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.
Thought vs Everybody
Black Thought Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everybody
I don't think you heard me
(Ay yo)
The most powerful black man in the world
Ay yo, they asked why I seem so solemn
On the throne between three stone columns
Fucking up the game no condom
Everybody gotdamn first world problem
The truth is inconvenient as non-believers
Fearing DACA dreamers, instead of FEMA
A Bentley, Benz or a Beamer Fiji or Aquafina
We fuck around and be the next Iwo Jima
The tides rising at the same time like they synchronized
For making art, for making love, for making Hajj
The home is where the hatred lies, they taking lives
But everybody just so saved and sanctified
Then they rely upon we the few defiant ones
Communicate in the higher form than Viacom
To dialogue before the raw or the riot horn
I wonder on which side of the lines I belong
Lady Liberty face full of concealer
I'm half master killer and half you massa killer
Iatrophobia, that's a fear of the healer
Kaepernick is an activist y'all in fear of the kneeler
Everything's obtuse nothing is obscene
Another young life was lost on live stream
Another great fell from grace in high esteem
Then the clock struck thirteen
We in some kind of dream
First, I'm handling first things
The cipher what it means to a planet of earthlings
When a question remains am I journal or journalist
Herbal eternalist, Olympic tournament
Level genius, author? Affirmative
Though turning back and returning I'm not concerned with it
The permanent ink paved the way out the turbulence
My hands against the wall outside a billiards hall I hear police
Discussing whether to try and kill us all
I questioned if that would matter
Life is like a tree to falls in the woods
Even with iPhone footage to see it fall
Great men chose the Papermate Pen or the State Pen
The firing pin of a pistol aimed at a playpen
We go for musket to a missile to a revelation
Between heaven and Satan, while I'm steady creatin-
And trying to trying to separate the truth
From the lies that they told us
I even heard the Soviet's the 45th POTUS
That ain't the photo they showed us, or accepting the onus
If they Washington us, my condolence to y'all diplomas
Here's a bonus, the point of view to make things see through
If I'm a walking institution I'm an HBCU
Face the music keeping it moving is one of the great things we do
Yo the devil's trying to pull together his gang, me too
And whether you come from Lagos or Trinidad and Tobago
You can either stay broke or be wealthy as Jeff Bezos
If you just stay woke, I was in the dark then day broke
Directing questions to my ancestors, till they spoke now
Inherently rocking the disco currently
Bars is crypto-currency, hypnotherapy
Shittin' on everything, 5'9, 6'4 lyrically
Crystal clarity wonder how I spit so thoroughly
Stay so hungry, rappers can't get no mercy
That's the reason any other one who spit wont vs me
It's so lonely in my own class
"Formerly known as" is the inscription that your headstone has
On my own path, in my own world like Disney's
I feel the fuckin system fail just like kidneys
Up-steps the one who upsets all carriages
'Cause it's imperative we change the narrative
Ya and that's Thought vs Everybody
Listen, check it out, that go to everybody
I got myself over everybody
Ya, every goddamn body
The song "Thought Vs Everybody" by Black Thought is a commentary on the state of affairs in America. The track opens with a message announcing that the most powerful black man in the world will be speaking. Black Thought then proceeds to deliver a series of strongly worded verses addressing the problems that black people face every day. He takes on a range of issues, from social injustice and police brutality to the decline of the environment and the failings of the political leadership. The chorus "Thought vs Everybody" is a reflection of how he sees himself as the voice of the people, standing up for what is right, and against those who perpetrate oppression and perpetuate a culture of hate.
Throughout the track, Black Thought pulls no punches, calling attention to the fact that most issues we face today are of a first-world nature. He highlights the conflict between police and the black community as well as the current political climate. He also addresses the issue of social media and the role it plays in how people perceive the world around them. Additionally, he touches on the importance of critical thinking and is challenging the narrative that is pushed by mainstream media.
Ultimately, "Thought Vs Everybody" is a call to action. Black Thought uses his platform to urge people to be courageous and speak out against injustice. He pushes for people to challenge the status quo and band together to make a difference in the world. His lyrics encourage people to stay vigilant, to have faith in the power of their voices and actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Ay yo, they asked why I seem so solemn
They questioned my seriousness and earnestness in my actions and words.
