The CRAZY part of it is that people only regard him as a GOAT by his recordings. People that have witnessed his live shows with the Roots know he is one of the greatest live performers too!
Black Thought is the greatest rapper in the history of the genre... he is a culmination of all the greats he mentioned in this interview. He is an ardent student and historian of the craft, and he absolutely raps from another planet, not in this orbit. AND he's only gotten better with time. Being a Philly native, I might be a tad bit biased, but put any name up to his, and I guarantee he lights them on their best day. Salute!!
Black Thought is my number 1 all-time favorite MC. But, if I’m being honest, in the early days back when I thought Malik B was a part of the band, he was my favorite MC between the two! Eventually, Malik would take a step back from music while Thought continued to progress to God-like levels. While I wish he was still here creating that beautiful back & forth with BT, I can take solace knowing I gave him his flowers from way back. R.I.P. Malik B.
TIME STAMPS: 2:24 -- Black Thought gives his take on why Talib's recorded verse for The Roots' 'Double Trouble' didn't make it to the official release and speaks on when he was first introduced to Yasiin Bey and the time Mos held up that studio session when he never returned from leaving to grab a fish sandwich. They go on to discuss Thought's evolution in the arts, bringing his skill set into the acting world and writing the musical titled, 'Black No More.' 8:06 -- Thought and Talib discuss the impact of The Roots and how they have been the springboard for so many other influential collectives going forward. They go on to talk about the crew's challenges in being fully recognized as emcees when they entered the early 90's scene as a live hip hop band from Philly. They also dig into The Roots getting a street named after them and Thought gets personal as he shares how he managed to cope with losing his mother and father at such an early age. 13:25 -- Thought breaks down the origin of his rap name, how it was inspired by visual art, and how much he was focused on finding a name that could have layers, would stand the test of time, and not be linked to any of the current trends. They also take it back to Thought's first rap name of Hawk Smooth as he explains how it was inspired by a select verse from Big Daddy Kane's early hit, 'Set It Off.' 17:45 -- Talib brings up the lineage of emcees that Black Thought belongs to, with his rhyme style forefathers being pioneers like Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, and Kool G Rap. Thought expresses the honor of being viewed as one of the torch bearers for keeping the soul of hip hop alive. They also talk about the love and respect that Big Pun had for Black Thought, the legacy of Shawn C and LV, as well as Questlove and his being "the gatekeeper of all-things musical." 24:21 -- Talib brings up his memories of being plugged into The Roots' early records like 'Organix' and tells why his roommate threw out his 'Do You Want More?!!!??!' album during an argument. They go on to discuss the mixed reactions of The Roots' song, 'What They Do,' who many including Biggie took as a direct diss to them and anyone who was dominating the airwaves at the time. Black Thought speaks on the true intention of the song and video, if he has any regrets, and his take on today's Drill Music. 30:36 -- Thought and Talib discuss the legacy of 'Things Fall Apart' to Root's hometown of Philadelphia, introducing the world to Jill Scott, Beanie Seigal, and Eve. Talib shares how 'The Love Of My Life' was the first song to bring him to tears. They dig into the origins of inspiration for it and the challenges of writing a song like that one. They also discuss the lasting legacy of Malik B as Thought breaks down his genius and how many he unknowingly influenced over the years. 37:31 -- Talib brings up the day Funkmaster Flex called and apologized for not being fully tuned into the greatness of Black Thought's pen game. They go on to discuss how Thought finally made it to Hot 97 studios and dropped a freestyle that would be considered by many as the greatest of all time, as well as have Thought being fully recognized in a G.O.A.T. emcee conversation. They also discuss how he took full advantage of the moment by following it up with his first solo album. 42:26 -- The Roots' original bassist Leonard Hubbard, better known as Hub gets a shoutout as they discuss his legacy to the crew and how him being the elder of the group and already being established in Philly gave the crew a level of professionalism they needed to be taken seriously when they hit the scene. They also dig into Thought's move to embrace sobriety and how that's helped his process. 47:34 -- Thought and Talib talk about The Roots' move from touring year-round to taking the gig as house band for, 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon,' and how fans were wondering what that meant for the future of their favorite hip hop act. Thought explains the freedom it afforded the group and how it created a more conductive space for creating and perfecting their craft. They also discuss the vital role that original Roots manager Rich Nichols played as the early visionary for the group.
