One thing that doesn’t need to be debated (anymore) is the fact that Black Thought is an elite MC. A conversation with your fave rapper’s fave rapper will confirm this — as would a listen to essentially any of his verses … ever. His humbleness and the technicality that he was a member of The Roots (though he was clearly the sole MC) deprived the world of a true solo effort. That was until this summer’s Streams of Thought, Vol. 1, which saw the lyrical virtusuo team up with 9th Wonder.
With one song that had already leaked, the EP equated to four brand new (incredible) solo songs that felt like an appetizer to something more. This past Thanksgiving weekend we finally got that bigger helping of greatness with Streams of Thought, Vol. 2: Traxploitation.
This time around, Tariq connects with legendary producer Salaam Remi, who provides the Philly MC with a consistent sound of live drums, chunky guitar riffs, and — at points — soulful elements reminiscent of classic Motown sessions. It can be argued though that this live instrumentation borders heavily on his group work.
The slight distortion on Thought’s lyrics over the thick bass of “Get Outlined” or the heavy-handed aesthetic of “History Unfolds” could seamlessly appear on a Roots LP, which in a way digresses from the purpose of a solo endeavor.
Salaam seems to attempt to differentiate himself by playing up the 70’s soul element, which does come across best on tracks like “How To Hold A Choppa,” where Tariq rips rhymes (on rhymes) that ride the moody instrumental, which could have easily found itself at home with an artist like Marvin Gaye. “Conception,” a pseudo-love record that also provides a step outside the sound Tariq had initially looked to move away from temporarily by working with different producers.
The lack of a dramatically different listening experience though is a very light scratch that one can inflict on a very sturdy suit of armor. Though Salaam does little to push Black Thought outside of his comfort zone, it does little to distract from how solid this project is, and the lyrical depth and complexity of all nine tracks. For anyone who’s been arguing for Black Thought’s inclusion on any and all lists that focus on the art of saying rhymes with substance, two stellar examples in one year is a blessing.
If bars like “Lyrical religious hero on Jesus’ level” doesn’t cause you to give a Rick Flair “Whooooooo” and hit the back button for a second listen, then no level of experimentation by this lyrical GOAT can help you.
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Best album of the year!!!! “Do everything in moderaration even Moderation”
Garbage of the year
Black thought is a top tier emcee. He isnt however a top tier song maker. Alot of the songs instrumentals sounded like cousins to each other. There were tracks that were new but I thought it was still the previous track. I loved this album tho. The rhymes are incredible. The delivery flawless. Thank you BT.
This is the most intelligent, socially conscious, high end lyricism paired with incredible production album I have heard in a very long time. Black Thought is a rapper’s rapper with lyrics that far exceed most so called MCs weak attempts at being conscious. Lyrically this album is up there with illmatic. In fact, a part of me wants to say this album is better than illmatic when you REALLY listen to what Black Thought is saying in each song. This is a great album that deserves proper recognition in the hip hop community and music industry.
Damn Fire . . .Shout out To Salaam Remi. .this is masterpiece .
Easily one of my favorite hip hop releases of 2018. Much better than the first volume, and that one was great.
Black Thought keeps on serving that heat. This album is incredible on so many levels.
yeaboi
Album was ok….lyricism was on point but the production was ehh…..the beats are too similar…simple…most of the time it sounded like he was rhyming over a drum and high hat with hardly anything else. After 3 or 4 songs like that it becomes repetitive. Need to hear him over far superior beats than this.
I love black thought, but the production on this and the 9th wonder album was lacking imo. Conception was the only beat here that I loved. Why can’t someone lace Black Thought with some instrumentals that are worthy of his talent????
Yo, this whole motherfucking album is on point! I originally thought, the old man with the big ass beard was going to fumble on this album like the last, but I was so fucking wrong.
The album is dope! I like it better than vol 1. Conception, Long Liveth, and Streets are my personal favorites. I dig Salaam’s production.
Album is dope Salaam did the damn thing, Thought,as ususal was on some next ish with the lyrics.
OK this album is one of the best albums of 2018 and wont get the recognition it deserves. Among the real emcees we know this album is what the industry is lacking….Superb artwork by one of the greatest lyricist of our time!
Dope, but Vol. 1 was better
Not as tight as I thought it would be.
It iz what it waz meant to be, a great work of art!!!!
Black Thought’s lyrical brilliance, showcased on Salaam Remi’s masterful production/canvas.
C’est manifique!!!!!