Black Thought been one of the Illest Emcee's way before any funkmaster flex freestyle

Him explaining that the young man that murdered his mother had a mental disability says a lot about his understanding of life and poor community. I don't like making excuses for people but it's powerful that Black Thought has the empathy to recognize that a healthy individual wouldn't commit such a heinous act.

This guy is a walking piece of Art. His dedication to Hip Hop is by far beyond phenomenal. To be considered as Great before death is Timeless.

Black Thought is LEGEND One of the best lyricists of all time 💯

This man has been viciously wrecking mics since the 90s and people are now realizing he's one of the best Mcs EVER. WTF???

This dude has some soul searching questions. Great interview

Trauma that is not transformed is transmitted. This man has an amazing story, I’m glad he shared it. What’s remarkable, and what I find to be ever more meaningful, is that he went his career without wearing this on his sleeve. I find that inspirational. Props to him and Raphael Saadiq...they didn’t let the tragedy that struck them to define them. Having endured tragedy, heartbreak and struggle myself I’m learning to do that. They mastered a craft and created a new future for themselves. True manhood. ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

I've been saying for years that Black Thought is one of the greatest lyricists of all time... I'm glad he is FINALLY getting the recognition that he deserves. The early Roots albums were so formative to me as a kid. So grateful for Thought and The Legendary Roots Crew.

Always thought this man was amazing since I first heard him on the "Do you want more?" album back in 95! Much respect to you bro.

I dont normally comment. I think this is one of the best "hip-hop"/story of blackness interviews. The questions were great. Way beyond "when did you want to do music?" really gets into the story of being a black man/artist in america.

Wait he just nonchalantly and humbly said Bobby Womack said to me once.... That statement alone is mind blowing. #respectthought

"These rappers are Peter Pan, I'm Panafrican " Wtf man this guy is something else

If Hip hop was a sentient being...Blackthought would be (but not exclusively) the black mind, the black spirit and the black soul of it. And Quest love would be the heart beat and internal rythm.

I'm a poet and jazz musician Mr. Trotter has had the biggest influence on me and should be recognized as one of the best ever imo THE GOAT🐐🐐🐐

This was a GREAT interview...I have a greater Respect for blk thought the MAN than ever before..hes always been a TOP MC...but his bckstory is where you can see where he gets his intellegence..cause what he's been through has shaped him ...blk thought is the pinnacle in lyricism period

I'm so happy he is getting shine. I intently listen to every word he speaks. So much talent!

I LOVE THE PLUSH, RICH INTERIOR DESIGN OF THE ROOM THEY'RE IN.

To be honest this cat was one of the nicest emcees way before he murdered that mic on The Funkmaster Flex show. This dude's resume is littered with verbal masterpieces. He's definitely one of the best and that's not an opinion, it's a fact. Everytime he opens his mouth on a beat I'm all ears because I know that I'm going to hear greatness. Black Thought is truly one of the best to ever do it and if you doubt what I'm saying, you don't have ears that work. Enough said!!!

A good example of how his world as a microcosm reflected the macrocosm of the world. His life is also an example of inter-generational trauma and how it influences your life choices and shapes your worldview/perceptions

Black Thought been the best along with 2pac from way back. Black Thought is so Globally informed qnd intellectual. He tells a story in 1 line and a complete movie in 1 track. Shout out from South Africa!

Black Thought already been the GOAT before all the flex hype. Legendary

BLACK THOUGHT IS 5 TOP DEAD OR ALIVE. great interview, it was a tear jerker for me

Black Thought, and The Roots are what the term Black Excellence is supposed to mean. Much Respect Due!!!!

Been in my top 5 since "Things Fall Apart"...but a fan since "Organix"

Fabulous! All Rappers need to look up to and take cues from this powerfully positive motivating force! Thank you Black Thought for never letting us down!

The best Black Thought / Tariq Trotter interview ever! Coulda sat down 2 hours and listened. Insightful questions and incredibly compelling responses. Part 2 needed immediately!! 👏🏿🙏🏿

Very dope. More of these long-form interviews please.

The dude's presence is like a motivational speech for greatness and proof that supreme confidence and complete humility can go hand in hand. What an incredible person.

This by far, was one of the best interviews I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing. Thoughtful, vulnerable, and inspirational- the hallmark of a hero.

Things fall apart changed my life

Phhuckin insult to the man he had to do a ten minute freestyle to get props all the years he been out burning mics! I feel insulted for him...ayo, ya'll need to go get that Streams of Thought Vol.1 and stop playing ya'll self! That album fire.