YO TALIB I´D LIKE TO THANK YOU BIG BROTHER, what you just done by interviewing Tariq, is pleasing mad true hip hop heads i mean Black thought is one of the best mcs of the whole times not only is he a student of big daddy kane and kool g rap but his highly influenced by Rakim as well, well again thank you so much there are two other artist i would advise you to interview the great Q tip who is one of the greatest producers ever and the other one would be jean Grae because mad heads would love to know what has she being up to and also because she is one of the greatest ladies to ever bless the microphone
These time stamps are always fully appreciated. Still my favorite podcast and this one featuring one of the all-time greats didn't disappoint. Thank you 🙏🏿
The Funk Flex freestyle is the greatest display of rapping I have ever seen in my life. I felt that way the 1st time I heard it, and nothing has changed my mind. Also, Game Theory is a classic album to me and they didn't even bring it up. That's how much fire they got.
If anyone missed it, Black Thought & Skillz had a freestyle game on a tour bus that was amazing and hilarious. My first time hearing from The Roots was thanks to Ralph McDaniels playing Distortion to Static on Video Music Box, been a huge fan since. Salute to the GOAT.
What a spectacular interview. Hard to put in to words how much we appreciate these two men for their work, their time, their entertainment. Talib is damn near, if not, the best interviewer in the hiphop podcast space imo.
Black thought thank you for your relentless ARTISTRY you helped me through ALOT and also you performed with my LATE GR8 Grandad Lonnie Smith 🕊️🌹 thank you Roots Crew and to my mother for putting me on them as a youngin , it was ( I SHALL PROCEEEEED AND CONTINUE TO ROCK THE MIC!!!!! and black thought LITerally is doing that ❤️🔥 thanks Talib
Absolutely grateful to hear the MC of one of the greatest rap songs of all time, who is now my favourite podcast host/interviewer, question my favourite MC of all time. Maaaaaaaaaan the respect on that stage insane.
I’ve listened to Thought’s discography the past few days. Man this dude is UNBELIEVABLE. His bars are packed with so much meaning while he’s writing these ridicolous multi syllables and with this ridicolously captivating flow you can’t pause to pick apart his lyrics cause you just gotta vibe with it. The definition of a god MC
Black Thought a God MC. Big Pun on record saying his favorite emcees were Kool G Rap and Kane. His favorite lyricists he respected lyrically when he started and on (95-Feb 2000) in his own words Black Thought & Eminem. Those 5 along the illest ever for sure.
The roots got popular by touring 200 days a year. In the 90s the internet was just starting so bands had to tour to spread the music organically. That's why they are so good live.
As epic as that freestyle on Flex was, I think his best was the one he did for Tony Touch in 2010 with Qtip. I recommend it to anyone who hasn't heard it before.
Watching this after seeing Black Thought at this Mach-Hommy event...It's just an incredible thing to see the great gets the flowers constantly from those who care. S/o to UPROXX, People's Party, all of y'all for keeping the heart of hip-hop beating
One of the greatest lyricist of all time. People forget on the song BOOM! from The Tipping Point album he rapped like Big Daddy Kane and Kool G Rap the second and third verses. People sleep on that album
I don't like to say someone is "the best" in anything because that's usually subjective but if this man is not on your list as being one of the best MC's ever you don't really know hip hop. Malik B is definitely on that list for me as well. May he rest easy.
The first time I heard Trot live he was doing covers of other MCs from the Golden age *IN* their own voices and cadence, including female rappers. At Irving Plaza NYC around 96 or 7. If you was there you might remember ODB and the nonsense with him. Incredible. Tariq GOATED!!!