On the throne between three stone columns
Sitting high and mighty between three pillars, symbolizing my power and influence.
You know the name
My reputation precedes me and it's impossible not to know who I am.
Fucking up the game no condom
I'm shaking things up and making a mark without taking any precautions or playing it safe.
Everybody gotdamn first world problem
People are too focused on insignificant issues in their privileged lives.
The truth is inconvenient as non-believers
The truth can be unpleasant and difficult for those who choose not to believe in it.
Fearing DACA dreamers, instead of FEMA
People are misguided and worrying about the wrong things, like fearing undocumented immigrants rather than disaster relief efforts.
A Bentley, Benz or a Beamer Fiji or Aquafina
People are chasing after materialistic possessions and status symbols without considering what's truly important.
We fuck around and be the next Iwo Jima
If we don't learn from history and make positive changes, we risk facing a similar fate as the battle of Iwo Jima where many lives were lost.
The tides rising at the same time like they synchronized
Problems and challenges are occurring simultaneously and in coordination with each other.
For making art, for making love, for making Hajj
These are important aspects of life and experiences that contribute to one's personal growth and fulfillment.
The home is where the hatred lies, they taking lives
There's a lot of hate and violence happening within families and communities.
But everybody just so saved and sanctified
Despite the issues, people try to present themselves as pure and blameless.
Then they rely upon we the few defiant ones
The few who dare to speak out and make a difference are the ones who are relied upon to instigate change.
Communicate in the higher form than Viacom
We need to communicate in a more meaningful and profound way, rather than relying on mainstream media.
To dialogue before the raw or the riot horn
We need to engage in meaningful and constructive dialogue before resorting to violence and chaos.
I wonder on which side of the lines I belong
I'm unsure of where my beliefs and allegiances lie.
Lady Liberty face full of concealer
The illusion of liberty and freedom is masking the harsh realities of life and society.
I'm half master killer and half you massa killer
I have the potential to be both oppressed and oppressor.
Iatrophobia, that's a fear of the healer
There's a fear of those who try to heal and make things right.
Kaepernick is an activist y'all in fear of the kneeler
People are scared of those who take a stand and protest for their beliefs and rights.
Everything's obtuse nothing is obscene
Things are not always clear and self-explanatory, and what's considered taboo or immoral is subjective.
Another young life was lost on live stream
A tragic and senseless loss of life captured and broadcasted for the world to see.
Another great fell from grace in high esteem
A person of high regard and reputation has tarnished their image and legacy.
Then the clock struck thirteen
Things took an unexpected and bizarre turn.
We in some kind of dream
The situation is surreal and difficult to accept.
First, I'm handling first things
I'm prioritizing and focusing on what's most important.
The cipher what it means to a planet of earthlings
We need to figure out what's most important to us as a species.
When a question remains am I journal or journalist
I'm questioning whether I'm simply documenting events or actively making a change through my words and actions.
Herbal eternalist, Olympic tournament
I believe in the power of nature and natural remedies for healing, and I'm comparing it to a competition in the Olympics.
Level genius, author? Affirmative
I consider myself a highly intelligent and creative individual, and I have no doubt that I'm capable of writing and creating meaningful content.
Though turning back and returning I'm not concerned with it
I'm not worried about looking back or changing my mind about decisions I've made in the past.
The permanent ink paved the way out the turbulence
Writing and documenting events has helped me navigate through difficult times and find a way out of chaos.
My hands against the wall outside a billiards hall I hear police
I'm being subjected to a search and harassment by law enforcement outside a pool hall.
Discussing whether to try and kill us all
The officers are considering deadly force against us.
I questioned if that would matter
I'm questioning whether my death would make a difference or bring about change.
Life is like a tree to falls in the woods
Life can be difficult and challenging, but it's important to have witnesses and document the struggles.
Even with iPhone footage to see it fall
Even with modern technology making things more visible, not much has changed with regard to injustice and violence.
Great men chose the Papermate Pen or the State Pen
Some influential figures have either chosen to write and create, or have ended up incarcerated.
The firing pin of a pistol aimed at a playpen
A serious and horrifying threat to innocent children.
We go for musket to a missile to a revelation
Our methods of warfare and conflict have evolved to an eye-opening and transformative realization of what's truly important.
