowd. Even throughout both days, Musiq Soulchild and Tierra Whack hit the stage to treat the crowd with surprise performances. The most surprising native appearance was the city’s mayor Cherelle Parker, coming out to extend her flowers to Jill Scott. Even eighteen years later, the city and travelers find a way to come out in numbers. Judging by this year’s festival, it’s evident why the Roots Picnic is a summer staple in Philly and music.
