Tag Archives: black thought

Happy 53rd Birthday To The Roots’ Frontman Black Thought!

fugees the roots black thoought

fugees the roots black thoought

Born on this date in 1971 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as Tariq Luqmaan Trotter, Black Thought, the lead emcee of the legendary Hip Hop band The Roots, has created his key to success with simply one word; longevity.

Thought has always been regarded as one of the most lyrical post-Golden Era emcees, yet received very little recognition for his prowess outside of his work with the entire Roots band, which is now a staple of ‘The Tonight Show.’ This summer’s Streams Of Thought: Vol. 1 just further proves his “staying power” in any circles where rhymes are being spit.

Growing up in a Nation Of Islam household, Trotter’s family life was very cultured, leading him to seek knowledge among the Five Percent Nation in high school. There is where he met The Roots’ co-founder Amhir Thompson, whom they originally named the group The Square Roots.

Throughout the two-decade span of his illustrious career since The Roots debut in 1993, Thought has earned a Grammy win, appeared in two blockbuster films(Bamboozled, Brooklyn Babylon), and appeared on several groundbreaking albums.

On this day, The Source Magazine would like to salute Mr. Trotter on his Birthday, wishing him an enjoyable day and many more to come!

The post Happy 53rd Birthday To The Roots’ Frontman Black Thought! first appeared on .

The post Happy 53rd Birthday To The Roots’ Frontman Black Thought! appeared first on .

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

Today In Hip Hop History: Rawkus Records Released The ‘Lyricist Lounge Volume One’ Album 26 Years Ago

lyricist lounge

On May 5th, 1998 Rawkus Records released the first installment of the Lyricist Lounge albums titled Lyricist Lounge, Volume One, which showcased New York. It was a double-disc compilation that featured De La Soul, Mos Def, Q-Tip, Tash of Tha Alkaholiks, Punch & Words, O.C, Ras Kass, Black Thought, Common, Pharoahe Monch, Saul Williams, Kool Keith, Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek, Bahamadia, Rah Digga, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Jurassic 5, KRS-One, Zack de la Rocha of Rage Against the Machine, Last Emperor, and Company Flow.

This CD is one of those that you don’t get often. It had incredible and intensely clever wordplay, and was great for the culture because of the positive support it showed for hip hop. Back then everyone thought hip-hop was rap music and rap music was gangsta. It made people think twice before making an assumption like that. Any hip-hop purist who enjoys freestyles and great rhymes that make you think then this is the album for you.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Rawkus Records Released The ‘Lyricist Lounge Volume One’ Album 26 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Rawkus Records Released The ‘Lyricist Lounge Volume One’ Album 26 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

Madlib Drops “REEKYOD” Single Feat. Black Thought & Your Old Droog

Madlib Drops "REEKYOD" Single Feat. Black Thought & Your Old Droog

Renowned producer Madlib unveils his latest single, “REEKYOD,” featuring the lyrical talents of Black Thought and Your Old Droog. Making its debut on Madlib’s newly minted label, Madlib Invazion, the track showcases the iconic artist’s innovative approach to hip-hop.

Teaming up with acclaimed artist Mathieu Bitton for the single’s artwork, Madlib presents “REEKYOD” as more than just a song; it’s a testament to artistic independence and musical brilliance. The collaboration celebrates the essence of hip-hop, highlighting real rhymes, captivating beats, and the profound connection between emcee and producer.

“This is strictly for the honorees. Madlib is in his bag per usual and YOD is more than a force to be reckoned with. Simply complex, this piece is high art. Triple threat. Instant classique,” says Black Thought.

“It’s an honor to be inducted into the heavyweight class of hip hop,” Droog shares. “To be able to spar with one of the greatest MC’s on a beat by the greatest producer is a dream come true. Look out for the Madlib x YOD album coming soon.”

“REEKYOD” not only delivers an unforgettable listening experience but also serves as a declaration of artistic freedom, reaffirming Madlib’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre. With Black Thought and Your Old Droog adding their distinct styles to the mix, the single stands as a tribute to hip-hop’s enduring legacy and the enduring creativity of its artists.

The post Madlib Drops “REEKYOD” Single Feat. Black Thought & Your Old Droog first appeared on The Source.