Yo ! keep making that funky ass Hiphop for adults!!!!(thats what i call it) Im from philly nd I been rockin with u n the roots since yall called urselves The Square roots! I bought the square root shirts from some dude back in the day on fourth and South Street and I still have it to this day! Id really love to just thank yall definitely my man reek geez(more please)n an a RIP Malik b!! Thanks for making a sound track of major confusion to more than half my life!!!! with that being said, a little bit too much I guess… Thank you for all your music, my brother! TC sr..neP1 21pound! and keep making that funky is hip-hop for adults bro. Keep it up and let’s see more of Rick. Geez, I love it cause I’m also bad to the bone lol. An kweli… sorry brother you’re my second favorite.🤷🏻✌🏼🤙🏼
Black Though is an MC. He has a taste for the poetry and philosophy of the genre. That freestyle on Funk Flex - I still go to it for writing inspiration…
Riq painting the Flex freestyle like it was an afterthought and Qweli steps all over that like *n- you called me all hype talkin bout you just killed the Flex jawn* 🤣
Absolutely love Black Thought (technically the best rapper ever), but I wish that he would talk more about Big Pun opposed to just saying Pun said Thought was his favorite Emcee.
A Black Thought And Talib Kweli Album Is NEEDED..!!!👍🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥👍🏾
Kwelity Thoughts..!!🤔
They better pay you too lol
That's super clever I'd cop that
@@MrAllustrious 💯💯
You should make ur own record. It'll be dope.
Please no.. both great. But Karli annoying as fuck now. Tarik all day!!!
Black Thought had been my hero since I was a teenager. At 45 years old, he is till my hero.
The Legendary Mr. Trotter!
generational talent
Thought is one of the greatest rappers of all time!
they discuss that very subject!
The CRAZY part of it is that people only regard him as a GOAT by his recordings. People that have witnessed his live shows with the Roots know he is one of the greatest live performers too!
And he gets better with age. His last two albums are classics in my book.
The Roots are the true face of hip hop that we all love and adore
Black Thought is the greatest rapper in the history of the genre... he is a culmination of all the greats he mentioned in this interview. He is an ardent student and historian of the craft, and he absolutely raps from another planet, not in this orbit. AND he's only gotten better with time. Being a Philly native, I might be a tad bit biased, but put any name up to his, and I guarantee he lights them on their best day. Salute!!
No lies detected here
truths good brotha he is the best
Definitely not the greatest , but go off 😅. There’s only ONE MC still putting out classics 30+ years in the game.
@@uproxxnone
RIP Malik B
truth. gone too soon. a true talent.
wait a minute , what ..? Malik is g'on ..😳🤯
@@sauditate4562he passed in 2020
I shall I shall proceed proceed to continue to rock the mic..
Black Thought is my number 1 all-time favorite MC. But, if I’m being honest, in the early days back when I thought Malik B was a part of the band, he was my favorite MC between the two! Eventually, Malik would take a step back from music while Thought continued to progress to God-like levels. While I wish he was still here creating that beautiful back & forth with BT, I can take solace knowing I gave him his flowers from way back. R.I.P. Malik B.
Black Thought is a legend! It's unreal what he has overcome and managed to achieve. A top 10 Emcee of all time at absolute worst!
The one we’ve been waiting for
TIME STAMPS:
2:24 -- Black Thought gives his take on why Talib's recorded verse for The Roots' 'Double Trouble' didn't make it to the official release and speaks on when he was first introduced to Yasiin Bey and the time Mos held up that studio session when he never returned from leaving to grab a fish sandwich. They go on to discuss Thought's evolution in the arts, bringing his skill set into the acting world and writing the musical titled, 'Black No More.'
8:06 -- Thought and Talib discuss the impact of The Roots and how they have been the springboard for so many other influential collectives going forward. They go on to talk about the crew's challenges in being fully recognized as emcees when they entered the early 90's scene as a live hip hop band from Philly. They also dig into The Roots getting a street named after them and Thought gets personal as he shares how he managed to cope with losing his mother and father at such an early age.
13:25 -- Thought breaks down the origin of his rap name, how it was inspired by visual art, and how much he was focused on finding a name that could have layers, would stand the test of time, and not be linked to any of the current trends. They also take it back to Thought's first rap name of Hawk Smooth as he explains how it was inspired by a select verse from Big Daddy Kane's early hit, 'Set It Off.'
