The Roots

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

The Roots' achievements are a testament to their longevity and influence. With three Grammy Awards, including a historic win for Best R&B Album, they have been recognized by their peers at the highest level. Their album Things Fall Apart and Phrenology both achieved Gold certification, and they have been honored with a Philadelphia Walk of Fame star. As the first hip-hop act to serve as a permanent house band on late-night television, they have broken new ground for the genre, and their Roots Picnic festival has become a cultural touchstone. Their critical acclaim, from ThoughtCo's ranking as the 7th greatest hip-hop group of all time, further underscores their legacy.

AwardsThe Roots have won three Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "You Got Me" in 2000, and Best R&B Album for Wake Up! with John Legend in 2011. They also took home a Soul Train Music Award for Things Fall Apart and an NAACP Image Award for "Wake Up Everybody."

Honours & Distinctions

Philadelphia Walk of Fame

Philadelphia Music Alliance·2012

Inducted for their contributions to music.

Gold Certification

RIAA·2002

Album Phrenology certified Gold.

Gold Certification

RIAA·1999

Album Things Fall Apart certified Gold.

Rankings & Lists

25 Best Hip-Hop Groups of All-Time

ThoughtCo·2020

Magazine Covers

Billboard

2014-02-22

The Roots: Hip-Hop's House Band

Spin

2026-08-01

Questlove: We're in a Way Happier Rhythm Now

Records & Feats

Longest-running hip-hop band in history

Longevity·2026

Continuous recording and performing career spanning over 35 years.

First hip-hop act to serve as a permanent house band on American late-night television

Historic First·2014

Serving on The Tonight Show since 2014.

Longest freestyle rap in history

Record·2019

Black Thought rapped for over 10 hours in 2019, setting a Guinness World Record.