The Roots Sued By Former Member: You Fired Me & You Owe Me Money!

The Roots Sued By Former Member

The Roots have been hit with a lawsuit. The legendary hip hop group was formed in 1987 by Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson in Philadelphia. Malik B., Leonard “Hub” Hubbard, and Josh Abrams were added to the band (formerly named “The Square Roots”).

The group is being sued by their former drummer, Frank ‘Knuckles’ Walker, who joined the band in 2002. He claims that he was fired in May, but the band has been using false advertisement, promoting performances as if he’s still with the band. Frank also alleges he was never paid his fair share of royalties. The lawsuit reads,

They simply kicked him out of The Roots and presumed he would forget about almost two decades of hard work, dedication, and effort he put into [the group]. 

Frank Knuckles Walker

Frank says of the situation,

I’ve been a member of the roots for 17 years and there has been a lot of bad paper work and bad business. This is definitely a pattern with these Roots guys.

The drummer maintains that his legacy could be damaged if The Roots continue promoting shows without admitting to their fanbase that he’s no longer part of the group.

Reportedly, this isn’t the first time a member of the group has had claims of not being properly compensated. In 2016, their former bassist Leonard “Hub” Hubbard sued claiming that they failed to pay him as a co-owner following his departure, which was required in his contract.

Hubbard was forced to leave the band in 2007 after being diagnosed with blood cancer, but the other members apparently agreed to keep compensating him. He alleged in his suit that while he did get paid, it was only a small portion of their profits.

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