Collegiate Times

Roots take over Burruss Hall.

As the lights dimmed for a second time, the auditorium was about a third of the way full, and fans remained on the edge of their seats waiting for the main event.

"I've been a Roots fain since about 1997 or '98. The last time they were in Blacksburg I saw them, about seven years ago, and I definitely had to come back," said VT graduate Matt Hudson. "They're a real band, and I'm expecting them to take care of business, do what they always do, what they came to do, and rock the house."

"The Roots are just a dynamic band, and the BSA always tries to bring the best of the best," said BSA President Portia Galloway, on their decision to bring the group to Tech.

Low music emanated from the stage as the band's equipment was arranged, in the pauses between which shouts of "?uestlove!" could be heard from all corners of the crowd.

The legendary drummer was definitely one of the main attractions last night.

When asked what he was most excited about, university studies major Logan Tibout only replied, "?uestlove. He's a bad a-- drummer."

BSA President Portia Galloway echoed his sentiment, "?uestlove is what students are really looking forward to. He's an excellent lyricist."

The audience jumped a mile to their feet as a spotlight illuminated lead MC Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter who let the crowd know, "you are now rockin' with the best," before kicking into the band's first song.

Rhyming in rapid-fire bursts so fast it was almost impossible to follow, he kicked off the night with the band's song "Web," sending the crowd crazy.

Toward the end of the song, the lights on the rest of the stage went up revealing the full band, which included a set of bongo drums alongside a traditional drum set, guitar, bass, keyboard and even a tuba.

Without a pause, the band launched into its hit "Game Theory," and the band remained upbeat during the high-energy set, with even the tuba player still bopping around the stage throughout.

Throughout the night, the band played an incredibly crowd-pleasing set, mixing old favorites with newer tracks and keeping the audience on its feet and rapt with attention.

"(The Roots) are quality music, and it has a purpose to it," said freshman engineering major Jazmin Doss.

Last night's concert in Burruss will certainly be one that the audience won't forget for a long time.

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