The Roots and Gym Class Heroes team up for tour

Alternative-rap group the Gym Class Heroes and hip-hop royalty The Roots are sharing command of their fall tour with UK singer Estelle.

The groups are co-headlining in support of “Rising Down,” released by The Roots in April 2008, and “The Quilt,” to be released September 9 by Gym Class Heroes. The tour premieres October 3 in Baltimore, MD, and winds down November 1 in Albany, NY.

Hailing from Geneva, NY, Gym Class Heroes have been on the scene since their founding in 1997. The band’s first album, “Hed Candy,” dropped in 1999, but their third album, 2001’s “…For the Kids,” gave the quartet their first taste of success. “The Quilt” is the sixth full-length album (though only the fourth studio recording) for Gym Class Heroes, who blend elements of alternative rock and hip-hop in their tunes.

The Roots heave nearly two decades of experience under their belts, having formed in Philadelphia in 1987. “Rising Down” is the eighth studio release for the group, whose unique approach to their genre has influenced many rap and R&B artists, and led to various collaborations. Guests on the current album include Common, Mos Def and Talib Kwelli. Prior to this co-headlining tour, The Roots did a leg of solo dates in the spring and performed at the SoCo and Whistler music festivals.

Gym Class Heroes and The Roots will share their billing with Estelle, a hip-hop singer from West London. The 2008 album “Shine” is the second for Estelle, who debuted in 2004 with “The 18th Day.” Both albums were released by the singer’s own record label, Stellar Ents. Estelle has won multiple awards in her native UK, and was nominated for “Best New Artist” at the 2008 BET Awards.

Gym Class Heroes / The Roots itinerary:
(Dates subject to change.)