Roots Picnic 2024 Lineup Announcement: Controversy Surrounding Sexyy Red’s Inclusion
On Monday, the highly anticipated lineup for the Roots Picnic 2024 was officially unveiled, sending waves of excitement across the music industry. This year’s star-studded roster includes renowned artists such as Lil Wayne, Jill Scott, André 3000, Victoria Monét, and many more. However, amidst the buzz, the inclusion of Sexyy Red on the lineup has sparked significant controversy and attracted considerable backlash from fans and spectators alike.
Backlash Emerges Following Sexyy Red’s Presence
Shortly after the announcement, fans took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with Sexyy Red’s involvement in the festival. Their discontent mainly stems from her public support for the former US President, Donald Trump. Notably, Lil Wayne has also expressed support for Trump in the past, further complicating the outrage surrounding Sexyy Red. Critics also labeled her as “trashy,” exacerbating the growing discontent.
Questlove Leaps to Sexyy Red’s Defense
Roots Picnic’s very own Questlove, the legendary drummer and co-founder of The Roots, has actively stepped up to defend Sexyy Red amidst the relentless criticism. Responding to one of the hateful comments received on his Instagram, Questlove expressed his profound shock and took the opportunity to provide a thoughtful perspective.
“Damn… hell hath frozen over when I like a Mel post. There is always that one act on the show that everyone hates because it serves as a reminder that the hip hop THEY like is from 30 years ago. I mean, I get it, but look: we need to round and balance the day out. There are other stages, podcasts, and events to see.”
“I’m still shocked that you’ve got energy for these ‘oh hell no isms’ like it’s 16 years ago. When have you seen a festival in which EVERY act is the act you love? I mean, the way I see it, these artists are bringing a specific energy. Meanwhile, we have an incredible Jill post, an Amerie post, a Black Thought post, a Meth & Red post, and I just don’t see or hear a person proclaiming ‘I love real music’ supporting those pages.”
“It’s almost worth it just for this engagement, and trolling was the last thing on my mind. Roots Picnic is well-rounded, and that’s why it works.”
A Reminder of the Festival’s Diversity and Eclectic Nature
Questlove’s response serves as a powerful reminder of the diverse array of artists that Roots Picnic represents and why it has remained a phenomenal success for years. The festival is purposely designed to present a well-rounded program, attracting music lovers from different genres and age groups. Its ability to spotlight talent from various backgrounds, musical styles, and even political perspectives exemplifies the festival’s commitment to providing an inclusive and enriching experience.