17:45 -- Talib brings up the lineage of emcees that Black Thought belongs to, with his rhyme style forefathers being pioneers like Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, and Kool G Rap. Thought expresses the honor of being viewed as one of the torch bearers for keeping the soul of hip hop alive. They also talk about the love and respect that Big Pun had for Black Thought, the legacy of Shawn C and LV, as well as Questlove and his being "the gatekeeper of all-things musical."
24:21 -- Talib brings up his memories of being plugged into The Roots' early records like 'Organix' and tells why his roommate threw out his 'Do You Want More?!!!??!' album during an argument. They go on to discuss the mixed reactions of The Roots' song, 'What They Do,' who many including Biggie took as a direct diss to them and anyone who was dominating the airwaves at the time. Black Thought speaks on the true intention of the song and video, if he has any regrets, and his take on today's Drill Music.
30:36 -- Thought and Talib discuss the legacy of 'Things Fall Apart' to Root's hometown of Philadelphia, introducing the world to Jill Scott, Beanie Seigal, and Eve. Talib shares how 'The Love Of My Life' was the first song to bring him to tears. They dig into the origins of inspiration for it and the challenges of writing a song like that one. They also discuss the lasting legacy of Malik B as Thought breaks down his genius and how many he unknowingly influenced over the years.
37:31 -- Talib brings up the day Funkmaster Flex called and apologized for not being fully tuned into the greatness of Black Thought's pen game. They go on to discuss how Thought finally made it to Hot 97 studios and dropped a freestyle that would be considered by many as the greatest of all time, as well as have Thought being fully recognized in a G.O.A.T. emcee conversation. They also discuss how he took full advantage of the moment by following it up with his first solo album.
42:26 -- The Roots' original bassist Leonard Hubbard, better known as Hub gets a shoutout as they discuss his legacy to the crew and how him being the elder of the group and already being established in Philly gave the crew a level of professionalism they needed to be taken seriously when they hit the scene. They also dig into Thought's move to embrace sobriety and how that's helped his process.
47:34 -- Thought and Talib talk about The Roots' move from touring year-round to taking the gig as house band for, 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon,' and how fans were wondering what that meant for the future of their favorite hip hop act. Thought explains the freedom it afforded the group and how it created a more conductive space for creating and perfecting their craft. They also discuss the vital role that original Roots manager Rich Nichols played as the early visionary for the group.
YO TALIB I´D LIKE TO THANK YOU BIG BROTHER, what you just done by interviewing Tariq, is pleasing mad true hip hop heads i mean Black thought is one of the best mcs of the whole times not only is he a student of big daddy kane and kool g rap but his highly influenced by Rakim as well, well again thank you so much there are two other artist i would advise you to interview the great Q tip who is one of the greatest producers ever and the other one would be jean Grae because mad heads would love to know what has she being up to and also because she is one of the greatest ladies to ever bless the microphone
Thank you
Portland, JAMAICA in the Building!!!
Thank you
These time stamps are always fully appreciated. Still my favorite podcast and this one featuring one of the all-time greats didn't disappoint. Thank you 🙏🏿
My favorite rapper too. Black Thought’s the GOAT
The Funk Flex freestyle is the greatest display of rapping I have ever seen in my life. I felt that way the 1st time I heard it, and nothing has changed my mind. Also, Game Theory is a classic album to me and they didn't even bring it up. That's how much fire they got.
Roots has imo 4 to 5 classics
Great interview with the Philly legend.
If anyone missed it, Black Thought & Skillz had a freestyle game on a tour bus that was amazing and hilarious. My first time hearing from The Roots was thanks to Ralph McDaniels playing Distortion to Static on Video Music Box, been a huge fan since. Salute to the GOAT.
That man's words helped me get through some of the toughest times of my life, gained the discipline necessary to be adaptable to any circumstance!
The Roots are Phila. RIP Malik B. Still on the Mic. And all of the ones we lost RIP TO THE BASS.
YO Black Thought is the best Rap Artist i Listened to that guy go off for 10 minutes of str8 knowledge this guy is a beast He's Number 1
His most recent work is his best work.
Been waiting on this ONE! Q-tip, next?
