Black Thought is an American hip hop artist and the lead MC of the Philadelphia-based hip hop group The Roots. He is widely lauded for his complex and politically conscious lyricism and intricate rhyme schemes. Black Thought has been consistently listed as one of the greatest MCs of all time by multiple publications, including Rolling Stone, Vibe, and HipHopDX. In addition to his work with The Roots, he has released several solo albums and collaborations with other artists, including Danger Mouse, Talib Kweli, Rakim, and 9th Wonder.
| Name | Tariq Trotter |
| Stage Name | Black Thought |
| Date of Birth | October 3, 1972 |
| Genres | Hip-Hop, Rap |
| Occupation | Rapper, Record Producer, Actor |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Labels | Rawkus, Geffen, Def Jam, G.O.O.D. Music, Ahmir |
| Associated Acts | The Roots, Dice Raw, Truck North |
| Years Active | 1991–present |
10 Best Black Thought Quotes
“I could pick up a pen and a pad and just write for days on end.”
– Black Thought, from GQ
“I don’t wanna be the greatest rapper of all time, I wanna be the greatest artist of all time.”
– Black Thought, from YouTube
“The art of emceeing is still alive and well in 2020 and beyond.”
– Black Thought, from Interview Magazine
“Hip hop is a form of expression and it is a culture.”
– Black Thought, from YouTube
“You can’t underestimate the power of a good story.”
– Black Thought, from The Guardian
“I think people want to take in the fullness of what hip-hop is.”
– Black Thought, from Rolling Stone
“I never felt pigeonholed as an artist.”
– Black Thought, from Red Bull
“I try to be progressive and also stay true to my roots.”
– Black Thought, from Vulture
“I’m always trying to make music that is timeless.”
– Black Thought, from Complex
“I’m a student of the game and I’m trying to preserve the art form.”
– Black Thought, from Hot New Hip Hop
6 Black Thought Quotes About The Roots
“We certainly feel like we’ve made our mark, not only musically, but in terms of being a band that’s been able to stand the test of time.”
– Black Thought, from Live for Live Music
“The Roots is like a family. We’ve been together for almost 30 years. It’s a tight bond.”
– Black Thought, from Vibe
“The Roots aren’t just a band, we’re a movement.”
– Black Thought, from Rolling Stone
“We’ve looked at the Roots as a community, as a family. We’ve been able to keep that thing intact and keep it strong, and it’s something we’re very proud of.”
– Black Thought, from Billboard
“The Roots have never been a band that aimed for the mainstream. We marched to the beat of our own drum and followed our own path.”
– Black Thought, from Philadelphia Magazine
“The Roots have always been a band that has done things on our own terms and we’ve always been a band that is willing to take risks.”
– Black Thought, from The Fader
5 Inspirational Black Thought Quotes
“The only thing that I can really say is that I’m constantly striving to be better. I’m constantly striving to improve my craft.”
– Black Thought, from DJ Booth
“I’ve never been a person to get too comfortable. I’m always striving to be better.”
– Black Thought, from The Fader
“I think that I’ve always had a certain level of respect for the craft. I was always studying the greats and trying to learn how to do it better.”
– Black Thought, from Vogue
“I try to find the balance between being a lyrical genius and also making sure that the people can understand what I’m talking about.”
– Black Thought, from Hot New Hip Hop
“I always try to make sure that I’m pushing the boundaries and pushing the envelope.”
– Black Thought, from Rolling Stone
7 Famous Black Thought Quotes
“I’m a fan of being able to put yourself in a space where you can be creative and try to think outside the box.”
– Black Thought, from GRAMMY.com
“I’m not a fan of taking myself too seriously and I think that’s the thing that I try to carry with me through life and music.”
– Black Thought, from GRAMMY.com
“I wanted to make something that people could play at the cookout, something that people could really just vibe out to and just kind of lose themselves in the music.”
– Black Thought, from GRAMMY.com
“I don’t think that hip-hop has to be defined by a certain box or a certain era.”
– Black Thought, from GRAMMY.com
“I wanted to make a record that was just about having fun, and I wanted it to be a record that I could be proud of.”
– Black Thought, from NPR.org
“I just wanted to make something that was really just in the spirit of hip-hop, something that was really just about being creative and being free.”
– Black Thought, from NPR.org
“I think that hip-hop is the most important musical genre in the world right now.”
– Black Thought, from The Guardian
7 Black Thought Quotes About Love
“It’s a lifelong process of learning how to love yourself and others.”
– Black Thought, from Vibe
“Love is the greatest power that exists and it’s the only thing that can really conquer hate.”
– Black Thought, from Vibe
“Love is the greatest weapon, you can’t really kill hate with hate.”
– Black Thought, from YouTube
“You have to have a love for yourself, and an understanding of yourself, and an appreciation for yourself, before you can be a loving person to others.”
– Black Thought, from Genius
“I feel like love is the greatest superpower.”
– Black Thought, from The Fader
“I feel like love is the most powerful thing—the strongest emotion and the most powerful thing in existence.”
– Black Thought, from YouTube
“Love has the power to conquer any and all things.”
