The pivot to the big screen
More than 30 years into his career, The Roots frontman Questlove is officially in his 'Questlove 3.0' era. While you know him as a music icon, host, professor, and author, he’s spent the last few years lowkey crushing it as a documentarian. It’s giving evolution, and honestly? We’re here for it.
Speaking at the Variety Experience and Culture Summit, Questlove admitted he wasn't always down to hop behind the camera. He originally didn't see himself as a storyteller, but after some convincing, he realized that if he wanted to see certain stories told, he had to be the change he wanted to see.
Why vulnerability is a W
Questlove dropped some serious wisdom about the importance of being vulnerable. He pointed out that artists often try to act "too cool for school," but he thinks we’re heading for a total vibe shift. "We’re going to implode as a world if we don’t learn what emotions are and how we can use our vulnerability," he said.
His transition into film started with his 2021 hit Summer of Soul, which he said helped people embrace joy during a super heavy time. He’s since dived into the complexities of Black genius and dreams with projects like Sly Lives! and his June documentary about Earth, Wind & Fire.
The Roots are still thriving
Don’t worry, he hasn't abandoned his day one hustle. The Roots are still going strong on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon after 35 years—which, let’s be real, puts the Beatles’ seven-year run to shame. Plus, the annual Roots Picnic just wrapped its 18th year with a massive set from Jay-Z. He says the secret to their long-term success is simple: they’re still as silly as they were in high school, and they actually like each other. No cap.
Why it matters
Questlove is proving that you don't have to stay in one lane to be a legend. By embracing his role as a director, he’s using history to force audiences to reckon with the present, all while keeping the music that made him a household name at the center of his world.
