Roots Picnic 2022: Thousands of music fans enjoy two days of hip-hop & gospel from Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park

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Getty/Taylor Hill

Tens of thousands of music fans filled Philadelphia’s Fairmount park over the weekend for the city’s Roots Picnic, hosted by legendary hip-hop band, The Roots. For the first time in two years, the entertainment and arts festival welcomed more than 50 podcasters and musicians, who delivered live performances throughout the picnic’s six stages and tents over the course of the two-day Black music showcase.

Mary J. Blige headlined Saturday’s show, delivering performances of popular new songs and beloved hits of the past such as “All Night Long” and “Love No Limit.” Blige was introduced by Roots co-founder and Philadelphia native, Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, who, earlier in the day, drew fans close to the festival’s main stage with his performance alongside Rick Ross and Benny the Butcher.

Another Philadelphia’s native, Jazmine Sullivan, also rocked the Toyota Soundstage. While sporting her sparkly blue two-piece outfit, she encouraged fans to sing along to songs from her Grammy winning Heux Tales album, like “Bodies” and past hits like “Bust Your Windows.”

Under the cool shade of the Mann Center’s TD Pavilion, audiences enjoyed lively performances by DJ D-NiceG Herbo and gospel legend Tye Tribbett, who brought his usual high energy with songs like “No Way” and “Victory.”

Sunday’s Mann Stage saw an electrifying performance from rising star Durand Bernarr as well as a soulful showcase of songs from Suzann Christine. Over on the main stage, up-and-coming singer Jordan Hawkins serenaded with his guitar.

The main stage rounded out on Sunday with performances by Musiq Soulchild with SWV and Keyshia Cole and Kirk Franklin who hyped up the crowd with “Melodies from Heaven” among other timeless gospel hits. Fans anxiously awaited Summer Walker who closed out the picnic with live showings of “Over It” and “Body.”

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