Lil Wayne, Nas and André 3000 were a few of the headlining names announced when the 2024 Roots Picnic revealed its lineup this week, but not everyone was thrilled with some of the artists included.
A group of fans flooded the Philadelphia festival’s lineup announcement criticizing organizers’ decision to have Sexyy Red on the bill.
“Wow this is where we are in Hip Hop?! There is nothing positive about her message,” one fan wrote, while actress Amanda Seales chimed in with a disapproving “Yikes.” It seems the negative reaction to Sexyy Red’s booking was a mixture of disliking her style of music to questioning her vocal support for former President Trump.
Questlove, who is a host of the annual event, had enough and decided to step in to defend the Philly festival’s decision to book Sexyy and promote a diverse and well-rounded lineup for fans of all ages and tastes to enjoy.
“There is always that one act on the show everyone hates because it serves as a reminder the hip hop THEY like is from 30 years ago,” the Roots drummer replied to a comment under his Instagram post on Monday.
“I mean I get it it but look: we gotta round and balance the day out: there are other stages & podcasts and events to see. I’m still shocked yall got energy for ‘oh hell no isms’ like it’s 16 years folks——-when have you seen a festival in which EVERY ACT is the act you love?”
Questlove continued: “I mean the way I see it: cats in here bringing a certain energy: meanwhile there is a whole entire Jill post & an Amerie post & a Black Thought post & a Meth & Red post & I see/hear nary a ‘I love real music’ person SUPPORTING that page. It’s almost worth it just for this engagement & trolling was the last thing on my mind lol Roots Picnic is well rounded and that’s why it works.”
Tickets for the Roots Picnic go on sale to the general public this Friday (Feb. 23) at 10 a.m. ET. Other artists on the bill slated to hit the stage on June 1 and 2 include Gunna, best new artist Grammy winner Victoria Monét, Jill Scott, Method Man, Wale and a ton more.
Find Questlove’s post as well as the full Roots Picnic lineup below.