Black Thought

Black Thought, born Tariq Trotter, is a Philadelphia-based rapper and co-founder of the pioneering hip-hop group The Roots, widely regarded as one of the genre's most technically gifted and consistent MCs. Known for his dense, socially aware lyricism and effortless live delivery, he built his reputation as much through The Roots' live-band hip-hop as through his own verses, blending jazz, soul, and funk influences with sharp, character-driven storytelling.

Beyond The Roots, Black Thought is also a founding member of the supergroup Money Making Jam Boys alongside fellow Roots collaborators such as Dice Raw, STS, Truck North, and Greg Porn, contributing to projects like the acclaimed Undun. His freestyle appearances, particularly extended sessions on radio shows like Funkmaster Flex's, have become celebrated moments in hip-hop, showcasing his rapid-fire wordplay and stamina as a lyricist.

Critically, Black Thought is frequently placed alongside figures like Yasiin Bey, Talib Kweli, Q-Tip, and members of Wu-Tang Clan as one of the defining voices of conscious, lyrically dense hip-hop. His work spans decades of Roots albums as well as solo and collaborative projects that continue to earn him recognition as a rapper's rapper.