Black Thought Brings Bars To ‘The Tonight Show’

Black Thought, the legendary MC and frontman of The Roots, delivered a powerful and thought-provoking performance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on April 26th. Backed by the show’s house band, The Roots, Black Thought performed a song called “Glorious” that he wrote for the NBA playoffs.

The performance featured Black Thought’s signature lyrical prowess as he rapped about his experiences and observations on the world around him. The song’s chorus, “I’m living glorious, victorious / End up on the top, I’m notorious,” captures the overall theme of striving for greatness and achieving success in the face of adversity.

Black Thought’s performance was accompanied by an impressive video montage featuring footage of NBA stars, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, among others, showcasing their skills on the court.

The performance garnered widespread praise on social media, with many fans and fellow musicians hailing Black Thought’s skills as a lyricist and performer. Some even dubbed him the “greatest rapper alive” after seeing his performance.

In addition to his work with The Roots, Black Thought has released several solo projects and has collaborated with a variety of artists spanning different genres. He is seen as one of the most influential and talented MCs of all time, and his performance on “The Tonight Show” only reinforces his status as a true master of his craft.

Early Life

Black Thought was born on October 3, 1971, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in the city’s South Philadelphia neighborhood and attended the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts. His parents were both members of the Nation of Islam, and he was raised with a strong sense of discipline and responsibility.

Musical Beginnings

Black Thought’s interest in music began at a young age, and he was heavily influenced by the jazz and soul music his parents listened to. He also drew inspiration from hip-hop pioneers like Run-DMC and LL Cool J and local Philadelphia artists like Schoolly D.

In the late 1980s, Black Thought met Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, who would become the drummer for The Roots. The two formed a friendship and began performing together, eventually forming The Roots in 1987.

The Roots

The Roots gained popularity in the early 1990s with their unique blend of live instrumentation and socially conscious lyrics. Black Thought’s complex rhymes and socially conscious themes were a major part of the group’s appeal, and they quickly became one of the most respected and innovative groups in hip-hop.

Solo Career

In addition to his work with The Roots, Black Thought has had a successful solo career. In 2017, he released his debut solo project, a 9-track EP called “Streams of Thought, Vol. 1.” The project received critical acclaim and showcased Black Thought’s lyrical prowess and range as an artist.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Black Thought’s origin and upbringing significantly shaped his career and artistic vision. From his early exposure to jazz and soul music to his meeting with Questlove and the formation of The Roots, Black Thought’s journey has been one of determination, talent, and innovation.