The Roots Picnic: Class of ’95

“California knows how to party”

The chill grooves of the mid-nineties were on display last night at the famed Hollywood Bowl. On Saturday, June 8, the Hollywood Bowl transformed into a time machine, transporting thousands of dedicated hip-hop enthusiasts straight back to 1995 — a golden year for the culture. The Roots Picnic: Class of ’95 wasn’t just a concert, it was a masterclass in hip-hop history – curated and conducted by The Roots who acted as both house band and time-traveling guides.

We were treated to a solid three plus hours of music from the Roots and their guest artists. With their signature mix of soul, jazz, and razor-sharp rhythm, The Roots laid down a seamless groove all night, giving each featured artist a royal welcome. And what a lineup it was: Lil’ Kim, Method Man & Redman, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Raekwon, DJ Quik, Goodie Mob, E-40, and Havoc of Mobb Deep — legends who didn’t just show up, they showed out.  There was a party happening on both sides of the stage with a fog machine going full power – possibly to mask the clouds of pot smoke drifting into the pool area.

Following Havoc of Mobb Deep, DJ Quik was rapping with E 40, claiming “The Quik don’t quit” and exhorting everyone to “Get up on your feet – make some noise.”  I think I spotted Ceelo Green up there, too.

Throughout the fun-filled, fast-paced evening, chants and encouragement from the stage included, “Gonna get lit tonight!” “Motherfuckers in da house!” “Get the party on!” the friendly “How y’all feeling?” and “Hollywood Bowl let’s goooooo!”  Everyone was hollering back and leaping to their feet to dance the night away. Thousands of enthusiasts sang along to the iconic 20th Century tunes.

Bones Thugs n Harmony delivered grungy harmonies and rap battles. We got just a handful of tunes from this legendary hip-hop crew from Cleveland, Ohio, known for pioneering a unique style that blends fast-paced rapping with melodic harmonies. Like many on the stage, they helped shape the sound of 1990s hip-hop and remain highly influential today.  In fact, their style was truly groundbreaking—combining street-level lyrics with layered vocal harmonies, which was almost unheard of in rap at the time. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony are one of the only groups to have worked with 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., Eazy-E, and Big Pun. Their sound has influenced a wide range of artists who have come after them, from Kendrick Lamar to Travis Scott.

Core members of Wu-Tang Clan, respected as one of the most influential hip-hop collectives, Method Man & Redman followed, delivering their hardcore East Coast Hip-Hop and funk-influenced rap underscored by high-energy chemistry, lyrical sharpness, plus street grit mixed with humor and charisma. I even heard some fast-paced Jamaican strains popping up here and there.

It was all a bit of a sausage fest (boys’ party) for a good while. We were treated to a solid two hours of old school all stars before Lil’ Kim graced the stage to much fanfare. Announced as “The Original Queen Bee” – which was also proclaimed on her booty – the one, the only Lil’ Kim reigned as one of hip-hop’s most iconic and influential figures. Known for bold, provocative fashion, especially her iconic looks at the MTV VMAs and in music videos, Lil’ Kim mixed hardcore street lyrics with femininity and glamour. Lil’ Kim helped redefine what a woman in hip-hop could be: raunchy and refined, vulnerable and powerful, street-smart and fashion-forward. She’s certainly influenced nearly every female rapper who followed — from Nicki Minaj to Cardi B to Megan Thee Stallion.

From the first beat to the final encore, the energy was electric. The Hollywood Bowl pulsed with raw nostalgia and lyrical brilliance. Every performance was a love letter to ’95 — not just a playlist, but a living, breathing mixtape of the era.

The crowd? Hyped. United. Singing every bar like it was tattooed in their memory. We heard roars of recognition from the crowd at familiar beats rang out. Fans described the event as a “dream lineup” and “a flawless blend of throwback vibes and live energy.” The open-air magic of the Bowl added an almost spiritual vibe — crisp night air, glowing stage lights, and the boom of timeless beats under the stars.

Last year’s first Roots Picnic was off the chain. It’s thrilling that this concept has become a new institution, presented by the LA Phil.

The Roots Picnic: Class of ’95 wasn’t just a concert — it was a cultural reset. A reminder of when hip-hop was gritty, soulful, and unapologetically brilliant. If you missed it, hopefully the crew will return next year with a different spin on hip hop music. Because this? This was legendary.