Live Review: The Roots @ Wolf Trap — 6/29/25

The Roots recently brought their signature fusion of hip-hop, jazz, soul, and funk to The Filene Center at Wolf Trap, delivering a masterclass in live musicianship that proved why they remain one of the most compelling acts in modern music — nearly four decades after their formation.

Opening with the one-two punch of “ECK / Respond/React,” the band wasted no time showcasing their trademark energy at Wolf Trap on June 29.. Questlove’s drumming was immediately authoritative, laying down a groove that was both precise and dynamic, while Black Thought set the lyrical bar high with his unrelenting flow. From the jump, it was clear this wasn’t just another summer nostalgia set — it was a demonstration of why The Roots remain essential.

That urgency carried through early highlights “Proceed” and “Distortion to Static.” These tracks, staples of their 1990s breakthrough period, felt fresh and urgent in the live setting, reminding the crowd that The Roots emerged not as studio rappers but as a fiercely improvisational live band. Their sound was tight but flexible, with each member contributing flourishes that made even familiar songs feel newly minted.

The setlist balanced these early classics with creative reinterpretations. “Think Twice / Lookin’ at the Front Door” delivered a moody, introspective vibe that hushed the venue to rapt attention. The band’s mastery of space and dynamic made even quieter moments magnetic, with James Poyser’s subtle keyboard textures anchoring the groove.

As the show built momentum, “Step Into the Realm,” “What They Do,” and “The Next Movement” showcased The Roots’ uncanny ability to blend heady lyricism with danceable funk. Captain Kirk Douglas’s guitar work was a particular standout — slicing through the mix with bright, soulful riffs that expanded and lifted the songs without ever dominating them.

The Roots’ touring lineup remains a powerhouse ensemble: Questlove on drums anchoring every groove; Black Thought delivering rap verses with unmatched clarity and power; James Poyser on keys adding jazz-soul textures; Captain Kirk Douglas on guitar and vocals providing searing solos and harmonies; Mark Kelley laying down intricate basslines; Damon “Tuba Gooding Jr.” Bryson with his booming sousaphone lines; and Stro Elliot on percussion and production flourishes. Together, they formed a sonic unit that was both disciplined and adventurous.

Stream Do You Want More?!!!??! (Deluxe Version) by The Roots on Spotify:

Midway through the set, The Roots turned Wolf Trap into an expansive, genre-hopping jam session. “Dynamite!” and “The Love of My Life” pulsed with an old-school, block-party vibe, inviting the audience to sway and nod along. “Stay Cool” and “Clones” followed with a darker, more deliberate groove that demonstrated the band’s range — from playful to menacing within minutes.

One of the night’s most memorable detours was their cover of Donald Byrd’s “Change (Makes You Want to Hustle).” The Roots didn’t just play it; they inhabited it, twisting the jazz-funk classic into their own shape. Questlove and Poyser led the band through intricate, tight grooves, proving that their vaunted reputation as hip-hop’s premier live band is more than deserved.

That seamless genre-blending continued with “Web / Dance Girl” and the propulsive “Here I Come,” which had the crowd erupting in cheers. Their take on “Gimme Some More,” the J.B.’s cover, hit like a freight train — an electrifying funk workout that honored the original while leaving plenty of space for The Roots’ signature grit.

Of course, the set wouldn’t have been complete without “You Got Me,” their Grammy-winning anthem featuring one of the most evocative drum-and-lyric arrangements in hip-hop. Even without Erykah Badu, the band brought it to life with urgency and soul, culminating in a guitar solo by Douglas that was both tasteful and cathartic.

The finale was pure Roots alchemy — a triumphant mash-up of “The Seed (2.0),” “Move On Up,” “Apache,” and “M@W.” It felt like a microcosm of the whole show: reverent of music history while entirely its own thing. The band wove in Curtis Mayfield’s uplift, the Incredible Bongo Band’s breakbeat staple, and their own modern classic in one seamless, euphoric closer that had the entire venue on its feet.

What made the performance so remarkable wasn’t just the song selection — it was the band’s complete command of the stage and each other. Every member was locked in yet unafraid to stretch out. Questlove’s drumming remained the show’s heartbeat, steady but inventive, while Black Thought delivered rhymes with precision and ferocity that belied his decades in the game.

In an era of backing tracks and minimalist rap tours, The Roots continue to make the case for hip-hop as a truly live art form. At Wolf Trap, they didn’t just perform — they transformed the space, giving the audience a crash course in the history of Black music while keeping it vibrantly, unmistakably present. It was a reminder of what live music can be when it’s treated with care, respect, and boundless creativity.

If there was ever any doubt, The Roots proved once again that they’re not just a band with a legacy — they’re a band that’s still writing it, one unforgettable show at a time.

Enjoy some additional photos from The Roots’ June 29, 2025 performance at Wolf Trap.  All images copyright and courtesy of Ari Strauss.