Interview: Questlove Talks About The Roots Re-Signing To Def Jam, Their New Album, & What Jay-Z Once Begged Him To Do

The Roots' drummer tells us about making “mid-life crisis” records and how he still hasn't met the new president of his label.

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Complex Original

Earlier this week, Complex hit up the Captain Morgan Step Into the Black party in New York City. You know what was even tastier than the new Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum? Questlove of The Roots bringing his talents to the 1s and 2s. Lucky for us, we also got to chop it up with the legendary drummer, DJ, and all-around music man to find out what's going on with The Roots.

With his pick lodged firmly in his trademark afro, Questo sat with us in his dressing room—while The Walkman were playing a set downstairs—to get the scoop on The Roots re-signing with Def Jam. He told us how constant touring has shaped The Roots sound, how he still hasn’t met the new president of his label, and what Complex list he was pissed he wasn’t on...

Interview by Insanul Ahmed (@Incilin)

On The Roots Re-Signing To Def Jam

Signing With Def Jam In 2006

The New Roots Album

How Touring Affects Their Albums

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