Between heaven and Satan, while I'm steady creatin-
I'm constantly creating and trying to express my thoughts and feelings, while aware of the influence of both good and evil in the world.
And trying to trying to separate the truth
I'm attempting to filter through the lies and misinformation in order to find the truth.
From the lies that they told us
We've been fed false information and propaganda for too long.
I even heard the Soviet's the 45th POTUS
Rumors and speculation about the President's allegiances and motives are circulating.
That ain't the photo they showed us, or accepting the onus
We're being deceived and misled, and it's our responsibility to accept the challenge of discovering the truth.
If they Washington us, my condolence to y'all diplomas
If the system fails us or our leaders betray us, then apologies and regrets won't matter.
Here's a bonus, the point of view to make things see through
In addition to insight and perspective, I'm providing a bonus or extra element to help clarify things.
If I'm a walking institution I'm an HBCU
If I'm a person who is influential and stands for something important, then I'm like a historically black college or university.
Face the music keeping it moving is one of the great things we do
We face the harsh realities and challenges of life, and keep pushing forward and making progress.
Yo the devil's trying to pull together his gang, me too
Evil forces are gathering and becoming stronger, and I'm also gathering my own forces of good and positivity to combat them.
And whether you come from Lagos or Trinidad and Tobago
Regardless of where you come from, you have the potential to succeed and achieve great things.
You can either stay broke or be wealthy as Jeff Bezos
You have the power to either remain impoverished or achieve incredible wealth and success like Jeff Bezos.
If you just stay woke, I was in the dark then day broke
If you stay aware and conscious, you'll eventually see things clearly and gain understanding.
Directing questions to my ancestors, till they spoke now
I'm seeking guidance and wisdom from those who came before me, and I continue to listen to their voices and advice.
Inherently rocking the disco currently
I'm naturally adept and skilled at what I do, like dancing at a disco party.
Bars is crypto-currency, hypnotherapy
My rhymes are valuable and have a significant impact, like a form of currency or a form of therapy to heal and soothe.
Shittin' on everything, 5'9, 6'4 lyrically
I'm asserting my dominance and skill as a rapper, regardless of my height.
Crystal clarity wonder how I spit so thoroughly
My rhymes are clear and concise, and people wonder how I'm able to write so effectively.
Stay so hungry, rappers can't get no mercy
I'm constantly striving for better and pushing myself, and other rappers can't compete with my drive and ambition.
That's the reason any other one who spit wont vs me
Other rappers simply can't keep up or match my skill level.
It's so lonely in my own class
Being on top and setting yourself apart can be incredibly isolating and lonely.
"Formerly known as" is the inscription that your headstone has
Once you reach a certain level of fame or success, your old identity and life can become obsolete and forgotten.
On my own path, in my own world like Disney's
I'm forging my own path and creating my own world, similar to the innovation and creativity of Walt Disney.
I feel the fuckin system fail just like kidneys
I'm sensing a breakdown or failure in the system or society, like when kidneys stop functioning properly.
Up-steps the one who upsets all carriages
I'm the one who's defying expectations and shaking things up.
'Cause it's imperative we change the narrative
It's critical and necessary for us to shift the conversation and change the current narrative.
Ya and that's Thought vs Everybody
This is Black Thought asserting himself and his perspective against everyone else's.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Curtis Brown, Deleno Sean Matthews, Minister Ishmael Muhommad, Tarik Trotter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SShawti
The title Thought vs Everybody sounds like the scariest disstrack of all time.
@itsiwhatitsi
Agree. Thatβs why I clicked on this video
@jamaalhorton2343
Shawti Donβt nobody want it!!!
@truthbetold4387
Facts
@Tao-fp3yr
I was kinda wishing for it...
@dougieb4286
Man for real. I just thought no pun intended he was bout to go in.
@mattsloan9056
The greatest lyricist of all time. So slept on even though his band is literally on national TV every night
@WreckIt966
I'm glad that The Roots are house band of the Tonight Show. Without Fallon, I wouldn't have known who they are. And I began to listen to their music because Fallon managed to make them a lot more popular. I knew something was very special about them when Fallon chose The Roots as the band for his show
@michaelburns6427
True that...
@Nitsuga123
@@WreckIt966 who is Fallon?