?uestlove of The Roots

Drummer/producer ?uestlove is a Quincy Jones for our times: a living link between the digital science of modern hip hop and the flesh-and-blood textures of vintage r 'n' b. Besides a pivotal role in the Soulquarians, not to mention the broader Philly scene, ?uestlove co-founded The Roots, who rejuvenated hip hop in an instrumental flurry that flits effortlessly between jazz, funk, rock and reggae - even disco. Meanwhile his collaborations with such artists as D'Angelo, Jay-Z and Common have reasserted the importance of real-time playing in a style dominated by sampling and programming. He's also the mastermind behind crucial heads' website okayplayer.com. This Illadelphian moves feet as well as minds, with music that's pithier than a licorice twig.