Tariq and ?uest met in the Philadelphia High School for Creative Performing Arts, and formed a drummer/MC duo performing on the streets of Philly and at talent shows. Thought would subsequently spend some time as one of two MCs in the group The Square Roots: the other one was Malik B.
A name change (to simply The Roots) and an album release (Organix) Black Thought and Malik struck a balance, with Malik bringing more personal raps and Thought oriented more towards a more political style infused with battle raps.
After Malik B. left the group due to drug issues, Thought continued drifting toward the political, and was featured on several other records like Common's One Day it'll All Make Sense, Linkin Park's Reanimation and more recently its frontman Mike Shinoda's The Rising Tied, as well as Damian Marley's Welcome to Jamrock and The Coup's Pick a Bigger Weapon.
Black Thought was in the process of recording a solo album, but the project was shelved when it was realized the effort would not assist the group in their release from their contract with MCA Records. Some of the songs he had recorded were eventually released as tracks on The Roots' album Phrenology. He is working on a collaborative project with producer Danger Mouse (which, according to XXL magazine, is tentatively being called Dangerous Thoughts), as well as a Gangsta Grillz mixtape with DJ Drama. He is still a core member of The Roots. He has also been a member of two production teams, Grand Negaz and The Grand Wizzards.
The Roots latest album Game Theory shows a more introspective side of Black Thought and is the "darkest" Roots album to date.
Making a Murderer
Black Thought Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My marketin', when you see the sky darkenin'
Rhyme artisan from the crew that's bipartisan
Hi haters a 5th grader you're not smarter than
Alpha & Omega you betas I march harder than
Batteries, y'all ain't included, you're not a part of it
I just took a flight to France to cop cardigans
At Lanvin
And I'm just trying to get it on 'til I die
Am I wrong if I'm living like the laws don't apply?
Making music out of nothing, know that boy's bonafide
It's disturbing when a murderer enjoys homicide
Talented Mr. Trotter squad, beyond qualified
Multiplying the dollar sign, the grind is real it's Palestine
My sidekick came from Columbine
That fly shit came from Saint Laurent
Surprise, bitch! I never lived a false moment in time
Riddle me, what kind of omen am I? You know the slogan is right
I said a weapon should be chosen to fire
Only the ghetto Beethoven replied, the ninth wonder maker
Thunder breaker send these toys to the undertaker
My pen smoking like a rude boy from Jamaica
While I'm erasing every fuckboy from the face of the Earth
What's up, boys? It's time for you to get your weight up
Yo, I probably began in the Rift Valley
In places untraceable by Rand McNally
Took a cobblestone trolley through a Mercer Street alley
The more championship rings than John Salley
Biochemically on par with Salvador Dali
I traveled to Tijuana to smack the federali
Who packing avocado toast like Mario Batali
I'm an ocean without a coast, going back to Cali nigga
Name some other body who equally as ill
Frequently I see the drama call me Cecil B. Demille
Not a chink up in the armor though I'm lethally for real
People been telling me recently, "Tariq, you need to chill!"
Well picture that, the diplomat pistol slap aristocrats
Any rapper coming for me, I'mma send a missile back
Not too many legends got a legacy that's this intact
That equipment I'm grippin kept where the ammunition at
Soul Makossa like I'm Manu Dibango
Wild as the Democratic Republic of the Congo
I'm Hunter S. Thompson doing a gonzo
A rapper winds up as a John Doe, I told niggas
Sixty seconds to shine before I fold niggas
I must be out of my mind with it, gold diggers
Here come the general for the quadricentennial
I'm a non-millenial what I rep is the old niggas
Let's meet at the crossroads of torsos
And learn some things only the Lord knows
Break the law, it's the only law now, no one knows
Got pies in the oven but no DiGiornos
We all got fucked but no pornos
We ain't growing corn but got cornrows
We ain't playing greens but we be spending it
Lifespan is short, try extending it
If you ain't into reading, I'm recommending it
I'm reading Carter G. Woodson when I'm in the woods
When the money's cut off, then we barter goods
A lot of niggas is cowards that ran out of fatherhood
Should we kill them or let 'em live?