What a spectacular interview. Hard to put in to words how much we appreciate these two men for their work, their time, their entertainment. Talib is damn near, if not, the best interviewer in the hiphop podcast space imo.
well said 👏
What makes Thoughts name so great is how it relates to all his bars, dude is just too consistent with his art
Much respect to Black Thought, the definition of Hip-Hop.
PEACE 7
Black thought thank you for your relentless ARTISTRY you helped me through ALOT and also you performed with my LATE GR8 Grandad Lonnie Smith 🕊️🌹 thank you Roots Crew and to my mother for putting me on them as a youngin , it was ( I SHALL PROCEEEEED AND CONTINUE TO ROCK THE MIC!!!!! and black thought LITerally is doing that ❤️🔥 thanks Talib
The Talent Mr. Trotter, Reek Ruffin, Riq Geez! THE GOD MC. Thanks for this awesome interview. Peace from Argentina.
TOP 1!
Absolutely grateful to hear the MC of one of the greatest rap songs of all time, who is now my favourite podcast host/interviewer, question my favourite MC of all time. Maaaaaaaaaan the respect on that stage insane.
Had the car running 😂 ready to flee the crime scene..."i tell a story like fingerprints and blood splatter"
Thank you for giving black thought his flowers!!! Hip hop in da flesh....the roots forever
My all time favorite MC! Salute!!!
I think I was 11 when I first heard "Meiso" 27 years later he dropped probably the best freestyle in history, no one else can match that.
Yin for Yang.. i walk a line between
Ghetto Slang and Simulation of the mind..
Been waiting on this return
I hit the thumbs up before the video started… Black Thought is loved!
I’ve listened to Thought’s discography the past few days. Man this dude is UNBELIEVABLE. His bars are packed with so much meaning while he’s writing these ridicolous multi syllables and with this ridicolously captivating flow you can’t pause to pick apart his lyrics cause you just gotta vibe with it. The definition of a god MC
One of the best to ever place a pen to paper ✊🏾😤 🙏🏾 for years of inspiration and also for channeling the Most High thru your wise words and actions!
Black Thought a God MC.
Big Pun on record saying his favorite emcees were Kool G Rap and Kane. His favorite lyricists he respected lyrically when he started and on (95-Feb 2000) in his own words Black Thought & Eminem. Those 5 along the illest ever for sure.
The roots got popular by touring 200 days a year. In the 90s the internet was just starting so bands had to tour to spread the music organically. That's why they are so good live.
Very informative, I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation
LOVE
Me as well honestly wasn't expecting it
Mos be Mos-ing lol 😂😂😂 Everybody got that one friend … I feel yall 😂
From the Roots to the Black Thought brand is like boys to men. ✊🏿growth evolution. Thanks for coming to Tulsa Oklahoma so we can rock like that.
Incredible interview!!!
Yes! Finally. Respect
Great session as always. This dude here inspires me. Big Love to Black Thought and tge Roots.
Act II is my jam!
As epic as that freestyle on Flex was, I think his best was the one he did for Tony Touch in 2010 with Qtip. I recommend it to anyone who hasn't heard it before.
good looking out!
this vid 🤔 ua-cam.com/video/YhpvOnXWS_g/v-deo.html
😮😮Yeah, I hadn't heard it.
Mannnn I have never clicked so fast! The People's Party I've been waiting for ❤
Respect Blackthought n thanks much for this interview..
Guerilla Monsoon Rap still slaps.
How'd he do that?
Glad to see yall still at it. Welcome back!!
This was the fastest fuckin hr of my life, my God. More of this please
dope, BT is a LEGEND
Black Thought is one of the goats having amassed such a spectacular body of work.
💯💯
Watching this after seeing Black Thought at this Mach-Hommy event...It's just an incredible thing to see the great gets the flowers constantly from those who care. S/o to UPROXX, People's Party, all of y'all for keeping the heart of hip-hop beating
Mach-Hommy needs to be on an episode of People's Party like yesterday months ago. 💪🏿
Been waiting for this interview
One of the greatest lyricist of all time. People forget on the song BOOM! from The Tipping Point album he rapped like Big Daddy Kane and Kool G Rap the second and third verses. People sleep on that album
The Tipping Point is one of my favorite Roots records, hands down.
