The Roots worked as the house band for top-selling acts like Nicki Minaj and Ed Sheeran for its annual free concert yesterday in Philadelphia celebrating Independence Day.
The Roots Philly 4th of July Jam was held on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, where U.K.-based Sheeran closed the three-hour event that also featured Jennifer Hudson and Aloe Blacc.
Sheeran sang The A Team as well as his latest hit, Sing. The latter track is from his new album, +, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart this week.
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.