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The Roots Act As House Band @ Philly 7/4 Jam
The Roots worked as the house band for top-selling acts like Nicki Minaj and Ed Sheeran for its annual free concert Friday in Philadelphia celebrating Independence Day.
The Roots
Photo: Mark Stehle/Invision/AP
The Roots Philly 4th of July Jam on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia.
Sheeran sang “The A Team” as well as his latest hit, “Sing.” The latter track is from his new album, +.
The event starring Questlove, Black Thought and other members of the hip-hop band aired live on VH1 and Palladia.
Minaj was energetic during her set, telling the crowd that Philadelphia is one of “her favorite places.” She performed “Super Bass,” ‘‘Pills N Potions” and closed with “Moment 4 Life.”
Pop singer Ariana Grande was supposed to be part of the lineup Friday, but her representative said she had to pull out because of a family emergency.
Photo: Matt Rourke/AP
The Roots Philly 4th of July Jam on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia.
Hudson belted her signature high notes, especially on “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” When she sang “Spotlight,” Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter got out of his seat, nodded his head and sang along.
Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway is also the home for the Jay Z-curated