The Roots is an American hip-hop group formed in Philadelphia in the late 1980s around Black Thought and Questlove. Unlike much of the rap of their era, they developed a sound largely performed with live instruments, blending hip-hop, soul, jazz, funk and rock influences, with a strong emphasis on groove and live performance. With albums such as Do You Want More?!!!??!, Things Fall Apart and Game Theory, The Roots became one of the most respected and innovative groups in hip-hop history.