The post Madlib Drops “REEKYOD” Single Feat. Black Thought & Your Old Droog appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

Today in Hip-Hop History: The Roots Released Their Sophomore Album ‘Do You Want More?!!!??!’ 28 Years Ago

tumblr cc166f10e6408c502309c55bc49ac8a8 a87c847e 1280

On this date in 1995, Black Thought, Questlove, Dice Raw, Rahzel and the original Roots crew dropped the Philly Hip Hop collective’s second LP Do You Want More?!!!??! on DGC Records. Recognized as a classic fusion of Hip Hop and jazz, Do You Want More?!!!??! was the first major full-length debut from the Philly-based group.

Produced primarily by The Grand Negaz and Questlove, the singles the led the album was the catchy “You Ain’t Fly”, “The Lesson Part 1”, which introduced Black Thought’s lyrical protegé, the one, and only Dice Raw.

Commercially, the album didn’t do the number doing its era, however, the album was certified Gold by the RIAA more than two decades after the year of its release(2015).

Salute to Mr. Tariq Trotter, Questlove, the beatbox extraordinaire Rahzel, Dice Raw and the entire Roots crew for this.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: The Roots Released Their Sophomore Album ‘Do You Want More?!!!??!’ 28 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: The Roots Released Their Sophomore Album ‘Do You Want More?!!!??!’ 28 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

Today in Hip-Hop History: The Roots Released Their Sophomore Album ‘Do You Want More?!!!??!’ 28 Years Ago

tumblr cc166f10e6408c502309c55bc49ac8a8 a87c847e 1280

On this date in 1995, Black Thought, Questlove, Dice Raw, Rahzel and the original Roots crew dropped the Philly Hip Hop collective’s second LP Do You Want More?!!!??! on DGC Records. Recognized as a classic fusion of Hip Hop and jazz, Do You Want More?!!!??! was the first major full-length debut from the Philly-based group.

Produced primarily by The Grand Negaz and Questlove, the singles the led the album was the catchy “You Ain’t Fly”, “The Lesson Part 1”, which introduced Black Thought’s lyrical protegé, the one, and only Dice Raw.

Commercially, the album didn’t do the number doing its era, however, the album was certified Gold by the RIAA more than two decades after the year of its release(2015).

Salute to Mr. Tariq Trotter, Questlove, the beatbox extraordinaire Rahzel, Dice Raw and the entire Roots crew for this.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: The Roots Released Their Sophomore Album ‘Do You Want More?!!!??!’ 28 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: The Roots Released Their Sophomore Album ‘Do You Want More?!!!??!’ 28 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

Happy 52nd Birthday To The Roots’ Frontman Black Thought!

Screen Shot 2023 10 03 at 8.58.53 AM

Born on this date in 1971 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as Tariq Luqmaan Trotter, Black Thought, the lead emcee of the legendary Hip Hop band The Roots, has created his key to success with simply one word; longevity.

Thought has always been regarded as one of the most lyrical post-Golden Era emcees, yet received very little recognition for his prowess outside of his work with the entire Roots band, which is now a staple of ‘The Tonight Show.’ This summer’s Streams Of Thought: Vol. 1 just further proves his “staying power” in any circles where rhymes are being spit.

Growing up in a Nation Of Islam household, Trotter’s family life was very cultured, leading him to seek knowledge among the Five Percent Nation in high school. There is where he met The Roots’ co-founder Amhir Thompson, whom they originally named the group The Square Roots.

Throughout the two-decade span of his illustrious career since The Roots debut in 1993, Thought has earned a Grammy win, appeared in two blockbuster films(Bamboozled, Brooklyn Babylon), and appeared on several groundbreaking albums.

On this day, The Source Magazine would like to salute Mr. Trotter on his Birthday, wishing him an enjoyable day and many more to come!

The post Happy 52nd Birthday To The Roots’ Frontman Black Thought! first appeared on The Source.

The post Happy 52nd Birthday To The Roots’ Frontman Black Thought! appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

Black Thought to Release Memoir, “The Upcycled Self,” Offering Insights Into His Legendary Rap Career & Life Lessons

Black Thought

Philadelphia rapper and The Roots frontman Black Thought, whose real name is Tariq Trotter, prepares to captivate readers with his upcoming memoir titled The Upcycled Self. Set to be released on November 14 by One World, the memoir aims to provide a courageous model of living an examined life. Black Thought delves into his journey […]

The post Black Thought to Release Memoir, “The Upcycled Self,” Offering Insights Into His Legendary Rap Career & Life Lessons appeared first on SOHH.com.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

Black Thought Gets More Personal on Sophomore Full-Length Solo Album “Glorious Game” (Album Review)

