During a panel discussion at Ludlow House in New York City, Questlove and Black Thought of The Roots reflected on their decades-long career and shared progress regarding their long-awaited album, Endgame. The conversation took place ahead of the pioneering hip-hop group's upcoming induction into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame.
The two founding members discussed their early high school beginnings, the meticulous process behind finishing their new music, and memorable moments from their extensive live performance history, including backing Eminem at the 2003 Grammy Awards.
Status of the Upcoming Album 'Endgame'
Addressing the timeline for Endgame, Questlove revealed that his own perfectionism has been a primary factor in delaying the project's release. He shared that he has officially decided to stop contributing new songs to the tracklist so the group can finalize the selection.
Black Thought noted that the group is currently in the narrowing-down stage of the record, describing the process as needing to "chisel out the statue from out of the mass." While fans previously heard a preview of the album's direction with the track "Misunderstood" featuring Erykah Badu and Tierra Whack, the group refrained from naming additional featured artists, though Questlove confirmed that guest appearances will be included on the project.
Early Beginnings and Musical Chemistry
Reflecting on the origins of their collaboration in high school, Black Thought credited Questlove with shifting his approach to rhyming. He recalled how experiencing Questlove's innate sense of rhythm provided a unique musical pocket that gave him a new sense of artistic freedom early in his career.
Looking Back at the 2003 Grammy Performance
The conversation, moderated by Carl Lamarre, also revisited The Roots' 2003 performance of "Lose Yourself" alongside Eminem at the Grammy Awards. Questlove shared backstage memories from the event, recalling listening to early tracks from 50 Cent's Get Rich or Die Tryin' album prior to its release and sharing a dressing room space near No Doubt.
Questlove described that era as a pivotal decade-long culmination of the group's journey, transitioning from busking on street corners and playing European festivals to establishing themselves on major music stages worldwide.
