The Roots Recruit TV on the Radio, Public Enemy, Santigold for Philadelphia Picnic

This morning Billboard broke the news that the Roots will take a time out from serving as Jimmy Fallon's house band when the hip-hop collective stage the second annual Roots' Picnic on June 6th at their Philadelphia hometown's Liberty Pier. Joining the Roots, who will play both the day's opening and closing sets, are TV on the Radio, Public Enemy, the Black Keys and a fellow Philly native, Santigold. As if the Roots weren't busy enough, they'll also serve as Public Enemy's backing band when the rappers perform their It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back in its entirety, marking the first time a live band has backed Public Enemy for the album.

Also participating in the festivities: The Pipes featuring Zoe Kravitz, Busdriver and — spinning between sets — DJ Jazzy Jeff of Fresh Prince fame as well as DJ Cash Money. On the second stage, the City of Brotherly Love will get performances by Kid Cudi, Asher Roth, Back to Basics and more. Overall, this is the best thing to ever happen to Philadelphia, better than the Liberty Bell, the cheesesteak and the Phillies' World Series win last year.

If you can't wait until June to catch Public Enemy and the Roots in action, Chuck D and Flavor Flav will be the musical guests on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon this coming Monday, March 16th. Rock Daily recently talked to the Roots while the band rehearsed upwards of 200 songs in preparation for their nightly gig as Fallon's house band. For much more from ?uestlove and the rest of the crew, check out our exclusive behind-the-scenes video here: Up Past Midnight With The Roots: Hanging With Jimmy Fallon's New House Band

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Song Stories

“Time to Pretend”

MGMT | 2008

Listening to MGMT’s breakthrough song, one might interpret it as being about the excesses of rock stardom, but it’s actually about the duo’s pet praying mantis. Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden told Rolling Stone they got the idea from the insect's jerky movements. The mantis died, but the two bandmates kept the egg sack and allowed the hundreds of eggs to hatch. “We tried to name them all, but they died after a day,” said Goldwasser, with VanWyngarden chiming in, “But the praying mantis dance inspired us.”

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