– Black Thought, from Vibe
5 Black Thought Quotes About Life
“Life is about being able to stand up and own up to your mistakes, learn from them and move forward.”
– Black Thought, from Interview Magazine
“Life is too short to be anything but happy. To be angry all the time, that’s just too heavy a burden to bear.”
– Black Thought, from Interview Magazine
“Life is about continuing to learn, to push yourself and to challenge yourself.”
– Black Thought, from Urban Daily
“Life is a series of lessons. You can either learn them the hard way or the easy way.”
– Black Thought, from Interview Magazine
“Life is truly what you make it.”
– Black Thought, from Urban Daily
5 Quotes About Black Thought
“His technique, his flow and his energy is a huge influence on me.”
– Kendrick Lamar, from Youtube
“He’s not just a rapper, he’s a poet.”
– Questlove, from Youtube
“When I think of Black Thought, I think of excellence.”
– Pharrell Williams, from Youtube
“He’s the greatest rapper of all time.”
– Raja Kumari, from Youtube
“One of the illest MCs ever to walk the face of the Earth.”
– Rapsody, from Youtube
Interview with Black Thought
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Thought
1. What is the source of the Black Thought quotes?
The Black Thought quotes come from a variety of sources, including:
- Black Thought’s own lyrics
- Interviews with Black Thought
- Quotes from other artists about Black Thought
- Articles and interviews about Black Thought
2. What topics are covered in Black Thought’s quotes?
Black Thought’s quotes cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Social Justice
- Racism and Discrimination
- Black History
- Motivation and Inspiration
- Empowerment
- Self-Reflection
- Creativity
- Politics
- Philosophy
- Culture
- Love and Relationships
3. How have Black Thought’s quotes evolved over time?
Black Thought has been in the rap game since the late 1980s and has been highly regarded for the thought-provoking content of his lyrics. His quotes have evolved over the years, from the conscious and socially conscious themes of his early works to the more introspective and reflective themes of his later works.
- The early years: In the early years of his career, Black Thought’s lyrics focused heavily on the struggles of inner city life. He often rapped about the harsh realities of growing up in a low-income, crime-ridden neighborhood and the importance of education and uplifting one’s self. His quotes were often filled with words of wisdom and encouragement, such as “Knowledge will keep us free” and “We can rise above our circumstances.”
- The present: In recent years, Black Thought’s lyrics have shifted to focus more on introspection and personal growth. His lyrics often explore the complexities of life and the importance of emotional intelligence. His quotes often touch on themes of self-awareness and self-empowerment, such as “The power to change starts within” and “Learn to have faith in yourself.”
- The future: As Black Thought continues to evolve as an artist, so too does his lyrical content. His quotes are becoming increasingly philosophical and reflective, touching on topics such as the power of resilience and the importance of understanding one’s own emotions. Some of his more recent quotes include “The journey is the destination” and “Your greatest strength is your ability to survive.”
Black Thought’s quotes have evolved over the years, reflecting his growth as an artist and his increasing understanding of life. His lyrics have gone from being socially conscious to being more introspective and reflective, imparting valuable lessons and wisdom to listeners.
4. What are some of the most popular Black Thought quotes?
Black Thought is an American hip-hop artist, songwriter, and actor from Philadelphia. He is the lead MC of the critically acclaimed hip-hop group The Roots, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest lyricists of all time. His lyrical prowess is evident in his many quotable bars, and here are some of the most popular Black Thought quotes.
- “You can’t teach what you don’t know, so you can’t preach what you don’t practice.”
- “You got to be willing to take your lumps, and let it humble you, so you can grow.”
- “No matter what you do, be the best that you can be at it.”
- “Love is the answer, no matter the question.”
- “One thing I know is that life is a struggle, so you might as well enjoy the ride.”
- “Success comes to those who work hard and never give up.”
- “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
- “The key to life is to stay focused, stay patient and stay determined.”
- “Life is not about the destination, it’s about the journey.”
5. How can Black Thought’s quotes be used in everyday life?
Black Thought’s quotes are powerful, thought-provoking, and inspirational. They can be used to motivate and encourage ourselves, as well as others. Here are some ways to use Black Thought’s quotes in everyday life:
- Start your day with an inspiring quote. Choose a quote that resonates with you and use it as a daily reminder of the values you wish to live by.
- Share a quote with someone you care about. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a colleague, Black Thought’s quotes can be a great way to show someone you care and connect with them on a deeper level.
- Use a quote as a source of motivation. Whether you are facing a difficult challenge or simply need an extra push to achieve your goals, Black Thought’s quotes can help you stay focused and motivated.
- Meditate on a quote. Take a few moments to reflect on the words of a Black Thought quote and consider how it applies to your life. This is a great way to deepen your understanding of the quote and gain a new perspective.
- Incorporate a quote into your art. Whether you’re a writer, painter, sculptor, or any other type of artist, you can use a Black Thought quote as inspiration for your work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is evident that Black Thought is an incredibly talented and inspirational artist. His music and words inspire listeners to think deeply on topics ranging from love and relationships to social justice and politics. His quotes reflect a deep understanding of the human experience and offer powerful insight into the complexities of our lives. His artistry and words are a reminder that we have the power to make positive change, no matter our circumstances.
