So our minds are kind of blown! The RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) just confirmed that The Roots' Things Fall Apart (MCA Records) has been certified platinum. This is the band's first platinum album, which was released in February, 1999. It features the Grammy Award-winning song "You Got Me" with Eryka Badu and Eve, along with contributions from J Dilla (as Jay Dee), DJ Jazzy Jeff, Scott Storch, Common, Mos Def, Beanie Sigel and Dice Raw. Congrats to The Roots for an honor that is long overdue! The group also has a certified gold album from their work with 2002's Phrenology.

It was just announce that the 6th annual Roots Picnic will be returning once again to the Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing for one day only this year on Saturday, June 1. The lineup was also revealed with Lushlife and (of course) The Roots representing Philly so far. Other acts already confirmed on the bill include Grimes, How to Dress Well, Gary Clark, Jr., Naughty by Nature, Solange, and more, which you can check out on the flier (above). Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 25 via Ticketmaster with a limited supply of Early Bird Special ones.

The Roots Picnic comes to the Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing this weekend, and the annual event (now in its 5th year) will bring its usual blend of hip hop and indie/electronic acts. The Roots will be earning their money this Saturday and Sunday when they headline both nights along with backing legendary rappers De La Soul and the man with a master plan Rakim. Both days will feature indie darlings like St. Vincent, tUnE-yArDs, James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem), and Diplo. And plenty of more national/international and local acts will be occupying both stages (just check out the rest of the list HERE). Most of our staff will be there so hopefully you will be too. It’ll also be beautiful weather for a picnic so we hope to see you sooner than later. Cheers! Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Blvd. and Spring Garden St., 12pm (Saturday) & 5pm (Sunday), $50-$80, All Ages - Bill McThrill

Hey y’all! The Roots Picnic is once again returning to the Festival Pier this weekend, and has expanded to two-days of hip hop and indie music heavyweights like The Roots (of course), De La Soul, James Murphy, St. Vincent, tUnE-yArDs, Kid Cudi, Rakim, Diplo and much, much more. It also looks like we are going to have beautiful festival weather which is a perfect reason to get outdoors again after all this heat and humidity. Now, we know how festival ticket prices can be a drag on your money situation, but we here at The Deli love when we can provide you some free music and good times so we’ll be giving away a pair of tickets to the Roots Picnic for the next three days starting today! All you have to do is email us which artist you are most excited to see this weekend at the Festival Pier with your name and cell phone number (just in case of emergency) at thedelimagazinephiladelphia@gmail.com, and you’ll be hearing back from us if you are chosen. Also “follow” us on Twitter and “like” us on Facebook for more opportunities to win. We look forward to gettin’ down with you - good luck!

According to HipHopDX, the lineup has been announced for this year’s Philly Fourth of July Jam, which is being hailed as the “largest free concert in America” with over 500,000 people attending last year’s event. Once again, The Roots will be headlining the evening with additional performances from Queen Latifah, Common, Darryl Hall and Joe Jonas (ewww). Things will be kicking off at noon on the Ben Franklin Parkway.

“I’m President Barack Obama, and I, too, want to 'Slow Jam the News.'” Check out the POTUS speaking about his position on the student loan issue last night with Jimmy Fallon and The Roots. Enjoy!

It’s that time of year again. You know that summer is just around the corner with the announcement by Okayplayer of the lineup for The Roots Picnic. This year’s festival has expanded to two days June 2 & 3 at Festival Pier, and will include performances by (obviously) The Roots, who will be doing their own set and backing hip hop legends De La Soul, both Major Lazer and Diplo solo, St. Vincent, tUnE-yArDs, James Murphy DJing, Danny Brown, Shabazz Palaces, Kid Cudi, The Hood Internet, Flosstradamus, Chill Moody, and many others. Pre-sale begins today, and two-day passes for $80 will only be available until 10pm this evening (just use the password: picnic). You can purchase your tickets HERE. General public tix go on sale this Friday at 10am.