Questlove Reveals Syd, Benny The Butcher Features on New Roots Album

August 22, 2025 587 79 5

Questlove is offering a few details about the upcoming album from The Roots, which will be the legendary Philly crew’s first album in over a decade. During an appearance on Score: The Podcast, Questo was asked if there were any “unexpected” collaborations on the album, which is titled End Game.

“I think we’ve worked with everyone,” he began, “The Benny The Butcher song from Griselda is still on there. Syd from The Internet—her song is still on there. Everybody and their mom has kinda been working with us, but I still don’t know what the final configuration is.”

Questlove also revealed that he expects the album to drop in early 2026.

“It has to be the top of next year,” he explained. “We’ve been allowed to sort of co-exist, smooth sailing, for, like, ten years. But now, it’s getting kind of scary on the touring circuit.”

After feeling audiences at the band’s live shows were getting stale, Questlove says he realized “I need a hit!” The Oscar and Grammy winner then admitted that he had to make a hard rule to get the new Roots project finished.

“I now have an agreement that, come November—no more new songs,” Questlove says. “Cuz everyday I’m literally waking up to ‘ohmigod, I’ve got an even better idea—and an even better idea—and an even better idea !’”

The Roots have stayed busy onstage. Back in June, stars from GloRilla to Jeezy and Lenny Kravitz rocked the 2025 Roots Picnic, which was held in Philly at The Mann in Fairmount Park. Curated by The Roots in partnership with Live Nation Urban, the diverse lineup proved to be an impressively eclectic showcase: from soul to jazz, from hip-hop to R&B, from house to pop, and from Afrobeats to rock.