THE ROOTS, TALIB KWELI, NAI PALM
EATONS HILL HOTEL
FRIDAY, 3RD JANUARY 2025
Words : Ben Preece
Photos : Chris Searles
It’s been almost a decade since I last witnessed The Roots live—at the now-shuttered Arena, a venue with its own gritty, umm, charm. Even then, they were a revelation, a band whose virtuosity transcended genre boundaries and encompasses the black history of music, well beyond their own catalogue. Fast-forward to tonight, and the setting couldn’t feel more incongruous. Eatons Hill Hotel, a deep-suburban entertainment complex, seems like an odd choice for such an iconic group. Yet, as the crowd filters in—many fitting the visual profile of longtime fans—it becomes clear that this venue, despite its unassuming location, does have a lot to offer once the lights dim and the music begins.
Nai Palm opens the evening with a powerful solo set, armed with a Jackson Randy Rhoads V guitar and an abstract cannon of songs which impress the early attendees. Her short set delivers a performance that blurs the lines between soulful intimacy and experimental daring, her flowing melodies feel both deeply personal and boldly unconventional. The people who arrived early are rewarded with a dazzling taste of her artistry—a compelling mix of familiar and fresh, grounded and otherworldly, with her song selection taking in her own compositions (better know as Hiatus Kaiyote songs) and covers from the likes of Hendrix.
Political rapper Talib Kweli takes the stage next, effortlessly projecting his legendary status as one of hip-hop's greats. Joined by his LA-based partner in rhyme, Hussain "DJ Spintelect" Abubekr, Kweli immediately energises the crowd, urging hands in the air as he launches into an electrifying display of classic hip-hop call-and-response. Kicking things off with ‘Old School Rules’ (DangerDoom, aka Danger Mouse and MF DOOM), which swiftly transitions into 'Raw Shit' (Jaylib), Kweli has the now-packed room in a frenzy. His set dives deep into his catalogue, offering the reflective 'Never Been In Love,' the crowd-pleasing anthem 'Get By,' and the emotional 'Beautiful Struggle.' A standout moment comes with three tracks from Black Star, his celebrated collaboration with Mos Def, capped off by a soulful cover of Bob Marley's 'Is This Love.' It seems this evening's hip hop history masterclass has begun...
... But, of course, it’s The Roots who are here to deliver the advanced diploma. Their star power is undeniable, even a touch intimidating, as all 10 members take their places on stage. They kick things off with the fitting opener, 'The Pros,' and seamlessly transition into Instant Funk's 'I Got My Mind Made Up,' Kool & The Gang's 'Jungle Boogie,' and Manu Dibango's 'Soul Makossa.' It’s a jaw-dropping display of swagger and musicianship, with frontman Black Thought commanding the stage with charisma that’s nothing short of magnetic.
Even the hyperactive Tuba Gooding Jr., with his colossal sousaphone, can’t pull focus from the tight-knit energy of the ensemble. Their connection is bulletproof, bound by mutual love and unwavering support. At the heart of it all, up on his riser behind a simple drum kit, is Questlove. His leadership is subtle but undeniable, embodying more than just the role of drummer—he’s the bandleader, a DJ, producer, designer, culinary entrepreneur, music journalist, and, for this writer, a personal hero. Admittedly, the fanboy reaction is hard to suppress.
Yet to idolise Questlove alone would be a disservice to the rest of The Roots. Every member is staggeringly talented, their individual gifts shining through as they glide effortlessly between soul, funk, R&B, jazz, blues, and, of course, hip-hop. "Versatile" feels like an understatement, as does any attempt at superlatives.
Their set flows seamlessly, blending covers and tributes with their own originals. Highlights include 'Proceed,' 'What They Do,' and the infectious 'The Next Movement.' The masterclass continues with medleys that pay homage to legends like Herbie Hancock, The Blackbyrds, Led Zeppelin ('Immigrant Song'), and Bob Marley ('Get Up, Stand Up'), all interwoven with their own tracks like 'How I Got Over.'
Captain Kirk Douglas steps in for Erykah Badu on 'You Got Me,' while 'The Seed 2.0' surprises with a raw, post-punk energy.
The night crescendos with another medley, blending Curtis Mayfield's 'Move On Up' with The Sugarhill Gang's 'Apache' and Kool G Rap's 'Men At Work.' It’s a finale that leaves no doubt: this wasn’t just a performance; it was a history lesson, a celebration, and a masterclass rolled into one unforgettable night.
As The Roots take their final bow, it feels like a snap back to reality—such was the immersive, funk-infused world they conjured during what can only be described as a beast of a performance. Questlove tosses his sticks into the crowd, and the legendary Roots Crew wave their goodbyes, leaving behind an indelible impression. It was, without question, an incredible night showcasing hip-hop at its absolute pinnacle—thrilling, masterful, and profoundly educational.
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