The Roots to Host ‘Class of ’95’ Show at Hollywood Bowl

The highly anticipated “A Roots Picnic Experience: Class of ’95” concert is poised to take Los Angeles by storm on June 8, 2025, at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, promising to rekindle the magical energy of a pivotal era in hip-hop history. Hosted by the Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum band The Roots, the event is set to feature an extraordinary lineup of 1990s rap icons. Headlining the show alongside The Roots will be Lil’ Kim, E-40, Method Man, and Redman, among others, creating an unforgettable night for hip-hop enthusiasts. The Roots, renowned not only for their formidable influence in music but also as the house band for “The Tonight Show,” will accompany the guest performers as the backing band throughout the event, ensuring a seamless musical journey into hip-hop’s golden era.

The event’s return to the Hollywood Bowl marks a continuation of The Roots’ partnership with Live Nation Urban and the LA Philharmonic, reflecting their legacy in the music industry as cultural torchbearers. This concert is set against the backdrop of their previous West Coast foray last summer, which was a sold-out success, proving the region’s burgeoning appetite for their unique blend of historical homage and live performance dynamism. Building on the extraordinary success of last year’s Roots Picnic: Hip-Hop is the Love of My Life, the upcoming Class of ’95 event capitalizes on its reputation as “Hip-Hop’s Greatest Festival,” a title lauded by Rolling Stone. The festival promises to deliver not only powerful live performances but also signature jam sessions and surprise guests, ensuring an electrifying vibe from start to finish.

Tickets for this stellar event will go on sale on December 11 at 10 a.m. PT, available through the Hollywood Bowl’s official website. The Roots have emphasized their commitment to returning to their hometown of Philadelphia, reassuring fans with the promise that they’ll continue their tradition of engagement there as well. This dual approach underlines The Roots’ dedication to both their roots and broadening their influence across the country. Drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, a pivotal figure in the band’s formation, ardently reflects on 1995 as the pivotal year when their major label debut, “Do You Want More?!!!??!” launched them into stardom, a sentiment deeply embedded in the theme of the concert.

The significance of 1995, a year when hip-hop solidified its place on the world stage, resonates in the choice of performers for the Class of ’95 event. Legendary artists such as Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, DJ Quik, Goodie Mob, Raekwon, and Havoc of Mobb Deep further augment the blockbuster lineup. These artists were instrumental in shaping the genre—pioneering sounds and styles that continue to influence contemporary music. Each artist set to perform contributed uniquely to the landscape of hip-hop, making this event not only a concert but a celebration of cultural history.