Sly Stone’s journey highlights the difficulty of showing emotions,something that is even more difficult for Black people in the U.S. Expressing feelings at times felt dangerous for us. You could get laughed at, ridiculed, teased, ostracized, punched, or killed. To protect themselves, black people adopted a “cool” exterior — acting …
Read More »Questlove, Clairo, Earthgang, and More Remember Sly Stone: He 'Was a Giant'
The music industry is mourning Sly Stone. After news broke that the groundbreaking musician had died at 82 on Monday, stars from Questlove and Chuck D to Clairo and Fatboy Slim shared tributes for the star. Stone’s family announced his death in a statement Monday, writing that his death was …
Read More »Questlove Honors 'Giant' Sly Stone: 'His Music Will Echo Forever'
Questlove is remembering the late great, Sly Stone. In a lengthy and emotional Instagram post, the musician — who directed the documentary Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius), about Stone’s life and has long described him as an inspiration — reflected on the legend’s legacy and enduring impact …
Read More »Lady Gaga Praises Queer Music Pioneer Carl Bean in Docu Clip: 'Anthems Unify People'
Lady Gaga honors queer music icon Carl Bean and the legacy of his 1977 anthem, “I Was Born This Way” in an exclusive clip from the upcoming documentary I Was Born This Way. In the film, Gaga, Questlove, and Billy Porter are among those who reflect on the song’s powerful …
Read More »Hometown Heroes and Cross-Genre Icons: Seven Takeaways from Roots Picnic 2025
Another Roots Picnic is in the books. For two days, thousands of music lovers descended upon Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park to check out a wide array of acts, from R&B and pop stars such as Maxwell, Miguel, and Tems to rappers like Meek Mill, GloRilla, Latto, and everything in between. Though …
Read More »Questlove Apologizes for Extreme Delays at Roots Picnic: 'Today Wasn't Ideal'
Opening day of the annual Roots Picnic in Philadelphia on Saturday was marred by long lines, muddy conditions, a scrambled schedule, and extreme frustrations for fans who flocked to the Mann Center to check out sets by Maxwell, Latto, Musiq Soulchild, GloRilla, and several other acts. Questlove took to Instagram …
Read More »Questlove Was 'Shocked' by Kendrick Lamar's Homage to the Roots In 'Squabble Up' Video
Questlove recently dropped by The Jennifer Hudson Show, sharing his reaction to finding out that Kendrick Lamar paid homage to the Roots in a music video for his monumental GNX album, which released last year. When discussing his influence on other artists, Hudson pointed out the scene from Lamar’s “Squabble …
Read More »Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross Announce Inaugural Future Ruins Fest Celebrating Film Music
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have announced the inaugural Future Ruins Festival, featuring many of cinema’s top composers performing their scores live for the first time. In addition to the Oscar-winning duo of Reznor and Ross, Future Ruins — heading to Los Angeles on November 8 — will also include …
Read More »Did Sly Stone 'Blow It?' Questlove Says the Answer Is Complicated
In his new documentary Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius), Questlove delves into the genius and torments of Sly Stone —and uses that story as window into many other artists’ lives, including interviewees D’Angelo and Andre 3000. Questlove talks about the making of the film (now streaming on …
Read More »Andre 3000 Talks Sly Stone's 'Stankonia' Influence in 'Sly Lives!' Doc Clip
Andre 3000 discusses Sly Stone’s influence on OutKast’s Stankonia in a clip from Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius), Questlove’s documentary about the Family Stone genius that arrives Friday on Hulu. As Andre 3000 notes in the clip (via Billboard), the cover of the rap duo’s 2000 album …
Read More »