@@jovanreid6782 🔥🔥🔥💯
Finally Black Thought sit down to chop it up let me roll one
Happy yall are back
I don't like to say someone is "the best" in anything because that's usually subjective but if this man is not on your list as being one of the best MC's ever you don't really know hip hop. Malik B is definitely on that list for me as well. May he rest easy.
Rising Down is also highly underrated
Top 3 all time. Top 2 if you catch me on the right day.
Excellent interview 💯👍🏾👍🏾
The roots were one of my favourites in the 90s and Black Thought is one of the most underrated emcees. He is all-time top 10.
Thank you for this Talib 🔥🔥
Black Thought 👑 Talib Kweli👑
We need more Black Thought content on UA-cam, yo
These two are two of my top three lyricists.
Yasmin Bey the other.
Lyrically these three are the best period.
❤
Lol Yasmin
Jadakiss is right there
*Yasiin
Thank you for this.
The first time I heard Trot live he was doing covers of other MCs from the Golden age *IN* their own voices and cadence, including female rappers. At Irving Plaza NYC around 96 or 7.
If you was there you might remember ODB and the nonsense with him. Incredible.
Tariq GOATED!!!
OK now I want to hear that lost verse from Double Trouble lol.
Yo ! keep making that funky ass Hiphop for adults!!!!(thats what i call it)
Im from philly nd I been rockin with u n the roots since yall called urselves The Square roots! I bought the square root shirts from some dude back in the day on fourth and South Street and I still have it to this day! Id really love to just thank yall definitely my man reek geez(more please)n an a RIP Malik b!!
Thanks for making a sound track of major confusion to more than half my life!!!! with that being said, a little bit too much I guess… Thank you for all your music, my brother! TC sr..neP1
21pound! and keep making that funky is hip-hop for adults bro. Keep it up and let’s see more of Rick. Geez, I love it cause I’m also bad to the bone lol.
An kweli… sorry brother you’re my second favorite.🤷🏻✌🏼🤙🏼
Kweli and his intros. Classic stuff.
When it just comes to the skill of rapping Black Thought is the best to ever do it.
🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
FINALLY! Top 5 Lyricist of ALL TIME. Black Thought
#1 lyrically 4 me..
Legendary
I love everything about this ❤
Black Though is an MC. He has a taste for the poetry and philosophy of the genre. That freestyle on Funk Flex - I still go to it for writing inspiration…
R.i.p malik B❤
I was at this, man such a great interview
Talib Is clearly still a fan of HIPHOP Just his passion & the way he spoke.
Cheat Codes with Danger Mouse was dope!!
My favorite Emcee!
Great interview 🔥👍🏾🙏🏾💯
Bro, the concert you did on Father's Day (West Side Chicago) was so dope, much love and respect 💪🏼💯
HAWK Smooth👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Portland, JAMAICA in the Building!!!
Word. Act 2. August 11th this definitely getting major play. Word.
Great interview 🔥🔥🔥
Black thought has got one of the most tightest flows in hip hop. Him and Kweli are lyrical juggernauts
Top 5 Elite Hip-Hop artist of all time! Black Thought
Dope
#1 in Top 5
✊🏿🙏🏿🔥
Riq painting the Flex freestyle like it was an afterthought and Qweli steps all over that like *n- you called me all hype talkin bout you just killed the Flex jawn* 🤣
I think it was a few days after once it blew up.
Illest MC! Love me some him!
My Brother Black Thought Is A Master Rhymer! 😎🔥👑💯
Cheat Codes is one of the best albums ive heard in recent memory and its prolly gonna stay that way forever 🔥
There's THOUGHT, and then there's everybody else!
I remember Bis was suppose to he on Super Lyrical but he was on everything and Pun wanted something different and we were blessed with that track
Thank you
Legends of the game
🐐.
PHILLY ALL DAY EVERYDAY ✌🏾🙏🏾🖐🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🎤✍🏾😎👊🏾🙏🏾🫶🏾🙌🏾
Yep👏🏿👏🏿❤❤
Incredible.
You’re now rocking with the best
Absolutely love Black Thought (technically the best rapper ever), but I wish that he would talk more about Big Pun opposed to just saying Pun said Thought was his favorite Emcee.