Jul. 16, 2025 By Athena Dawson
The Roots, an iconic genre-bending hip-hop band, is heading to Queens this weekend to headline a free SummerStage concert at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
The family-friendly event, scheduled to run from 7 to 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, will feature music selections by DJ Scratch, who’s known for collaborations with major artists, including Busta Rhymes, Metallica, Wu-Tang Clan, 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg. DJ Scratch also hosts a weekly New York-based radio show on “The Block,” featuring “golden age” hip hop tunes.
The Roots’ roots trace back to the late 1980s, when the band was founded at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. The band is led by drummer Questlove and MCs Black Thought and Malik B. The Roots are considered pioneers of bringing live music to hip-hop, a genre not traditionally known for using live instruments.