The Roots are many things — Philly trailblazers, cultural stewards, late-night TV anchors, and living proof that live hip hop isn’t just possible, it’s powerful. For BET Experience 2025’s Class of ’95 Picnic, they’re taking us all the way back, while reminding us why they’ve stayed so far ahead.

In 1995, The Roots dropped Do You Want More?!!!??!, a jazz-laced, drum-tight album that didn’t sound like anything on the radio. It was live. It was raw. And it was a full-blown challenge to hip hop’s increasingly polished sound. Led by the piercing lyricism of Black Thought and the percussive genius of Questlove, the group made music that hit you in the gut and made you think twice.

Today, 30 years later, they haven’t lost a step — in fact, they’ve gained miles. From The Tonight Show to their own Roots Picnic, The Roots have consistently curated culture, uplifted new artists, and pushed the art form forward without ever chasing trends.

Their upcoming set at the Class of ’95 Picnic is more than nostalgia. It’s a revival. A full-circle moment for a group that began performing on street corners and now holds down national TV five nights a week. Expect them to bring the full catalog — from “Proceed” and “Silent Treatment” to their more recent, collaborative bangers. And if you know The Roots, you know there will be surprises — freestyles, musical flips, and unexpected guests.

Black Thought remains one of the sharpest lyricists walking this Earth — able to out-rap nearly anyone while still exuding cool, control, and cultural depth. Questlove? The man’s not just a drummer; he’s a historian, a curator, a director (his Summer of Soul doc won an Oscar), and one of the most important tastemakers in Black music.

The BET Experience stage is about to witness a masterclass in live performance. And for anyone who doubts that a full band can still rock harder than a laptop and a hype man, The Roots are ready to show you — again — how it’s done.

This show is for the heads, the students, the music lovers, and anyone who needs to be reminded that hip hop, at its best, is both intellect and energy, groove and grit.

Don’t miss The Roots and other icons live at the BET Experience. Watch the BET Awards on Monday, June 9th at 8 PM ET on BET and grab your tickets for all BETX events now at bet.com/topic/betexperience.