This was a really interesting talk. Black Thought's been one of my favorite MC's for a long time. Glad to see him get the recognition as one of the best who's ever done it

Black Thought has to be in every one's top 5....

Black thought is the greatest rapper period!!!

2:22 “you got to go through it to get to it”

I have nothing but great love for my brother Black Thought. Him and Common are the two greatest MCs ever!

Best interview ever!! Great questions. Great answers and introspection. Great to finally learn more about one of the greatest MC to ever grab the mic.

This man is a LIVING LEGEND..more now that I watched this interview! So much respect for his humbleness

tariq trotter is the goat....so many gems and jewels that he gives out to his listeners...

Black Thought/Mr. Trotter you have always been a dope MC. I'm sorry to hear about your parents. I know they are proud of what you have accomplished.

I am a 37 year old lover and creator of hip hop. I have told anyone who would listen for the last 20+ years that Thought is the GOAT. It gives me great satisfaction and happiness to see him finally recieving at least a bit of the respect he has ALWAYS deserved. It also gives inspiration and drive to keep pushing to be my best at my age in a game that young people have always dominated ( and continue to make major, positive contributions to ). Good on you, Mr. Trotter, and thank you.

I don't understand how people can not recognize GREATNESS. I have been a Roots fans from day one and I have always been a fan of lyrics and rappers having substance. We don't get that these days unless we go back in time and listen to the old school rappers who made Hip-Hop what it is. Black Thought is one of the best to ever do it and considered number 1 in my top 20. A lot of people are so caught up on this new type of rap music with no substance that they forget what and who made Hip-Hop what it really is supposed sound like, I understand we want to party and have fun but you can't do that 24-7. Sometimes you got to have a story to tell because we all go through thing s in life that a good artist can put into words that even a kid can relate to. Rappers have to have some kind of quality about themselves to deliver quality to others and personally I don't hear that from today's artist. Maybe a select few do it the right way but not enough do it at all.

As a black man i feel so proud to hear two brothers speak with such intelligence and respect.

My favorite hip-hop artist right now, the eloquence is respected, needed, and right on time. I've always loved the roots and bought their cds growing up, it's amazing to finally see him in this space where I always felt like he was supposed to be. All things in due time, this moment of his shaped it's way out perfectly, although it seems like a it's about time moment. I'm glad he's opening up more, I never knew he lived in Detroit for any length of time. His aura in the studio was always crazy to hear about. He would come work with this dude stacks from Philly that my boy worked with and was always super fresh & serious about his craft and his writing. Inspirational to say the least. #Blackthought

Tariq is the illest performer live on stage,...glad i got to meet Black Thought back in 2005, hes super humble

75 Bars keeps my mind right!!!

The Streams of Thought Vol. 1 is fiyah I am still playing that EP for breakfast ha ha

One of the All time greats! Dope interview. Definitely gained some insight in to him. I've been rocking with him since the early 90's. Salute!

This man is a national treasure. Who has aged as well as Black in hip-hop? Doesn’t exist, he is the standard.

One of the best interviews I have seen in a while. Absolutely love Black Thought. This interviewer was great!

Black thought is definitely on another level creative apex is crazy

Without a doubt the greatest rap name in all of rap history - BLACK THOUGHT💯

The Goat!

Thought has really aged like fine wine. I’ve drawn a lot of inspiration and energy from his latest actions. The stream joint is off the meter. I wish the brotha so much more success. Keep shining our generation needs it 💯

Never have I ever clicked on a notification so fast.

Such a blessing to live in Philly and experience the growth of excellent artist such as Black Thought.

real heads have known Thought was brilliant for a long time. But, it's great to see him get recognized by a larger audience. "It's crazy when you too real to be free!"- one of my favourite lines of all time. Bless up Mr Trotter!

great interview, and I think the best from Black thought is yet to come.

This interview just made my night! Well done 👍🏾

The most positive thing that I can take from his delayed recognition is the fact that although hard core fans know the truth...he's been preserved in a sense to the commercial masses.(if that makes sence) To me he's almost like a Hip-Hop Messiah coming in a time where rap is in a state of Soddom & Gamorrah(however you spell it...lol) I appreciate Tariq for staying the course and not giving up. Cause it would've been understood if he went out like Barry Sanders. Shout to The Roots for staying active and relevant and J. Fallon for giving them (a lil more mainstream exposure as well. This King gone be around for a while.. Bless..

