The Roots (Mini Time Line)

Black Thought is criminally underrated. So I'm going to put this little time-line together for those who haven't yet checked

He is, without a shadow of doubt, one of the most consistent rappers EVER. Hate it or love it, it's definitely true.


1993
The Roots self-released their first full-length album, available at shows in Europe. The album 'Organix' fuses Jazz, Funk and Hip-Hop. A definite must check for any Hip-Hop fans.

The Roots - Grits (1993, Organix LP)

Black Thought appears on the first verse.



1995
The Roots, now signed to a major record label, release the great album 'Do You Want More?!!!??!'.

The Roots - Proceed (1995, Do You Want More?!!!??!)


Black Thought on the first two verses.



1996
The Roots released their definite classic album, 'Illadelph Halflife'. The album had a more serious tone than the first two.

The Roots - No Alibi (1996, Illadelph Halflife)


Black Thought appears on the second and third verses.



1999
In 1999, The Roots had their first major break-through into the mainstream with the Grammy-nominated album 'Things Fall Apart'.

The Roots - Dynamite! (1999, Things Fall Apart)


Black Thought is trading verses with rapper, Elo. Also listen for the great beat by the late, J-Dilla.



2002
In 2002, The Roots released the highly anticipated LP 'Phrenology'.

The Roots - Pussy Galore (2002, Phrenology)


This song details hows sex can sell everything. And how things such as money, power and sex can make people do bad things.



2004
The Roots release what some call their most commercial album thus far. 'The Tipping Point' has been criticised by many of their fans for having "too many radio friendly songs".

The Roots - Duck Down! (2004, The Tipping Point)


Another great Black Thought track.



2006
In 2006, The Roots released their critically acclaimed album 'Game Theory'. This is my favourite Roots album, and my favourite album of 2006.

The Roots - Game Theory (2006, Game Theory)


Two amazing verses from Black Thought and a fucking fantastic last verse from Malik B.



2008
April of this year, The legendary Roots Crew released their 8th studio album, 'Rising Down'.

The Roots - 75 Bars (Black's Reconstruction) (2008, Rising Down)


There are so many songs I like one this album, but none of them showcased Black Thought's skills as much as this song.



Random Songs
Talib Kweli - Guerilla Monsoon Rap (feat. Black Thought, Pharoahe Monch & Kanye West) (2002, Quality)


Damian Marley - Pimpa's Paradise (Feat. Stephen Marley & Black Thought) (2005, Welcome To Jamrock)


The Coup - My Favourite Mutiny (Feat. Black Thought & Talib Kweli) (2006, Pick A Bigger Weapon)



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