This is the 2nd solo album from Philadelphia veteran Black Thought. Most notable for being the frontman of The Roots, he has since cemented himself as one of the most skilled & well respected lyricists in all of hip hop from his work with the band or his lengthy list of show-stopping features. However, it wouldn’t be until 2018 when he finally started putting out projects under his own name with the 9th Wonder-produced debut EP Streams of Thought before following up with the Salaam Remi-produced sequel Streams of Thought 2: Traxploitation & of course the Sean Cane produced full-length debut Streams of Thought 3: Cain & Abel that wrapped up the trilogy. Last time we heard from Thought was last summer when he & Danger Mouse finally released their Dangerous Thoughts debut Cheat Codes after 17 years in the making to universal acclaim, but is returning alongside El Michels Affair to spit some Glorious Game.

“Grateful” is a consciously abstract opener to the album with Black Thought encouraging the listeners to at least show some gratitude whereas “Glorious Game” takes a more jazzier, psychedelic soul route to talk about how mackin’ & pimpin’ never died. “I’m Still Somehow” dives into spacier territory as far as sound goes confessing the heat he received from a friend & that black joy is rebellion, but then “Hollow Way” goes into boom bap turf asking if it’s the monster within or that causes black-on-black violence.

Meanwhile on “Protocol”, we have Thought over a more summery instrumental explaining that he’s from another planet & takes shit for granted leading into “The Weather” continues to dive into mellower territory looking back on the crazy summers he’s lived through. “That Girl” is a heartfelt ode to his wife Michelle with a sample-based beat just before “I Would Never” blends returns to the boom bap with a soul sample unloading spiritual baggage & telling those who’re still here to do their job.

“Alone” continues to fuse kicks, snares & keys to make it clear to the listeners who can’t help but feel loneliness while the song “Miracle” has some jazzy undertones throughout the beat has Black Thought talks about never realizing how much he had to sacrifice to be in the position that he’s in now. Then after the “Glorious Game” reprise interlude, the closer “Alter Ego” incorporates some synthesizers so he can admit publicly that he he was starting to lose his drive 15 years ago.

I would say it’s better than Cheat Codes but if you admire Mr. Trotter’s lyrical talents as much as I do, then I think you’re gonna like Glorious Game almost as much & it increases my anticipation for the 4th installment of the Streams of Thought series that was announced earlier this week whenever the time comes. The subject matter here is more personal & transparent & El Michels Affair’s production here is more bottom-heavy yet soul-tinged as opposed to Danger Mouse’s.

Score: 8/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

Spread the love
             
 
   

[WATCH] Beanie Sigel Details Being in a Rap Group with Black Thought in Elementary School

Beanie Sigel Details Being in a Rap Group with Black Thought in Elementary School

Philly rap talent is insane. Can you believe at one point Beanie Sigel and Black Thought were in the same rap group? Who wants those problems? Beanie was a guest on Vlad TV and he revealed he and Black Thought were in an elementary school rap group together.

Black Thought, that was my first rap partner,” Sigel revealed. “Yeah, we were in a group in elementary school. Cousin Reek, Tyreek, we went to school together, everything.”

Nuts, right? Beanie added a bit more, stating they did everything together, from graffiti to breakdancing. The two even skipped school to listen to Sugar Hill Gang.

You can check it out below.

Earlier this week, the Broad Street Bully celebrated a birthday. If you missed his March 6 celebration, be sure to drop a tweet or IG comment and wish him a happy belated.

The post [WATCH] Beanie Sigel Details Being in a Rap Group with Black Thought in Elementary School appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

[WATCH] Black Thought Delivers His ‘Love Letter to Hip-Hop’ to Celebrate Hip-Hop 50

Black Thought Delivers His 'Love Letter to Hip-Hop' to Celebrate Hip-Hop 50

Black Thought is showing the full range of his gift in a new love letter to Hip-Hop. The release is a part of BET’s 50th anniversary of hip-hop programming. The poem calls out the icons of the culture ranging from artists to fashion icons, while also examining the eras of struggle and triumph that Black people have endured.

“This is Part 2 of our Love Letter to Hip Hop and if you’re not keeping up, I need you to,” BET wrote on Instagram. “We hit up @blackthought to pen a tribute to Hip Hop as we celebrate its 50th and of course, the pen is ridiculous.”

You can watch it all below.

The post [WATCH] Black Thought Delivers His ‘Love Letter to Hip-Hop’ to Celebrate Hip-Hop 50 appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love