The best emcee on the planet right now it's not even close

Absolute inspiration. One of the greatest to ever bless the mic, but yet also an extreme introvert. Gives me hope that i can get in the same position as him, being extremely introverted and self conscious myself.

For those that don't know about Black Thought before the freestyle or solo shit check out the Roots. Way back from 93.

He is a true Definition of HIPHOP,i think music was his Escape,he lost himself into music b'se its hard to stay straight after all that trauma at the young age and stay true to yourself for such a longtime(3 Decades),man!!God is always GREAT.Thank you for this Interview

"WELL? IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!" RRRRRIIIIGGGGHHHTTT!!!! BLACK THOUGHT DA GREATEST EMCEE EVER!!!

BT is the most we rounded mc of all time he does everything to perfection

Check out the movie Brooklyn Babylon. It’s a hip hop Romeo and Juliet. Although it’s not the best made movie, Tariq shines in his role as Solomon!

Great to hear a well thought through and interview with substance and vulnerability. Glad to see Black Thought finally getting his shine. mumble rappers should be nervous right now ha

I predict that a book will be written based on his Funk Flex freestyle!

2:55 his childhood / story. And how he hasn’t exploited it for fame or promotion.

I am a California native with relatives who live in Philadelphia my favorite city because of the creative cultural environment. The list of talented artists runs deep, Coltrane, Lee Morgan, Ray Bryant, The Heath Brothers, Jymie Merritt, Bobby Timmons, Benny Golson, The Delphonics, Gamble & Huff, Thom Bell, Bass Player Ronnie Baker and many others. Black thought is a part of a very Hip tradition. Philly stand up the Hippest City of all time much love to the city and it's contribution to American culture.

Very sad 2 hear about what happened 2 his mother. I hope the person that did that atrocity has met the same fate. Black you are one of the dopest of all times brother much love!

Dope interviewer asking dope questions to dope fucking artist = DOPE ASS INTERVIEW. This was so deep. I just realized I adored Black Thought without knowing a thing about where he comes from. That man has lived 600 lives within one. Thank you, NPR Music. Between these interviews and Tiny Desk, y'all saving lives.

dope interview. thank you for all all all your hard work and genius shared, tariq. #dixpoplives and is so f*cking proud of you, too.

This guy is the best interviewer ever, don't interrupt ever and have lots of patience, this is how interviews should be done allowing the guest to fully express their ideas without interrupting

One Love To The Bro Black Thought! Black Excellence 4Real!

Top ten MC and very powerful brother......big up and salute Black Thought all day, every day.

I had no idea his name was Tariq until I saw him on late night. First roots song I heard was actually the music video Don't say nuthin', then after i heard Clones and was hooked! Top 5 emcee probably number 1 but its too hard for me to choose.

Hip hops most Respected MC

Excellent interview!..Black thought is a Black nation treasure! His story is not uncommon in urban America and definitely a reason why his art is so powerful and uplifting. It's just like he said "it's tragedy turned triumph" much respect to this brother.

I'm liking the video just off the strength of the title alone.

Thought you strong Bro much respect to you. To be able to speak on your Mama like that, you are strong, keep it up Brother 💯!!!

Give thanks for the dope interview!! Black Thought is the TRUTH, a true LEGEND in Hip Hop culture, Word!!

Yes! We need this goddamnit!

Good interviewer

Bless Up! Black Thought

Great interview brother! The G.O.A.T.

He is the best that is alive. Period.

At the end of the day the streams of thought series is gonna be historic all 3 of them are going to be deemed classic ep's

Black Thought has always been in my top 5. It's a shame it took this freestyle for people to realise, but better late than never, I guess.

Why has he not been awarded a Pulitzer Prize yet? He has one of the dopest pens in music period.

Great interview. He’s chiseled blessings from immense pain.

Black Thought is one of the best lyricists and spitters hip hop has to offer~ Black Thought's been about bars since the 90s

The best to ever touch the mic.he always kept that park jam/ block party style ,the true definition of a mcee….salute

This is the eleventh commandment Thou shalt not battle Black Thought!!!

How does this have dislikes? honestly this man is the embodiment of everything hip-hop was meant to be and should be, not to mention just a well read well rounded great dude

My brother this is just the beginning, your freestyle shook up the industry. HOLD ON IT'S COMIN, JUST HOLD ON !!!! #MuchloveMr.BT

Black Thought is The Greatest Rapper Alive.

Black thought been spitting since tht big pun album!

One of the first youtube comment sections I've ever seen with no hate comments. This was an excellent interview on both ends.