10 Things to Expect at 2026 Roots Picnic With JAŸ-Z and Erykah Badu

So, the lineup for the 2026 Roots Picnic is here and... it's pretty stellar. In addition to boasting JAŸ-Z and Erykah Badu in the lineup, folks like Kehlani, T.I., De La Soul and other luminaries from across the Black music continuum are set to take the stage. With the big guns present, we've got a lot to look forward to, and in the coming days, after we've decided whether we can even afford these tickets. I'm sure all of us will speculate about just what will happen at the picnic. It's me. I am "us." 

Check out my 10 predictions for the 2026 Roots Picnic below. 

JAŸ-Z,Will Bring Out State Property

While he’s technically commemorating Reasonable Doubt, The Roots Picnic is in Philadelphia, and, stay with me, so are Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Young Chris, Neef Buck and the rest of State Property. I mean… it just seems like it would be a missed opportunity if they didn’t take the stage with HOV. A few of them did for his B-Sides concert years ago, so I’d bet on at least a variation of the group pulling up this time. 

The Roots Will Be JAŸ-Z’s Backing Band

Let’s not think too hard about this one: The Roots famously acted as HOV’s backing band for his 10th anniversary Reasonable Doubt concert, and this is his debut album at their festival. This should definitely happen, right? 

The Soulquarians Will Reunite

Questlove himself teased a Soulquarians reunion honoring the late, great D’Angelo. What better time than at The Roots’ own festival? It’s a perfect time to pay tribute to a legend and celebrate the members who are still alive to celebrate. 

There Will Be Multiple D’Angelo Tributes

Essentially, everyone loves D’Angelo, and with Erykah Badu, Kehlani and other singers present, I wouldn’t be surprised to see multiple D’Angelo covers throughout the picnic. And that’s not even counting the shoutouts and emotional impromptu speeches that should be dedicated to the late singer. Things will get heavy, but having the crowd rock out to “Devil’s Pie” in any form is probably just the sort of tribute D’Angelo would have wanted. 

T.I. Will Celebrate 'King'’s 20th Anniversary 

T.I. is currently in the middle of reminding everyone how and why he became King of the South, as “Let ‘Em Know” is doing big numbers everywhere. Ahead of his new album, that’s exactly the momentum he should want. But I have a feeling he’ll take a moment to acknowledge the 20th anniversary of his King album, too. Tip was already a star when the album came out, but King was the LP that essentially etched his face onto the Mount Rushmore of Atlanta rappers. It’s only right he’ll take a moment to remember the moment. 

JAY-Z Will Bring Out 'Reasonable Doubt' Collaborators 

Just go ‘head and cue up guest performances from Mary J. Blige (“Can’t Knock the Hustle”), Memphis Bleek (“Coming of Age”) and Foxy Brown (“Ain’t No Nigga”). One of or all of them will pull up to support HOV’S show. I’d almost say it’s — beyond a reasonable doubt. 

Someone Will Make a Major Album Announcement

Look, JAY-Z is clearly promoting and celebrating the 30th and 25th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint, respectively. He’s going to deliver two separate Yankee Stadium shows honoring the milestones in July. But. BUT! It’s been nearly 10 years since he dropped a solo album, and I can’t help but feel like he could have one coming. And The Roots Picnic might be the beginning of that rollout. 

But HOV isn’t the only person who could drop a major announcement bomb during the picnic. Erykah Badu had been teasing her Alchemist joint album, Abi & Alan, for a while, but we still don’t have a release date. This would be a fine time to make such an announcement, if I do say so myself. 

Erykah Badu Will Perform Some of Her Alchemist Collab Album

Speaking of Erykah — it’s been time for you to drop Abi & Alan. Full disclosure: I heard the album at a listening event last fall. It was as dope as you think it would be. I would guess that she’ll take the time to perform at least a few tracks from the project, and when she does, folks will only want the album more. 

… The Alchemist Will Show Up

I mean, they do have an album together, and Erykah Badu is the headliner. The ball’s in her court, and I think she’ll shoot it for ALC to pull up and watch her sing over his beats before or after he performs “Hold You Down” or one of his newer songs with Hit-Boy. A lot to look forward to, especially since everybody’s waiting on their damn album to come out. 

Will Smith Will Pull Up for DJ Jazzy Jeff

Jazzy Jeff is having his own segment at this year’s Roots Picnic, and it would be something worse than a missed opportunity if Will didn’t pop out to perform the theme song from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and maybe “Parents Just Don’t Understand.” Maybe even some of Will’s latest album. There are options.