black thought Archives

Black Thought, Yasiin Bey, Pharoahe Monch & Tobe Nwigwe Make A New Live At The BBQ

Yesterday (June 1), The Roots hosted their 12th-annual picnic in the legendary group's hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event moved this year to the Mann Center, in the same West Philly that Questlove represents. With active three stages, the day was filled with incredible performances, including a 20th-anniversary rendition of... Read more

June 2, 2019 Exclusive, Video

Rhymefest Reveals Black Thought’s Secret To Writing Those Monster Rhymes

Chicago, Illinois MC, songwriter, activist, and actor Rhymefest recently appeared on Ebro In The Morning. The Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe Award-winner spoke on several topics, including a recent appearance on Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Following a public 2018 dispute surrounding the condition of Donda's House, a community and arts... Read more

April 4, 2019 Video

Questlove Gives The Inside Story Behind The Making Of Things Fall Apart

This weekend marks 20 years since The Roots released their fourth album, Things Fall Apart. In celebrating the album's 20th-anniversary, Questlove spoke with Urban Legends' Maxwell Dartey to break down Things Fall Apart, track-by-track. That oral history is a journey that takes place in Philly, New York City, and Detroit. The... Read more

February 24, 2019 Throwback

Black Thought’s New Song With Adrian Younge Reminds He’s A Master Storyteller

Each week this February, producer Adrian Younge (Ghostface Killah, Souls Of Mischief, Luke Cage, PRhyme) has released a series of tracks in celebration and remembrance of Black History Month. Previously, Younge linked up with Georgia Anne Muldrow and Terrace Martin for the Soul-driven, starry-eyed single "February," and most recently with British... Read more

February 15, 2019 Audio

80s vs. 90s Hip-Hop: Which Is Better? A New Video Shows It’s All Love

Today is Valentine’s Day. For many Heads, love is in the air. So, what better way to celebrate than to premiere a brand new medley of iconic Hip-Hop love songs from top acapella group Naturally 7. For those unfamiliar with this New York City outfit, Ambrosia For Heads previously premiered... Read more

February 14, 2019 Exclusive, Video

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2018 (Battle 13): Royce 5’9 vs. Black Thought

We have our opinions on the best releases of 2018, but rather than simply tell you our pick for #1, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2018. With that in mind, we decided to make our... Read more

December 26, 2018 Best Rap Album 2018

You Have Decided The Final 4 Best Albums Of 2018. Here They Are.

We have our opinions on the best releases of 2018, but rather than simply tell you our pick for #1, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2018. With that in mind, we decided to make our... Read more

December 21, 2018 Best Rap Album 2018

Black Thought Performs His Solo Material But The Roots Still Have His Back

Black Thought delivered not one but two solo projects in 2018, more than satisfying a very devoted and patient fan-base. While both volumes in the Streams Of Thought series featured dazzling wordplay and quote-worthy lyricism, they each had their unique sound behind them. The June-released Volume 1 featured production from... Read more

December 18, 2018 Video

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2018 (Battle 9): Black Thought vs. Jay Rock

We have our opinions on the best releases of 2018, but rather than simply tell you our pick for #1, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2018. With that in mind, we decided to make our... Read more

December 17, 2018 Best Rap Album 2018

Real Hip-Hop Finally Has Its Own Home On TV

“It's like that uh and it sounds so nice. Hip-hop, you the love of my life.” I’ve been on the same mission for 20 years. Having grown up in the 80s, the soundtrack to my coming of age was fueled by the sounds of Grandmaster Melle Mel, Run-D.M.C., LL Cool... Read more

December 11, 2018 News, Video

Styles P Explains Why Black Thought Is The Most Dangerous MC Alive

Earlier this year, Black Thought and Styles P's remarkable collaboration finally found a project to belong to. At the top of June, The Roots' front-man joined 9th Wonder & The Soul Council for Streams Of Thought, Vol. 1. Heads did not know it two years earlier when "Making Of A... Read more

December 11, 2018 Fresh, Video

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2018 (Battle 1): Black Thought vs. Masta Ace & Marco Polo

We have our opinions on the best releases of 2018, but rather than simply tell you our pick for #1, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2018. With that in mind, we decided to make our... Read more

December 5, 2018 Best Rap Album 2018

Which Of These Albums Deserves To Compete For Best Of 2018? You Decide.

