13 Quotes by Black Thought
Black Thought, the stage name of Tariq Trotter, is a highly skilled rapper and the lead vocalist of the influential hip-hop band, The Roots. Known for his intricate wordplay, intelligent lyricism, and powerful delivery, Black Thought is widely regarded as one of the greatest MCs in the history of hip-hop. With his thought-provoking verses and socially conscious themes, he has consistently used his platform to address issues of racial inequality, social justice, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities. Black Thought’s rhymes are marked by their depth, poetic imagery, and introspection, showcasing his ability to craft intricate narratives and convey complex emotions. His contributions to hip-hop extend beyond his work with The Roots, as he has collaborated with numerous artists and released acclaimed solo projects. Black Thought’s influence on the genre and his reputation as a lyrical mastermind have solidified his status as an iconic figure in hip-hop, whose words and artistry continue to inspire and resonate with listeners around the world.
Black Thought Quotes
A true artist is able to sort of articulate pain and tragedy, in a way that sort of expresses what the listener or the beholder may have been feeling but was less able to communicate.
Everything we’ve ever done has been for artistry’s sake, and for the greater good and paying homage to those who came before us and paving the way for those who come after us.
You can always hear me breathing during my verses, but that breathing becomes part of the music.
To be in a band with the other founding members that never sleep is inspiring. Questlove put out five books a year and deejays every night and still do the same day job that I do, only with more responsibility. It drives me to find a way to juggle it.
I think poor folks are the only people who cannot afford – financially and otherwise – to be sick.
To me I think leadership is activism. It’s giving back to your community, it’s investing in oneself, and you know women and children.
It’s weird what can trigger the beginning of a song or some bars. It can be a banging slice of apple pie or it can be smelling a certain perfume or something.
Don’t do anything for fear, because fear will never do anything for you. (Meaning)
I feel like Black Thought is a name that has so much meaning and depth, not only to me but to my fans, that it’s something that I wanted to hold onto a little bit tighter.
I’ve become a functioning cog in the machine called The Roots, but in my youth I was comin’ from a more braggadocious, egotistical perspective.
I feel like the youthful experience is what drives the creativity, and I feel like experience and maturity as an adult, experience as an elder statesman, that refines it.
I think we need more community health programs and we need to develop programs that are low-cost.
I’ll read a book. I’ll watch a documentary or a film or whatever. I’ll go to an art exhibit and just try and open myself to influence.
― Black Thought Quotes
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an impact-driven creator at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 life goals around the globe. Tal's journey and recent book, The Art of Fully Living, inspired him to found Elevate Society.