I don't fuck with no suckers, I never did
Mi amore, if you a more
If I ever go to war it's the kids I do it for
I eat emcees they can send me a few of yours
And by a few I mean way more than two
You can times that by twenty and tell 'em to come through
And watch them get beat like African drums do
Also, I probably gave lessons to Sun Tzu
Lyrically I'm Bruce Lee master of Kung Fu
Rhyming with Black Thought assessing the black thought
I told you that I'm conscious but bitch we'll clap off
I'mma be the one that they hold in a rap off
I ain't wrapped too tight, my nigga I snap off
Or maybe I snap on
When I go for the rhyme my nigga the latch on
I'm Hannibal on an elephant, animal but elegant
Given you hell heaven sent
Light a joint, I've been places you've never been
If I close my eyes, I could die then get wise
Read my life like a script, I'm getting it revised
Used to keep the beat joint right up in the Levi's
I'm the tenth wonder I told them to ask 9th
I'm the other Black Thought, the last air bender
Avatar ghost, the one who could bend time
The one who could bend rhymes, the one who could bend flows
Repping for all niggas, little nigga you know
We the ones who made making of a murderer
Fuck around and you could be in making of a murderer
Ghost!
In Black Thought's song Making A Murderer, he confidently asserts his position as a superior lyricist in the rap game. He describes himself as a "rhyme artisan" who offers something of great value even when the sky is darkening. Black Thought emphasizes his skill level as being beyond most others in the rap game, admonishing his haters who could never measure up to him as "fifth-graders." He positions himself strategically as a rap heavyweight who is on a whole different level than his contemporaries. In the chorus, he talks about meeting the people at the crossroads of torsos to learn some things that only the Lord knows. He further says that it's okay to break the law, that's the only law now, and no one knows the rules. Black Thought further encourages people to take risks and make music out of nothing, emphasizing that the grind to achieve one's goals is as real as Palestine.
Black Thought proceeds to describe himself as an ocean without a coast and goes back to Cali, pledging to remain an equally ill rap legend as other greats in the rap game. He positions himself as Hunter S. Thompson, about to go the gonzo. The rapper emphasizes his sharpness and credibility when he says that not too many legends have a legacy that's as intact as his. Black Thought goes on to reference literature by mentioning that he's reading Carter G. Woodson when he's in the woods. He notes the importance of extending one's lifespan by recommending studying more. Black Thought's authoritative swagger extends into the rest of the song, where he emphasizes his importance to the rap game, describing himself as a master of Kung Fu and an elephant, animal but elegant, and given to bringing doom and destruction to those who dare to question him. He issues clear and direct threats to anyone who would stand in his way, championing himself as the best lyricist with unmatched talent and skill.
Line by Line Meaning
Outer space the place that I'm parkin' in
I'm in my own world, detached from reality
My marketin', when you see the sky darkenin'
My skills and creativity shine even in the darkest times
Rhyme artisan from the crew that's bipartisan
I craft intricate rhymes, representing a diverse group of artists
Hi haters a 5th grader you're not smarter than
Haters are nothing more than immature, unintelligent individuals
Alpha & Omega you betas I march harder than
I am the beginning and the end, surpassing all those who try to compete
Batteries, y'all ain't included, you're not a part of it
If you lack energy and talent, you have no place in this
I just took a flight to France to cop cardigans
I traveled to France to buy fashionable clothing
At Lanvin
Specifically at the brand Lanvin
I'm that primetime Buju Banton
I am a highly influential figure in the music industry, like Buju Banton
And I'm just trying to get it on 'til I die
I am dedicated to achieving success until my last breath
Am I wrong if I'm living like the laws don't apply?
Is it a crime to live outside societal norms?
