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.
Streets
Black Thought Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I said my cranium is vibranium
My brain is uranium and titanium
Forty fives, who aimin' 'em?
Organize the stadium, tell 'em, "take cover"
I warned you not to play wit' 'em
Them borderline war crimes, you got away wit' 'em
Tariq the people's champ from the equal team
Tryna keep it clean 'long as all my people Saladin
I been in the music scene long as make they salaries
Still accumulatin' calories
Demonstratin' how to breathe, Senegalese, Genovese
I been a reason to freeze, 'Riq Geez
In a league of own, gettin' cheese
I will hurt Hercules, I will merc most MCs
I'm the last one to show up, the first one to leave the crime scene
The obvs seen, Salam theme, the ridiculous rhyme scheme
The stick to the grind G, the hell with the hygiene
It's a dirty bomb, word to seven thirty time
Disaster level nine eleven meets the level nine
Catastrophe beyond incredible, I redefine
The seventh sign, fast or scary, a mass hysteria from the mask
In Syria to middle America school cafeterias and cul-de-sacs
I told you that the boss is back, know what I'm sayin'?
In these streets that I call home
Unless you're blind, you'll see it all
In these streets it's cold at night
Sirens screamin' by, gunshots all the time
Yo, omertà code meets the Hippocratic oath
Observin' his whole circus from a diplomatic post
My word and his whole purpose, a cinematic scope
The Earth and its whole surface, I consider that his toast
Savers, Sammy Davis, Bellafante, Quincy Jones
Mahatma Gandhi, James Bar with Jesse Owens
Runnin' from a cop car, me and Akbar
I changed from a rock boy to a rock star
Hijacked the elevator to the top floor
I'm takin' everything that's left like a southpaw
Crash and burn alert through osmosis
And watch the word spread like Tuberculosis
I took a snapshot but it hurt to post it
I had a Black Thought and they called it wokeness
Overdoses, water bugs and roaches
Forty cals and holsters, all halal and kosher
Twenty thousand jokers, one ain't playin'
I'm called Brown, Manchild in the Promised Land
In these streets that I call home
Unless you're blind, you'll see it all
In these streets it's cold at night
Sirens screamin' by, gunshots all the time
The lyrics to Black Thought's song "Streets" delve into the gritty reality of urban life, highlighting the harshness, violence, and struggles that exist within these streets. Black Thought's lyricism is characterized by vivid imagery and metaphorical wordplay, emphasizing his prowess as an emcee.
In the opening lines, Black Thought compares his intellect and mental strength to strong materials, stating that his cranium is like vibranium, uranium, and titanium. He also alludes to his ability to wield a firearm skillfully, warning those who might mess with him. He references war crimes and the injustice of getting away with them, implying that he brings justice to the situation. Black Thought sees himself as the people's champion, striving for righteousness and unity among his community while maintaining a clean reputation.
Black Thought continues his lyrical prowess, asserting his longevity in the music scene and his dedication to his craft. He has been accumulating success and experience over time while remaining hungry for more. He paints a picture of himself as an unstoppable force, ready to challenge and defeat any opposition. The lyrics also touch on the chaotic nature of modern society, from war in the Middle East to school shootings in America, suggesting the need for change.
The second verse of the song further explores Black Thought's personal journey. He references the mafia code of silence (omertà) meeting with the ethical principles of the medical profession (Hippocratic oath), highlighting the complexities of his surroundings. He reflects on his purpose and influence, considering the impact he can have on the world. Influential figures such as Sammy Davis Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and Jesse Owens are mentioned, showcasing the diversity of inspiration in his life.
Black Thought continues to document his transformation, from a street kid to a renowned artist. He metaphorically takes everything that's left like a southpaw in a boxing match, asserting his determination and tenacity. The lyrics touch on societal issues like addiction, poverty, and violence, but also glimpse moments of hope and resistance.
Overall, "Streets" is a powerful reflection on the harsh realities of urban life, Black Thought's journey, and his commitment to being an advocate for change and justice.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, that shit hard
Yes, that music is powerful and impactful
I said my cranium is vibranium
I'm expressing that my mind is strong and resilient
My brain is uranium and titanium
My intellect is highly valuable and indestructible
Forty fives, who aimin' 'em?
Who is handling and using the .45 caliber guns?
Organize the stadium, tell 'em, 'take cover'
Arrange and prepare the stadium for safety, advising everyone to protect themselves
I warned you not to play wit' 'em
I previously cautioned against engaging or challenging them
Them borderline war crimes, you got away wit' 'em
You managed to escape punishment for your almost illegal acts of war
Who came to save the day and brought the K wit' 'em?
Who arrived to rescue and defend, carrying a firearm with them?
