The 3rd Annual Roots Picnic Con: A Celebration of Community Before the Beats Drop

by SU Staff
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Roots Picnic Con is back and bigger than ever! Taking over Punchline Philly on Friday, May 30th, this annual conference serves as the cerebral prelude to one of hip-hop’s most anticipated weekends of the year. Hosted by The Roots and Live Nation Urban, in partnership with Roots Picnic, this year marks the third installment of the Con, and it’s shaping up to be a can’t-miss event for anyone invested in culture, creativity, and community.

Where Hip-Hop Meets Community Building

Roots Picnic Con is more than a warm-up to the Roots Picnic; it’s a celebration of the vibrant soul of Philadelphia. This one-day conference is a platform for deep conversations and inspiring panels that address music education, financial literacy, tech innovation, health, and wellness. Starting at 11:30 AM, attendees will be immersed in dialogue that merges art, knowledge, and action.

Powered by the likes of Starz, Everytown for Gun Safety, SEIU, and The Recording Academy, this year’s lineup of speakers is stacked with trailblazers. Notable figures set to take the stage include Da’Vinchi, star of the hit show BMF, and musical artist Laila!. SEIU President April Verrett and Black Music Action Coalition Co-Founder Willie “Prophet” Stiggers will also bring their expertise, ensuring the day covers a wide range of critical topics.

The Keynote You Don’t Want to Miss

Highlighting the day’s program is a special keynote conversation between acclaimed director, writer, and producer Malcolm D. Lee and The Roots’ own Tarik “Black Thought” Trotter. Lee will discuss his forthcoming book The Best Man Unfinished Business, while Trotter dives into his deeply personal book, The Upcycled Self. This rare exchange promises a mix of wisdom, artistry, and unfiltered brilliance, making it an unmissable moment. And here’s the kicker—for those lucky enough to register, there’s a chance to snag a free copy of Lee’s book, set to hit shelves on July 1st.

Setting the Stage for a Legendary Weekend

Roots Picnic Con sets the tone for a monumental weekend to follow. With music legends and rising stars primed to take the stage, the Roots Picnic lineup is off the charts. Headliners include the iconic Lenny Kravitz and soulful powerhouse D’Angelo, alongside genre-bending talents like Latto, Tems, and Kaytranada. Fans can also look forward to memorable performances from artists such as GloRilla and Laila!, complementing the weekend’s rich tapestry of sound.

This year holds extra weight for The Roots as they celebrate the 30th anniversary of their groundbreaking album Do You Want More?!!!??! The nostalgia and reverence tied to this milestone underscore the enduring power of their artistry, reminding everyone why The Roots remain hip-hop royalty.

Don’t Miss Out

Roots Picnic Con is more than a conference; it’s a movement. With its dynamic blend of influential speakers, groundbreaking conversations, and community celebration, this event underscores the fact that hip-hop is as much about knowledge and empowerment as it is beats and rhymes. Whether you’re a Philly local or traveling in for the weekend, this is your chance to soak up some powerful ideas before dancing the weekend away.

Secure your spot now by registering at here, and get ready to be a part of something special.

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