The Roots Share Progress on 'Endgame' and Recall 2003 Grammy Moment
During a Billboard House conversation, The Roots discussed their upcoming album 'Endgame,' which Questlove said is nearing completion after he stopped adding new songs. The duo also reminisced about performing with Eminem at the 2003 Grammys, calling it a formative moment. Black Thought praised Questlove's musicality for changing his approach to rapping.
The duo detailed the long-awaited *Endgame* project, noting Questlove's perfectionism has finally been curbed as he stops adding new tracks, leaving them in a chiseling-down phase. Black Thought credited Questlove's drummer-like rhythmic pocket for unlocking a new freedom in his rapping style.
Reflecting on their 2003 Grammy performance with Eminem, Questlove recalled hearing 50 Cent's debut album before its release and observing the stark contrast between No Doubt's elaborate rider and Eminem's simple one. He framed that era as the culmination of a ten-year grind from street corners to European venues, alongside their history backing Jay-Z.
The Roots' upcoming induction and the nearing completion of *Endgame* could revitalize mainstream attention on live-band hip-hop, potentially inspiring younger musicians to prioritize instrumental interplay and collaborative patience over rapid output. Their nostalgic recounting of the 2003 Grammys may also deepen cultural appreciation for their role in bridging rap with broader rock and pop audiences, possibly boosting album anticipation and reinforcing the commercial viability of legacy acts in the streaming era.