Earlier today, Ambrosia For Heads announced our picks for the 15 Best Albums Of 2018. As we did last year, we are having you decide which one of these albums (or any one that we missed) is the album of the year, based on your votes in an NCAA-style tournament... Read more

December 4, 2018 Best Rap Album 2018

Ambrosia For Heads’ Top 15 Hip-Hop Albums Of 2018 List

It is that season where “best of” lists abound and, in a year that featured stellar music from artists young and old, 2018 kept Hip-Hop fans on the edge of our seats. Now is an excellent time to reflect on the best ones. Throughout December, Ambrosia For Heads will pit... Read more

December 4, 2018 Best Rap Album 2018

Black Thought Says He Is The Hip-Hop People’s Champ In A League Of His Own

One week ago, Black Thought released the second installment of his Streams Of Thought album series. Salaam Remi, the Queens, New Yorker recognized for his extensive work with Amy Winehouse and Nas, produces this new project. Ahead of the release, Tariq Trotter released the visual to "Conception," featuring his singing... Read more

December 4, 2018 Video

Alchemist Drops An EP Featuring Black Thought & The Griselda Team. Listen Here.

While Alchemist tends to be prolific year in and year out, 2018 has been especially fruitful for one of Hip-Hop's most respected sound creators. He dropped the instrumentals for his highly sought-after Paris x LA x Bruxelles project on vinyl at the top of the year, followed by the short... Read more

November 30, 2018 Audio

Arsonal Says He Has The Best Funk Flex Freestyle…And That Includes Black Thought

Newark, New Jersey Battle Rap star, Arsonal Da Rebel, is the latest MC to flame the mic on Funkmaster Flex’s freestyle segment. However, while most MCs come to prove their worth on the mic, this lyricist—seen in the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards cyphers, is out for symbolic blood. He... Read more

November 29, 2018 Video

Black Thought & Salaam Remi Explain Why Thought’s New Album Sounds Different

This morning (November 26), Black Thought released his second album of 2018. That project, Streams Of Thought, Vol. 2: Traxploitation, is entirely produced by Salaam Remi. The Queens, New Yorker and past "Producer Of The Year" Grammy nominee is known for his acclaimed work with Amy Winehouse, Nas, The Fugees,... Read more

November 26, 2018 Exclusive, Popular, Video

Black Thought Wastes No Time Releasing His Second Solo Album Of 2018

At the top of June, Black Thought released his first ever solo project. Streams Of Thought, Vol. 1 was years in the making for The Roots' Grammy Award-winning MC. More than two years after Tariq Trotter dropped the 9th Wonder-producer "Making A Murderer" with Styles P, he offered up that... Read more

November 26, 2018 Audio, Popular

Black Thought Is A Top Notch MC. His New Song Shows He’s A Great Singer Too (Audio)

UPDATE: The YouTube version of Black Thought's "Conception" video: ORIGINAL NOVEMBER 19 STORY: In eight days, Black Thought is releasing his second project of 2018. November 26's Streams Of Thought, Vol. 2: Traxploitation will be produced by Salaam Remi (Nas, The Fugees, Amy Winehouse, etc.) as Thought confirmed in the... Read more

November 19, 2018 Audio, Video

The Live Mixtape With Black Thought, Rakim & Pharoahe Monch Is Here (Audio)

For his latest signature mixtape, J. Period pulled off a historic trifecta: three of Hip-Hop's most venerated MCs on one stage, performing for a sold-out crowd all the way live. Ambrosia For Heads was in attendance for the September 13 concert at New York City's Sony Hall. The Live Mixtape... Read more

November 15, 2018 Audio

Black Thought Is Releasing His Next Solo Project In Less Than 2 Weeks

In June, Black Thought partnered with 9th Wonder and The Soul Council to release Streams Of Thought, Vol. 1. The moment marked the first solo vocal project from The Roots MC. One of Hip-Hop's most respected lyricists has just confirmed reports that he has another installment on the way—and he's... Read more

November 14, 2018 Fresh, News, Video

Black Thought & 9th Wonder Join Forces On Another Lethal Collaboration (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let AFH fight through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it’s ever been. Not only are we able to go back... Read more

November 9, 2018 Audio

Jimmy Fallon Details How He Convinced The Roots To Be His Show’s House Band (Video)

Next March marks a decade for The Roots and Jimmy Fallon working together five nights a week. The partnership began in 2009 when the Grammy Award-winning band from Philadelphia joined The Late Show With Jimmy Fallon in the midst of one of their strongest album-making strides. That relationship carried over... Read more

October 30, 2018 TV, TV/Film, Video

Black Thought & Roc Marciano Spit Rhymes Hard Enough To Cut Diamonds (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let AFH fight through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it’s ever been. Not only are we able to go back... Read more