Tariq the people's champ from the equal team
I, Tariq, am regarded as a champion of the people, representing equality
Tryna keep it clean 'long as all my people Saladin
I'm striving to maintain integrity as long as my community members resemble Saladin, the renowned Muslim warrior known for his honor
I been in the music scene long as make they salaries
I have been part of the music industry as long as they earn their incomes
Still accumulatin' calories
I continue to amass lyrical substance and artistic weight
Demonstratin' how to breathe, Senegalese, Genovese
I'm displaying the proper way to live and survive, referencing both Senegal and Genoa
I been a reason to freeze, 'Riq Geez
I have been a cause for pause, making people stop and pay attention, known as 'Riq Geez
In a league of own, gettin' cheese
I stand in a category by myself, earning money
I will hurt Hercules, I will merc most MCs
I possess the ability to defeat and outperform even the most skilled rappers
I'm the last one to show up, the first one to leave the crime scene
I arrive late and exit early when it comes to committing criminal acts
The obvs seen, Salam theme, the ridiculous rhyme scheme
The obvious is evident, greeting with peace, showcasing an incredible pattern of rhymes
The stick to the grind G, the hell with the hygiene
I stick to the grind and the hustle, disregarding personal cleanliness
It's a dirty bomb, word to seven thirty time
It's a potent and destructive force, emphasizing its impact similar to a dangerous bomb
Disaster level nine eleven meets the level nine
The catastrophe reaches the intensity of the 9/11 attacks combined with maximum severity
Catastrophe beyond incredible, I redefine
A calamity exceeding imagination, I redefine its magnitude
The seventh sign, fast or scary, a mass hysteria from the mask
Referring to the concept of the seventh sign, a sudden and alarming panic caused by concealed identities
In Syria to middle America school cafeterias and cul-de-sacs
From the turmoil in Syria to the seemingly safe spaces like school cafeterias and suburban cul-de-sacs in middle America
I told you that the boss is back, know what I'm sayin'?
I previously informed you that I, the leader, have returned, do you understand?
In these streets that I call home
Within these urban environments that I consider my residence
Unless you're blind, you'll see it all
Unless you have a visual impairment, you will witness everything that occurs
In these streets it's cold at night
During nighttime, the atmosphere in these streets is harsh and unforgiving
Sirens screamin' by, gunshots all the time
The sound of police sirens and frequent gunfire is a constant occurrence
Yo, omertà code meets the Hippocratic oath
The secretive code of silence intersects with the ethical duty of medical professionals
Observin' his whole circus from a diplomatic post
I watch the entirety of his chaotic situation from a position of neutrality and diplomacy
My word and his whole purpose, a cinematic scope
My spoken statements and his entire objective possess a grand, dramatic scale
The Earth and its whole surface, I consider that his toast
I perceive the entire planet and its vast expanse as his imminent demise or defeat
Savers, Sammy Davis, Bellafante, Quincy Jones
Referring to notable individuals like Savers, Sammy Davis, Bellafante, and Quincy Jones
Mahatma Gandhi, James Bar with Jesse Owens
Making a connection to Mahatma Gandhi and James Bar, along with the athlete Jesse Owens
Runnin' from a cop car, me and Akbar
Fleeing from a police vehicle, alongside my associate Akbar
I changed from a rock boy to a rock star
I transitioned from a humble individual to a celebrated and influential figure
Hijacked the elevator to the top floor
I seized control of the elevator, taking it to the highest level
I'm takin' everything that's left like a southpaw
I'm claiming all that remains, using my left hand like a left-handed boxer
Crash and burn alert through osmosis
A warning that destruction and failure will occur through the process of gradual absorption
And watch the word spread like Tuberculosis
Observing as information rapidly disseminates, similar to the spread of tuberculosis disease
I took a snapshot but it hurt to post it
I captured a moment, but it pained me to share it with others
I had a Black Thought and they called it wokeness
I had a profound and enlightened thought, which some referred to as being 'woke'
Overdoses, water bugs and roaches
Instances of drug overdose, along with the presence of unsanitary insects like water bugs and roaches
Forty cals and holsters, all halal and kosher
Referring to the use of 40 caliber firearms and their holsters, all in accordance with both Islamic and Jewish dietary laws
Twenty thousand jokers, one ain't playin'
Among a large number of fools, there is one serious and determined individual
I'm called Brown, Manchild in the Promised Land
I go by the name Brown, representing both youthfulness and the hope for a better future
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Tariq Trotter, Tish Hyman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MyPhone-pn5oq
I had a Black Thought and they called it "woke-ness"
Overdoses, water bugs, and roaches.
40 cals and holsters. All Halal and Kosher
20 thousand jokers, 1 ain't playing.
I'm Claude Brown, Manchild in the Promised Land
The singer from the roots, Black Thought is a mathematical genius with his wordplay.
First noticed this on "The Lesson" and again on their 3rd album,
"Illadelph Halflife"
don't sleep on these brothers from Philly!!!!
@stevedoublen1641
All the real Hip Hop heads knows that when it comes to rap, BLACK THOUGHT holds all the INFINITY STONES.
@Sp_Poboy
He is THANOS With all five stones... But he showed Mercy...
#Black Thought
@RiconDaAmadex
Tariq Thanos Trotter aka Black Thought
@eyoelberhane_blackmoth
snap🤌
@docm4544
Def top 3 rappers ever, this man embodies what it means to a true emcee!!
@Fyahstarter
This dude is the GREATEST OF ALL TIME...UNDEBATABLE!!
@nasirjones9992
Craig Scarlett THERE IS NO GOAT
@1fes323
I make expection for Black. If he ain't a GOAT then he the real rap God. Bet your ass shots fired
@kxngdiablomusic5686
This man right here is one of the greatest of all time.
@TheWireUni
"I will hurt Hercules, I will merc most MCs
I'm the last one to show up, the first one to leave the crime scene
The obscene, Salam theme, the ridiculous rhyme scheme
The stick to the grind gene, the hell with the hygiene
It's a dirty bomb......"
BARS from the GOD MC Black Thought.
Top 2 MC and he ain't number 2.... #GOAT