Making music out of nothing, know that boy's bonafide
I create incredible music from scratch, proving my authenticity
It's disturbing when a murderer enjoys homicide
It's unsettling when someone takes pleasure in killing
Talented Mr. Trotter squad, beyond qualified
I am part of an exceptionally skilled group, highly capable
Multiplying the dollar sign, the grind is real it's Palestine
We're multiplying our wealth, working hard like the people in Palestine
My sidekick came from Columbine
My partner in crime is metaphorically associated with the Columbine incident
That fly shit came from Saint Laurent
My stylish taste is inspired by the fashion brand Saint Laurent
Surprise, bitch! I never lived a false moment in time
I never fake my identity or experiences
Riddle me, what kind of omen am I? You know the slogan is right
I am a mysterious, powerful force and you know my signature phrase
I said a weapon should be chosen to fire
I advocate for using the right tools to fight back
Only the ghetto Beethoven replied, the ninth wonder maker
Only a genius from the streets can respond, like Beethoven or the ninth wonder maker
Thunder breaker send these toys to the undertaker
I will destroy these weak rappers and send them to their demise
My pen smoking like a rude boy from Jamaica
My writing is on fire, just like a rebellious Jamaican
While I'm erasing every fuckboy from the face of the Earth
I am eliminating all the worthless individuals from existence
What's up, boys? It's time for you to get your weight up
It's time for you to improve and prove your worth
Yo, I probably began in the Rift Valley
I may have originated in a place like the Rift Valley
In places untraceable by Rand McNally
In locations that cannot be accurately marked on a map
Took a cobblestone trolley through a Mercer Street alley
I navigated through a narrow street on a historical trolley
The more championship rings than John Salley
I have achieved more success and victories than John Salley
Biochemically on par with Salvador Dali
My creativity and originality are on the same level as Salvador Dali
I traveled to Tijuana to smack the federali
I went to Tijuana to confront and challenge the authorities
Who packing avocado toast like Mario Batali
Who possesses an unnecessary, extravagant lifestyle like Mario Batali
I'm an ocean without a coast, going back to Cali nigga
I'm untamed and unpredictable, returning to my roots in California
Name some other body who equally as ill
Find someone else who is equally as talented and skilled
Frequently I see the drama call me Cecil B. Demille
I am involved in situations rife with conflict and chaos, like a film by Cecil B. Demille
Not a chink up in the armor though I'm lethally for real
There are no weaknesses in my skill and persona, I am truly dangerous
People been telling me recently, 'Tariq, you need to chill!'
Many individuals have advised me to relax and calm down
Well picture that, the diplomat pistol slap aristocrats
Imagine the contradiction of a diplomat resorting to violence against the aristocracy
Any rapper coming for me, I'mma send a missile back
If any rapper tries to challenge me, I will strike back with full force
Not too many legends got a legacy that's this intact
There are very few legends with a legacy as strong and preserved as mine
That equipment I'm grippin kept where the ammunition at
I hold my lyrical weapons close, ready for any battle
Soul Makossa like I'm Manu Dibango
I bring the soul and spirit of music, similar to Manu Dibango
Wild as the Democratic Republic of the Congo
I am as untamed and unpredictable as the Democratic Republic of the Congo
I'm Hunter S. Thompson doing a gonzo
I am a rebellious and fearless figure, embodying Hunter S. Thompson's gonzo journalism
A rapper winds up as a John Doe, I told niggas
Many rappers end up being forgotten and unidentified, as I warned them
Sixty seconds to shine before I fold niggas
I give others a short chance to prove themselves before crushing them
I must be out of my mind with it, gold diggers
I must be crazy to deal with gold diggers and their motives
Here come the general for the quadricentennial
I am the leader, arriving for a monumental occasion
I'm a non-millenial what I rep is the old niggas
I belong to a generation before millennials, but I represent the old-era artists
Let's meet at the crossroads of torsos
Let's gather where bodies intersect, symbolizing unity
And learn some things only the Lord knows
And discover secrets and wisdom known only to a higher power
Break the law, it's the only law now, no one knows
Disregard societal norms, as those unwritten rules are all that matter
Got pies in the oven but no DiGiornos
I have valuable items in my possession, not cheap substitutes
We all got fucked but no pornos
We all faced hardships and challenges, but not in a pornographic manner
We ain't growing corn but got cornrows
We don't engage in traditional practices, yet we possess cultural symbols
We ain't playing greens but we be spending it
We aren't focused on trivial matters, we spend our resources wisely
Lifespan is short, try extending it
Our time on earth is brief, so we strive to make it meaningful
If you ain't into reading, I'm recommending it
If you don't appreciate the value of reading, I highly recommend it
I'm reading Carter G. Woodson when I'm in the woods
I am engaged in the study of African American history, even when in nature
When the money's cut off, then we barter goods
When financial resources are scarce, we exchange goods and services
A lot of niggas is cowards that ran out of fatherhood
Many individuals lack courage because they lack proper father figures
Should we kill them or let 'em live?
Should we harm them or allow them to continue existing?