October 15, 2018 Audio

Black Thought Speaks About His Mother’s Murder & How Hip-Hop Saved Him (Audio)

Black Thought gives one of the best interviews of his career while speaking to Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito for their What's Good podcast. The iconic Hip-Hop hosts and their guests know one another. It was 24 years ago this month that Tariq Trotter got into a car in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania... Read more

September 20, 2018 Audio

Pharoahe Monch Discusses Early Hip-Hop Experiences & Why He Still Loves H.E.R. (Video)

Last week, respected DJ/producer J. Period orchestrated a "live mixtape" Hip-Hop event featuring Rap performances by Rakim, Black Thought, and Pharoahe Monch. Surprise guest performers included Smif-n-Wessun, Dres and Chi-Ali, Eric B., as well as Mumu Fresh. Yasiin Bey appeared on stage, but did not perform. In addition to rapping and... Read more

September 18, 2018 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Black Thought, Phonte & Rhymefest Have Formed A Super-Group

Producer S1 (aka Symbolyc One) has worked with some of the biggest and brightest in Hip-Hop. He is one-third of Waco, Texas group the Strange Fruit Project. Outside of that, S1 co-produced Kanye West's "Power," Eminem's "Bad Guy," The Game's "Last Time You Seen," and Royce 5'9's recent hit, "Caterpillar."... Read more

September 6, 2018 News

Finding The GOAT Group: The Roots vs. Wu-Tang Clan. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry (which has been determined), including the possibility... Read more

September 4, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

Black Thought, Talib Kweli, Mannie Fresh & More To Perform At 7th Annual Hiero Day

The 7th annual Hiero Day Music Festival & Block Party is taking place Labor Day, September 3. The event performers have officially been unveiled. Oakland, California's legendary Hieroglyphics crew will be performing at their festival, and joining them will be Black Thought, Talib Kweli, Freddie Gibbs, Mannie Fresh, Elzhi, Georgia... Read more

August 30, 2018 Fresh

Rakim, Black Thought & Pharoahe Monch Will Record A Live Mixtape Onstage

Three of the most respected veteran MCs are coming together to make some history. Throughout the 2010s, DJ J. Period has assembled live mixtapes. He's orchestrated these incredible performances on revered stages, including the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. These guest-driven affairs have become fixtures at events like The Roots... Read more

August 22, 2018 Fresh, News

Finding The GOAT Group: Black Star vs. The Roots. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry (which has been determined), including the possibility for... Read more

August 9, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

Black Thought Explains Why Kool G Rap’s “Road To The Riches” Is His Favorite Verse (Video)

In 2004, The Roots released their sixth album, The Tipping Point. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania group's final album for Geffen Records contained an Easter egg of sorts for Hip-Hop Heads. The Dice Raw-assisted "Boom!" featured band front-man Black Thought paying homage to two of his MC inspirations: Big Daddy Kane and... Read more

August 6, 2018 Video

Finding The GOAT Group: The Roots vs. Atmosphere. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry (which has been determined), including the possibility for... Read more

July 25, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

Black Thought Delivers His Most Powerful Verse Ever, In Tribute To Trayvon Martin (Video)

Black Thought is at the top of his game, and he knows it. His first solo project, the 9th Wonder & Soul Council-produced Streams Of Thought, Vol. 1, has garnered critical acclaim, including from AFH. At a time when Tariq Trotter says he feels as though he has never been... Read more

July 20, 2018 Video

Black Thought, Snoop & Slug Buy Out Theater Screenings For Sorry To Bother You

Boots Riley’s directorial debut, Sorry To Bother You is in theaters now. Collaborators and peers from Boots' Rap career have become major supporters of the film in different ways. Black Thought, Snoop Dogg, and Atmosphere's Slug bought out showings in their respective areas, offering free tickets to fans, to ensure... Read more

July 16, 2018 Fresh, TV/Film

Black Thought Assists Roots Affiliate Mumu Fresh In A Moving Tiny Desk Concert (Video)

For the latest in their Tiny Desk series, NPR recruits DMV artist Mumu Fresh who, despite her name, is already a seasoned veteran when it comes to the local cubicle concert. In February, Mumu teamed up with August Greene, the super-group featuring Common, Karriem Riggins, and Robert Glasper, in a... Read more

July 11, 2018 Video

A Tribe Called Quest’s Final Video Is Now Available For All To See

Three months ago, A Tribe Called Quest released their final music video, "The Space Program." However, the late March visual accompaniment to 2016's We Got It From Here...Thank You 4 Your Service album was only available to some platform subscribers. Now, the incredible farewell video (dedicated to the late Phife... Read more

