Legendary hip hop crew The Roots are bringing their live-band experience to Australia to welcome in the new year alongside fellow hip hop royalty, rapper Talib Kweli.
Known for their alternative, conscious rap and soul-funk melodies, this will be The Roots – a three-time Grammy Award-winning act – first headline tour of Australia in 12 years, with concerts scheduled in Melbourne (New Year's Day), Sydney and Brisbane.Originally founded in 1987 by childhood friends Black Thought and Questlove, the Philadelphia natives have released 11 studio albums crafting such eternal hip hop classics as 'You Got Me feat. Erykah Badu', 'Hang In There (with John Legend)', 'The Seed (2.0) feat. Cody ChesnuTT', 'Never feat. Patty Crash', 'The Next Moment', 'What They Do', 'The Fire', 'Right On' and 'Don't Say Nuthin''.
Since 2009, The Roots have become a fixture on television as Jimmy Fallon's backing band, first on 'Late Night' (2009-2014) and currently 'The Tonight Show', with Questlove serving as the show's Musical Director.
Brooklyn's own Talib Kweli offers as diverse and rich catalogue of hip hop bangers; since arriving in 1997 alongside Mos Def as Black Star, Kweli has forged a successful solo career with collaborations with the likes of Kanye West, Just Blaze and Pharrell Williams. Kweli is also a record label owner, starting Javotti Media in 2011.
Kweli's hits include 'Get By', '2000 Seasons', 'Just Begun' and 'Never Been In Love'. "I'm a touring artist," Talib says. "I'm an artist that's internationally known. I'm not just a local artist at this point in my career.
"I'm cognisant of the fact that what I do is beyond where it started. I'm trying to reach the apex of where I am now, but without turning my back on or dismissing what I've done before."
Vocalist-guitarist for jazz-funk Australian band Hiatus Kaiyote and a three-time Grammy-nominated songwriter, Nai Palm joins the tour as opening act at all three shows.
Tickets on sale from 2pm AEST on 11 September.
The Roots & Talib Kweli 2025 Tour Dates
Wed 1 Jan - Sidney Myer Music Bowl (Melbourne)Thu 2 Jan - Hordern Pavilion (Sydney)
Fri 3 Jan - Eatons Hill Outdoors (Brisbane)