I don't fuck with no suckers, I never did
I don't associate with weak and unreliable individuals, it's always been that way
Mi amore, if you a more
My love, if you are someone important
If I ever go to war it's the kids I do it for
If I ever engage in battle, it's for the future generation
I eat emcees they can send me a few of yours
I easily defeat other rappers, they can send more to challenge me
And by a few I mean way more than two
I mean a substantial number, not just a couple
You can times that by twenty and tell 'em to come through
Multiply that number by twenty and invite them all to face me
And watch them get beat like African drums do
And witness their defeat, like the beating of African drums
Also, I probably gave lessons to Sun Tzu
Additionally, I may have provided guidance to the famous strategist Sun Tzu
Lyrically I'm Bruce Lee master of Kung Fu
Lyrically, I am as skilled and powerful as Bruce Lee in martial arts
Rhyming with Black Thought assessing the black thought
I am rhyming alongside Black Thought, evaluating my own thought process
I told you that I'm conscious but bitch we'll clap off
I claimed to be aware and socially conscious, but don't push me to violence
I'mma be the one that they hold in a rap off
I will be the champion in any rap competition
I ain't wrapped too tight, my nigga I snap off
I may not be mentally stable, ready to lose control
Or maybe I snap on
Alternatively, I may explode in anger
When I go for the rhyme my nigga the latch on
When I start rapping, everyone latches on and pays attention
I'm Hannibal on an elephant, animal but elegant
I am a powerful force, like Hannibal riding an elephant, both fierce and refined
Given you hell heaven sent
I bring both torment and salvation
Light a joint, I've been places you've never been
Smoke a marijuana joint, as I have experienced things you can only imagine
If I close my eyes, I could die then get wise
If I were to die, my wisdom and knowledge would live on
Read my life like a script, I'm getting it revised
Examine my life as if it were a script, constantly evolving and improving
Used to keep the beat joint right up in the Levi's
I used to keep my musical rhythm close, even in my jeans
I'm the tenth wonder I told them to ask 9th
I am a miraculous and unique figure, ask my collaborator 9th Wonder for confirmation
I'm the other Black Thought, the last air bender
I am Black Thought but also different, like the last surviving airbender
Avatar ghost, the one who could bend time
I am a ghostly presence, able to manipulate time and space
The one who could bend rhymes, the one who could bend flows
I am the master of bending rhymes and flows
Repping for all niggas, little nigga you know
I represent and support all black individuals, young one
We the ones who made making of a murderer
We are responsible for creating the environment that produces dangerous individuals
Fuck around and you could be in making of a murderer
Be careful, or you may become one of those dangerous individuals
Ghost!
Disappearing into the shadows!
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Tariq Trotter, David Styles
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
xXmirXx
"Outer space the place that I’m parkin’ in
My marketin’, when you see the sky darkenin'
Rhyme artisan from the crew that's bipartisan
Hi haters a 5th grader you're not smarter than
Alpha & Omega you betas I march harder than
Batteries, y'all ain't included, you're not a part of it
I just took a flight to France to cop cardigans
At Lanvin
I'm that primetime Buju Banton
And I'm just trying to get it on 'til I die
Am I wrong if I'm living like the laws don't apply?
Making music out of nothing, know that boy's bonafide
It's disturbing when a murderer enjoys homicide
Talented Mr. Trotter squad, beyond qualified
Multiplying the dollar sign, the grind is real it's Palestine
My sidekick came from Columbine
That fly shit came from Saint Laurent
Surprise, bitch!"
This nigga Black Though bugged the fuck out on this!! 0_o CHILLL! smh wow
Penuel The Black Pen
Outer space the place that I'm parkin' in
My marketin', when you see the sky darkenin'
Rhyme artisan from the crew that's bipartisan
Hi haters a 5th grader you're not smarter than
Alpha & Omega you betas I march harder than
Batteries, y'all ain't included, you're not a part of it
I just took a flight to France to cop cardigans
At Lanvin
I'm that primetime Buju Banton
And I'm just trying to get it on 'til I die
Am I wrong if I'm living like the laws don't apply?
