Of the many events that filled up Grammy Weekend, The Roots Jam might have been the most high energy thus far. The annual party always keeps fans guessing because there’s never a way to predict who will hit the stage.
The Legendary Roots crew kicked off the weekend festivities early with a roaring set at Hollywood’s Hotel Cafe Thursday (Feb. 11), for their annual pre-Grammy event, presented by Martell and Beats by Dre.
The Grammy-winning Philly band treated the audience to solo records (among them,“You Got Me”, sans Erykah Badu) along with surprise performances from Kenny Kravitz, John Legend, Kehlani, Tori Kelly, Nelly, and Jeremih.
Kehlani had the honor of being first up, while the vocally brawny Tori Kelly, didn’t disappoint. Legend also took it back a decade singing cuts from his Once Again LP, and joint album with The Roots. The father-to-be added another dose of soul to the room with a funky rendition of Bill Withers “I Can’t Write Left-Handed.”
“Are You Gonna Go My Way” and “Fly Away” with the massive hip-hop band.As the clock passed midnight, Jeremih took the stage energizing the crowd with “Planes” and “Don’t Tell Em,” before Nelly closed out the show.
Other celebs in the building included Queen Latifah, Bilal, Lyor Cohen, Leon Bridges, and Diddy’s stepson Quincy.
Front & center with @johnlegend x @theroots #beatsxrootsjam pic.twitter.com/PUF1r7yIHx
— Van Styles (@vanstyles) February 12, 2016
Kehlani performing “The Way” tonight at the #BeatsXRootsJam event pic.twitter.com/haFzEIh7EX
— Kehlani Updates (@YSBHDAILY) February 12, 2016
Cold in Toronto. Hot in LA. #BeatsxRootsJam @Nelly_Mo and @jeremih pic.twitter.com/YGciPmJUKp
— Beats By Dre (@beatsbydre) February 12, 2016