1. The Roots are not a hip-hop group. It’s too easy to classify them as such. It’s like calling The Clash just a punk band. Like The Clash, The Roots cull from so many genres and delve into so many different types of music, you never know what to expect next. You just know whatever they play is going to be played with excellence.

2. Was this a setlist or an hour-long medley? The Roots ripped off cut after cut with no breaks, just hot transitions led by the relentless hands of Questlove on the drums. The break-neck pace was thrilling, leaving the audience without a chance to take a breath, keeping them involved the entire time.

3. “Captain” Kirk Douglas played one of the more intriguing guitar solos of the year, mimicking his voice with whatever notes he was playing. Elements of scat, jazz and rock fused in a “what will he do next?” moment.

4. Why isn’t Black Thought mentioned more often as one of the great all-time emcees? His ability to change course is impressive. Early on, he showed off his steadiness on “The Next Movement” then later went buck wild on Kool G Rap cover “Men At Work.” The latter might have been the highlight in set full of highlights. The speed and energy of his flow would make even the strongest doubters, believers.

5. The most unexpected cover of the fest will likely be The Roots send up of Guns’N’Roses “Sweet Child Of Mine,” complete with Slashesque guitar intro. “The best band in late night” continues to prove that they are one of those bands that have the confidence to do anything and do it well.