Making music out of nothing, know that boy's bonafide
It's disturbing when a murderer enjoys homicide
Talented Mr. Trotter squad, beyond qualified
Multiplying the dollar sign, the grind is real it's Palestine
My sidekick came from Columbine
That fly shit came from Saint Laurent
Surprise, bitch! I never lived a false moment in time
Riddle me, what kind of omen am I? You know the slogan is right
I said a weapon should be chosen to fire
Only the ghetto Beethoven replied, the ninth wonder maker
Thunder breaker send these toys to the undertaker
My pen smoking like a rude boy from Jamaica
While I'm erasing every fuckboy from the face of the Earth
What's up, boys? It's time for you to get your weight up
Yo, I probably began in the Rift Valley
In places untraceable by Rand McNally
Took a cobblestone trolley through a Mercer Street alley
The more championship rings than John Salley
Biochemically on par with Salvador Dali
I traveled to Tijuana to smack the federali
Who packing avocado toast like Mario Batali
I'm an ocean without a coast, going back to Cali nigga
Name some other body who equally as ill
Frequently I see the drama call me Cecil B. Demille
Not a chink up in the armor though I'm lethally for real
People been telling me recently, "Tariq, you need to chill!"
Well picture that, the diplomat pistol slap aristocrats
Any rapper coming for me, I'mma send a missile back
Not too many legends got a legacy that's this intact
That equipment I'm grippin kept where the ammunition at
Soul Makossa like I'm Manu Dibango
Wild as the Democratic Republic of the Congo
I'm Hunter S. Thompson doing it gonzo
A rapper winds up as a John Doe, I told niggas
Sixty seconds to shine before I fold niggas
I must be out of my mind with it, gold diggers
Here come the general for the quadricentennial
I'm a non-millenial what I rep is the old niggas
Let's meet at the crossroads of torsos
And learn some things only the Lord knows
Break the law, it's the only law now, no one knows
Got pies in the oven but no DiGiornos
We all got fucked but no pornos
We ain't growing corn but got cornrows
We ain't playing greens but we be spending it
Lifespan is short, try extending it
If you ain't into reading, I'm recommending it
I'm reading Carter G. Woodson when I'm in the woods
When the money's cut off, then we barter goods
A lot of niggas is cowards that ran out of fatherhood
Should we kill them or let 'em live?
I don't fuck with no suckers, I never did
Mi amore, if you a Moor
If I ever go to war it's the kids I do it for
I eat emcees they can send me a few of yours
And by a few I mean way more than two
You can times that by twenty and tell 'em to come through
And watch them get beat like African drums do
Also, I probably gave lessons to Sun Tzu
Lyrically I'm Bruce Lee master of Kung Fu
Rhyming with Black Thought assessing the black thought
I told you that I'm conscious but bitch we'll clap off
I'mma be the one that they hold in a rap off
I ain't wrapped too tight, nigga I snap off
Or maybe I snap on
When I go for the rhyme my nigga the latch on
I'm Hannibal on an elephant, animal but elegant
Given you hell heaven sent
Light a joint, I've been places you've never been
If I close my eyes, I could die then get wise
Read my life like a script, I'm getting it revised
Used to keep the beat joint right up in the Levi's
I'm the tenth wonder I told them to ask 9th
I'm the other Black Thought, the last air bender
Avatar ghost, the one who could bend time
The one who could bend rhymes, the one who could bend flows
Repping for all niggas, little nigga you know
We the ones who made making of a murderer
Fuck around and you could be in making of a murderer
Ghost!
Lamont Jones
Styles P is a real dope Mc,but people forget that Black Thought put out his 1st studio album in the early 90s. The fact that his pencil is still this sharp is incredible..
LiveJ5
Lyricism is crazy but let's not overlook the genius of 9th Wonder. This track is ill on every level.
Jason Fleming
Styles killed it..but you don't never let Black Thought rhyme before you..
Kelvin Davis
+Jason Fleming No doubt!! Ghost shoulda tried to edit the song before it was mastered! LOL!
Kelvin Davis
I like Styles P's verse, but I just wish he was first on the song. Thought going first is a problem for a lot of MC's!
nathan masi
hahahahahaha like how he killed royce and bronson
Trilly Skywalker
+Average Bro Man You heard clap shit by Torae? He went OFF then Phonte verse came up and made Toare shit weak as hell.
Artform Emcee
Black thought is light years ahead of most emcees,he's a hip hop prophet
A Regime Change Is Imminent
Straight Facts as a Matter of fact
Craig Scarlett
Thought's intelligence and scholarly quality is what will always set him apart him from other emcees. If you don't read, you'll never understand where he's coming from. This isn't dumbed down music.