Despite a 60% chance of rain, The Roots Picnic in Philadelphia was able to thug it out for most of the day as fans enjoyed the 11th annual festivities up until the headliners were set to take the stage Saturday night (June 2).
Originally, Dave Chappelle was to host the ritualistic Roots jam session with the likes of Brandy, 2 Chainz, and plenty of other surprise guests set to hit the stage. But, heavy rains meant the act was over shortly after it began.
“Due to the dangerous weather,” read a screen monitor,” we are forced to end the show.”
While speculation pegged Lauryn Hill and Chance The Rapper as a few names set to join The Roots crew, that part was left up to mystery until a set list surfaced, revealing that Common, M.O.P., and Busta Rhymes would have been joining the band.
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“Philly: this is a hazard,” Questlove penned in a series of tweets addressing the unfortunate news. “Of course I can play in ANY situation but lives are on the line and it’s a hazard. If someone were to get electrocuted or worse —-I can’t have that on my head man. The city told us to stop for a bit […] Sorry y’all. I’d like to think myself as a renegade rebel but lightning says nope.”
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All the while, though, attendees were witness to some lit sets, including DJ Drama, who brought out T.I., Freeway, and Lil Baby while Lil Uzi Vert delivered on an electrifying performance just before The Roots took to the stage.
