Born on this date in 1971 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as Tariq Luqmaan Trotter, Black Thought, the lead emcee of the legendary Hip-Hop band The Roots, has created his key to success with one word: longevity.
Thought has always been regarded as one of the most lyrical post-Golden Era emcees, yet received very little recognition for his prowess outside of his work with the entire Roots band, now a staple of ‘The Tonight Show.’ This summer’s Streams Of Thought: Vol. 1 further proves his “staying power” in any circles where rhymes are being spit.
Growing up in a Nation Of Islam household, Trotter’s family life was very cultured, leading him to seek knowledge among the Five Percent Nation in high school. This is where he met The Roots’ co-founder Amhir Thompson, who they originally named the group The Square Roots.
Throughout the two-decade span of his illustrious career since The Roots debut in 1993, Thought has earned a Grammy win, appeared in two blockbuster films(Bamboozled, Brooklyn Babylon), and appeared on several groundbreaking albums.
On this day, The Source Magazine would like to salute Mr. Trotter on his Birthday and wish him an enjoyable day and many more to come!