Philadelphia lyricist Black Thought is an exceptional wordsmith who first emerged as part of the well-known collective The Roots. The emcee is renowned for his lyrical ability and extremely conscious lyrics alongside a very soulful and jazz-inspired type of sonic. The rapper is also a known poet, infusing his work with a literary poise.
The power of Black Thought’s pen is unfathomable, and his 2017 Funk Flex freestyle on HOT 97.0 showcased his flawless flow and lyrical versatility. The emcee’s music is extraordinarily Afro-centric and politically insightful.
The musician (real name Tariq Trotter) was a seminal member of The Roots, a hip-hop collective and band formed in the late 1980s by Trotter and his friend Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson. However, before joining the group with Scott Storch and Ben Kenney, to name a few, Trotter had idols of his own.
Trotter was born to parents who were both part of the Black-Islamic religious movement, The Nation Of Islam and many of his inspirations were artists focusing on the state of African-American society. The artist has previously cited Big Daddy Kane as someone who “revolutionised” his style.
However, during an Instagram Live interview with Fatman Scoop, Black Thought reflected on other artists who shaped him. Revealing one, Trotter unveiled, “There’s certain artists that are one-fifth of who I feel makes me up, and Rakim is one of those dudes,” he continued.
“I occupy a dope space where most of the MCs that I have a certain level of respect for, that respect is mutual. That’s all the validity, that’s all really the accolades, that’s all my flowers while I’m still here.” However, he named some more.
You can see the lyricist’s top ten below.
Black Thought’s 10 favourite rappers of all time:
- Rakim
- Chuck D
- Kool G Rap
- KRS-One
- Big Daddy Kane
- The D.O.C.
- Rev Run
- Schoolly D
- EST
- LL Cool J
