Questlove Surprised and Honored by Kendrick Lamar’s Tribute to The Roots in “squabble up” Video

In an industry where musical homages are rare and often overlooked, hip hop veteran Questlove recently experienced a career-affirming surprise. During a candid conversation with Jennifer Hudson on her talk show, Questlove, drummer for the legendary group The Roots, revealed just how taken aback he was when Kendrick Lamar referenced The Roots in the music video for his 2023 single “squabble up.”

A Wake-Up Call from Kendrick

Questlove, who has long been recognized for his role in reshaping hip hop’s sonic landscape with The Roots, woke up one morning to an onslaught of text messages. “‘I woke up to 30 K Dot texts,’” Questlove recalled. “I thought, ‘Oh no.’ …I thought it was something else. And they were like, ‘No, he paid tribute to y’all in this video.’” That video, directed by CALMATIC, recreated the iconic set of The Roots’ 1999 music video for “The Next Movement,” a visual and auditory touchstone for a generation of hip hop fans.

“I was so shocked because the way that people told me… I really didn’t expect it,” he told Hudson. Questlove’s initial alarm quickly turned to pride as he grasped the depth of Kendrick Lamar’s gesture.

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The Roots: Niche, Ubiquitous, and Invaluable

Despite their trailblazing catalog and undeniable influence, The Roots exist in a curious spot within mainstream culture. “We’re ubiquitous—we’re not super mainstream, but we’re niche, but we’re not overexposed popular,” Questlove explained. “It’s hard to tell where we fit in the scheme of things. It’s an honor but it’s also a surprise when you see people acknowledging you after all this time.”

Jennifer Hudson, herself a major artist and actor, was quick to acknowledge the indelible mark The Roots have left on modern music. She pointed out how their work has inspired a generation of hip hop and R&B artists—including Kendrick Lamar. Their seamless blend of live instrumentation, incisive lyricism, and genre-bending experimentation helped pave the way for artists who, like Kendrick, refuse to be confined to musical boundaries.

A Nod from a Modern Great

Kendrick Lamar’s “squabble up” video arrived in November 2023, at a time when hip hop was particularly charged with commentary about authenticity and artistry. The video’s deliberate recreation of The Roots’ “The Next Movement” set was immediately recognized by acute fans and industry insiders. Many interpreted Lamar’s homage as not just a musical tip-of-the-hat, but also as a subtle response to Questlove’s public comments about Lamar’s then-ongoing lyrical feud with Drake.

On Instagram, Questlove expressed his gratitude and admitted his surprise. He called it “a tribute to something I thought no one saw or cared about.” For Questlove, who with The Roots has spent three decades challenging the norms of hip hop while providing the genre with some of its most textured and complex compositions, such acknowledgment held particular meaning. “It’s always strange and beautiful to be seen—especially by an artist of Kendrick’s stature,” he remarked to Hudson.

The Roots’ Enduring Impact

As a band, The Roots are perhaps best known for their longevity, innovation, and their ongoing residency as the house band for NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Their influence, however, extends far beyond the television screen.

From their earliest albums, like Organix and Do You Want More?!!!??!, to acclaimed classics like Things Fall Apart and Phrenology, The Roots established a new paradigm for hip hop: one where live musicianship, social commentary, and fearless creativity could coexist within the confines of a fiercely competitive genre. They have inspired everyone from jazz aficionados to the top names in hip hop and pop.

Kendrick Lamar, himself a critical darling and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist, has frequently cited The Roots as trailblazers. His own work, known for its intricate narratives and sonic adventurousness, feels spiritually aligned with the trail marked by Questlove and company.

Reflections on the Kendrick-Drake Feud

Last May, as Lamar and Drake’s high-profile beef captured the attention—and concern—of the music world, Questlove didn’t hesitate to wade into the fray. On Instagram, he soberly assessed the situation: “Nobody Won The War… This wasn’t about skill. This was a wrestling match level mudslinging and takedown by any means necessary—women & children (& actual facts) be damned.” Sounding equal parts disappointed veteran and concerned elder statesman, he added, “Same audience wanting blood will soon put up ‘rip’ posts like they weren’t part of the problem. Hip Hop Is Truly Dead.”

That candid reaction underscored a core difference between The Roots’ philosophy and certain elements of contemporary rap culture—a difference rooted more in constructive artistry than personal beef. Kendrick’s subsequent, respectful homage in the “squabble up” clip was widely seen as a reaffirmation of hip hop’s higher values: creativity, innovation, and acknowledgment of forebears.

A Legacy Secure—But Not Overexposed

The Roots’ journey has often been one of quiet dominance rather than loud omnipresence. They have shaped countless artists, soundtracked pivotal cultural moments, and maintained their integrity in an industry obsessed with fleeting trends. Questlove’s honest bewilderment at their own enduring influence is perhaps the truest testament to their appeal: they are the underground kings who somehow became household names without ever losing their soul.

Kendrick Lamar, in referencing The Roots, signaled not just respect for a past generation but also a vision for hip hop’s future—one tethered to its deepest roots, yet bravely forging its own path.

For Questlove and fans alike, Lamar’s homage was more than just a creative wink; it was a reminder that in hip hop, as in life, the real ones always receive their flowers—even if it takes a little longer for them to bloom.