This weekend officially marked the start of Black Music Month and cookout season, and Philadelphia kicked it off in massive style. For the uninitiated, the annual Roots Picnic is a two-day cultural institution hosted by The Roots–and this year, an estimated 80,000 music lovers packed the Belmont Plateau on May 30 and 31. The festival delivered a powerhouse lineup featuring Jermaine Dupri, Brandy, and Erykah Badu, but the absolute anchor was a rare headlining set from Jay-Z, who had the entire culture talking about both his performance and his new hair. If you didn’t get to make it, we got you. Here are the absolute best moments from this year’s ultimate summer kickoff.
Destin Conrad Performed
Destin Conrad had his audience waving and clapping as he delivered smooth vocals while performing songs from his “Love on Digital” album, including “Kissing in Public.”
Jermaine Dupri and Bow Wow
Taking it back to the 2000s, Jermaine Dupri brought Bow Wow onto the stage and took folks down memory lane as they performed their 2005 hit, “Fresh Az I’m Iz.”
Tyler, the Creator Had Fun
Tyler, the Creator wasn’t performing, but he was having fun in the crowd during Jermaine Dupri’s set.
Brandy Headed Out To Perform
Also spotted was Brandy, looking very New York in Timberlands and a baggy outfit as she left her hotel, ready to perform at the Roots Picnic.
Sean P East
Jermaine Dupri brought his whole squad for his set, and Sean P East was among them, getting the crowd hyped.
Tamar Braxton Was Spotted
Tamar Braxton was spotted heading to the Roots Picnic in a fly denim outfit with red and black Nikes and a gorgeous pair of gold hoops. You can never go wrong with gold hoops.
Jay-Z Debuts New Hairstyle
Jay-Z went full fro at the Roots Picnic, which had fans gagged and loving his new look. At the same time, he reminded folks why he is the goat by delivering a crazy performance filled with his classics, such as “Public Service Announcement (Interlude).”
TikTokers Do Fit Checks
British R&B artist Sasha Keable made her Roots picnic debut and ate her set up with her soulful vocals.
Shots Were Fired From Jay-Z
Oops, shots were fired by Hov toward Nicki Minaj after the “Super Bass” rapper made multiple posts mocking him and his family on X over the past two years. “A rapper can’t be my opp, I got MAGA Republicans,” Hov rapped.
Corinne Bailey Rae
Black British singer Corinne Bailey Rae turned on her mic to give fans performances of some of her iconic hits.
Dem Franchize Boyz
Parlae and Pimpin of Dem Franchize Boyz were more hip-hop icons brought out by Jermaine Dupri. Fans were truly in for the festival experience of a lifetime during Dupri’s set.
Brandy Sings “I Wanna Be Down”
The ’90s were in the building last night as Brandy got on stage to sing her 1994 hit “I Wanna Be Down.” Her vocals are still as refreshing to listen to as the studio version.
Surprise Performance From Monica
@queenkiaa._ Brandy brought out Monica #rootspicnic
Brandy didn’t come alone. During her set, Brandy brought Monica on stage to the surprise and delight of many fans to perform tunes like “So Gone.”
T.I.
T.I. amped up fans by performing his 2008 classic “Live Your Life.” It was definitely the perfect tone to set for the summer.
Beyoncé Spotted Backstage
Since Jay-Z was performing, you could bet that Beyoncé would be somewhere nearby. Sure enough, fans spotted her heading backstage to support her husband.
DJ Jazzy Jeff Spins Some Tunes
DJ Jazzy Jeff whipped up some magic on his turntables and gave folks the perfect summertime jams. No pun intended.
Malika Love Gets On Stage
During his set, Jazzy Jeff also welcomed Philly Hip-Hop legend Malika Love on stage to show the crowd how folks get down in Philly.
DJ Code Money and Schoolly D
Malika Love wasn’t the only Philly icon to get on stage. DJ Code Money and Schoolly D also made sure to show up and spit some bars.
Beanie Sigel and Freeway Make Surprise Appearance
If you thought Jay-Z wouldn’t bring anyone else to perform alongside him, think again. During his set, Jay-Z brought out Beanie Sigel and Freeway to perform their 2003 track “What We Do.”
Blue Ivy Watched Her Dad Perform
Beyoncé wasn’t the only member of the Carter family seen on day one. Blue Ivy was also spotted on the side of the stage, watching her dad deliver an incredible set.
Erykah Badu’s Incredible Stage Presence
As she always does, Erykah Badu looked ethereal on stage as she headlined day two of the music festival.
Kehlani Performed
Kehlani showed off not only her vocals but her moves, too, as she got down onstage, giving fans a festival performance worth watching.
Mariah the Scientist
Matching with her band in all pink, Mariah the Scientist lulled fans into a musical trance, setting the tone for a night of singing, dancing and incredible vibes.
