The Roots are an influential Grammy Awar-winning American band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are famed for a having a jazzy, eclectic approach to hip-hop which includes live instrumentation. Their debut album was released in 1993 and they have collaborated with a wide range of artists from different genres, including Roy Ayers and Cody Chesnutt. Inspired by Stetsasonic, The Roots have garnered critical acclaim and influenced many rap and R&B acts.