Questlove has been criticized for including Sexyy Red on this year’s Roots Picnic lineup.
The “Pound Town” rapper is among a number of big names that the drummer unveiled as a performer at the annual Philadelphia music festival.
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Headlining the festival is Lil Wayne, Nas and Jill Scott, while the likes of André 3000, Cam’ron, Gunna, Babyface and Wale are also on the bill.
But it is the inclusion of Sexyy Red that is generating the most discussion.
Questlove announced her spot on the bill on Instagram on Monday (February 19) by posting a photo of the St. Louis native and writing: “Please welcome @sexyyred to @rootspicnic 2024!”
The announcement didn’t go over well with many fans, with one commenting: “Of ALL the sisters doing positive Hip Hop y’all really gonna promote this Hot ass mess?”
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Another referenced one of The Roots’ classic songs, saying: “I guess the song ‘What They Do’ has officially lost its meaning.”
One commenter brought up Sexyy’s support of former president Donald Trump, writing: “She’s a 45 supporter too. She might show up in a pair of those Air Treasons.”
Others, however, defended the move, arguing that Hip Hop is a broad church: “There’s enough room for Sexyy Red in Hip-Hop.”
Someone else said: “The hate this woman gets is wild. Relax, guys. Not every artist is making art for YOU.”
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Since the Roots Picnic was established in 2008, the festival has hosted a diverse range of artists including Future, City Girls and G-Eazy.
Its stages have also seen a number of non-Hip Hop artists perform including Vampire Weekend, Gary Clark Jr. and Diplo.
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This year’s Roots Picnic takes place on June 1 and 2 at The Mann in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia.