June 28, 2018 Video

Black Thought Explains Why He Believes He’s Never Been Better (Video)

Less than one month since it was released, Black Thought's "Dostoyevsky" shines as a brilliant 2018 Hip-Hop song and the latest great Tariq Trotter and Rapsody collaboration. From The Roots MC's Streams Of Thought, Vol. 1 EP with 9th Wonder and The Soul Council, the work is on Ambrosia For Heads'... Read more

June 25, 2018 Video

The 14 Best Hip-Hop Releases So Far In 2018 (Audio & Video)

Approaching 2018’s midpoint, the year has been absolutely incredible for Hip-Hop and Rap music. For many artists, the album is now shorter than it has ever been. Releases are more concentrated and digestible than they have been been in decades. Moreover, the MC/producer double-threat is winning, as is the chemistry... Read more

June 21, 2018 Food for Thought

Finding The GOAT Group: The Roots vs. Freestyle Fellowship. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to... Read more

June 11, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

Do Remember When Pete Rock & Black Thought Breathed New Life Into Black Star (Audio)

In September, Hip-Hop will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, the album which launched Talib Kweli's solo career and spawned one of the most beloved unions in Rap music. Two decades later, the Rawkus Records masterpiece will be the star of a handful of... Read more

June 7, 2018 Do Remember

Black Thought Discusses His New Album, Epic Freestyle & Years Of Putting In Work (Video)

This past weekend (June 2), The Roots hosted their 11th annual picnic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sadly, just moments into their headlining jam session, hosted by Dave Chappelle, rain, flooding, and lightning storms halted a highly-anticipated affair. However, one day before (June 1), Black Thought showered Hip-Hop Heads with Streams Of... Read more

June 4, 2018 Video

Black Thought Is Releasing Two More Projects And They Are Coming Soon (Audio)

Earlier today (June 1), Black Thought released his first solo project in the form of Streams of Thought, vol. 1, a five-song E.P. featuring production from 9th Wonder and The Soul Council. With it, the longtime MC and founding member of the legendary Roots crew has given fervent Heads a taste... Read more

June 1, 2018 Audio, News

Black Thought Has Released His 1st Ever Solo Project & It’s Everything (Audio)

Black Thought has partnered with 9th Wonder to release a project outside of his award-winning, critically-acclaimed work with The Roots. Beyond his consistent, yet demanding gig with the hardest-working band in show business, including a daily spot on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon along with an acting career, the... Read more

June 1, 2018 Audio

Black Thought & 9th Wonder’s Collabo Album Arrives In Less Than 1 Week

Black Thought and 9th Wonder started the year off with a mammoth announcement. Both stated as much during a panel back in January. Today, it has been revealed that the first fruits of that project will harvest in less than one week. It seemed to be mounting anyway as The... Read more

May 25, 2018 News

25 Years Ago, The Roots Showed They Had Skills Even Before Questlove Had His Fro (Video)

On May 19, 1993, The Roots self-pressed and released Organix. Before the Grammys, The Tonight Show and international super-stardom, the Philadelphia crew frequently went by "The Square Roots" and its drummer spelled his name with a "?," and sometimes he even rapped. Back then, Malik B., Leonard Hubbard, Josh "Rubberband" Abrams, Kid... Read more

May 24, 2018 Do Remember

Mickey Factz Teaches Financial Responsibility Through Taxing Bars (Video)

Bronx, New York native Mickey Factz is the latest guest on Funkmaster Flex's freestyle platform. With his barrage of bars, the veteran lyricist kicked knowledge about something often overlooked in Rap: financial responsibility. After warming up his chops and getting his metaphorical ducks in a row, Factz began spitting facts... Read more

April 5, 2018 Video

The Roots’ SXSW Concert Cancels After Bomb Threat. A Suspect Is In Custody.

Saturday night (March 17), Grammy Award-winning Hip-Hop band The Roots were scheduled to headline a South By Southwest concert. Black Thought, Questlove, and their group-mates had announced "The Roots & Friends" at Austin, Texas' Fair Market. The concert planned to feature Roots' jam session performances with Ludacris, Rapsody & 9th... Read more

March 18, 2018 News

The Roots Will Turn 2018’s Picnic Into A Dave Chappelle-Hosted Jam Session

The Roots Picnic has become one of the culture's longest-running artist-run Hip-Hop festivals. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania event has expanded to include New York City satellite festivals, and seen its share of historic moments. The 2018 affair has been announced and will see the event playing out a little differently. On... Read more

February 14, 2018 Fresh