Black Thought

Black Thought
Black Thought performing in 2011
Black Thought performing in 2011
Background information
Birth nameTariq Luqmaan Trotter
Also known as
  • Tarik Collins
  • Reek Ruffin
  • Riq Geez
  • The Bad Lieutenant
  • Hawk Smooth
Born (1973-10-03) October 3, 1973 (age 51)[1]
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.[1]
GenresHip hop
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • actor
  • author
Years active1987–present
Labels
Member of

Tariq Luqmaan Trotter (born October 3, 1973),[1] better known as Black Thought, is an American rapper, singer, actor and the lead MC of the hip hop group The Roots, which he co-founded with drummer Questlove in Philadelphia. Regarded as "one of the most skilled, incisive, and prolific rappers of his time",[2][3] he is widely lauded for his live performance skills, continuous multisyllabic rhyme schemes, complex lyricism, double entendres, and politically aware lyrics. He and The Roots perform as the house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, frequently playing games with Fallon and his guests.

  1. ^ a b c Betts, Reginald Dwayne (February 24, 2022). "Is There Such a Thing as Black Thought?". The New York Times. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  2. ^ Black Thought – Biography. AllMusic. Accessed on August 28, 2020.
  3. ^ Interview of Jamal Greene, brother of Talib Kweli. Conversation with Tyler. Accessed on June 2nd 2022.