Lil' John Roberts

Lil' John Roberts is among the most noteworthy and versatile drummers of his generation, a musician whose large footprint covers jazz, R&B, gospel, hip-hop, and rock. Above all, he is known for extensive touring and session work for the likes of Janet Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and dozens of jazz artists including George Howard, George Duke, and Walter Beasley. Although he is from Philadelphia with links to local artists ranging from DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince to Jill Scott, he is also a major background figure in his adopted home base of Atlanta. Roberts' recordings as a leader in name are limited to two very different albums. The Heartbeat (2014) crossed genres with appearances from the likes of Robert Glasper, Sa-Roc, and Chantae Cann. Elevation (2024), released after Roberts became a professor at Berklee College of Music (his alma mater), sought to instill hope and engender healing with meditative and primarily ambient compositions.