Black Thought: Greatest Rapper Of All Time

[@lmspikes]

"If you haven't listened to that song, punch yourself in the face." *punched myself*

[@richardmonyer7024]

Luis Martinez you

[@richardmonyer7024]

Luis warns

[@richardmonyer7024]

Luis Martinez was trying

[@sweetgoldilocs2]

me too but very softly

[@TheWard1ne]

Luis Martinez punch again

[@iAmKidKiNG]

Black Thought is definitely one of the best to touch a mic . His verse on the Wishin Remix with Royce is crazy .

[@NO-END]

distortion to static

[@rhugginsj25]

King Kese nothing crazier than his verse on the imperial. statik selektah album

[@97Andrewjs]

Yes!!! That and the feature on pharoahe monch's rapid eye movement

[@iwrekm2365]

BT been my favorite rapper since High School days.. there was a minute where Royce was my favorite Rapper, then he did tracks with BT.. it was impressive to hear my Old favorite rapper take out my new favorite rapper.

[@wombwomp2983]

This is all opinionated. Its sound their are many greats no greatest even if there your favorite because of the pure topics they speak about you don't know them personally and rappin doesn't have to be about anything light. If were only talkin creativity and rappin it's all opinion if you think the greatest is black thought, ransom, krino, mf doom, blu, one.be.lo, capital steez, luck-one, earl, benny or one of many more contenders but taste changes and there talented people who are unheard I'll never have a favorite

[@McFlo]

Everybody who listens to a lot of rap/hip hop knows there is no other rapper like Black Thought. He is the greatest of all time. The most consistent. Incredible lyrical, vocal and performance ability. He has also been an inspiration in my own rapping career. The best and the greatest rapper alive.

[@ryhempolk9147]

Mc Flo I disagree yaw must have never heard of krino

[@kingziondaddy5097]

Yea him and BANKS

[@ryhempolk9147]

KingZion Daddy 50 k rino greatest of all time

[@treysimmons1326]

We’re both Mende

[@devotheambivert9875]

Mc Flo I acknowledge that Black Thought is one of the greatest lyricists who ever spat on the mic. That is without question. He does not fail to capture my attention and excite me when I listen to BT. He has collaborated with some of the best rappers alive in Mos Def, Eminem, Styles P, Big Pun, and others. But, the greatest of all time to me is Tech N9ne. His versatility as an artist is on another level. Tech N9ne is a complete artist. He can do different flows. He has party songs, deep songs, industry-exposing songs, and more. On each song, he is consistently great. His multisyllabic rhyming and internal rhyming are impeccable. His speed and the clarity of his words are to be commended. He has amazing breath control. He has been underrated for a long time. He displays lyrical talent to the maximum level. His style is incomparable. It is so unique and unmatched. He's the top independent rapper in the world, if I'm not mistaken. He is legendary for sure. He will be in the HOF.

[@KMO325]

Who watchin' this again after that Flex freestyle?

[@elflaconeri]

Yo what he did has got to be illegal!!

[@lukasvasquez6721]

You have to listen spanish freestyle

[@poolandmusic]

Black Thought is the Greatest MC in the purest sense period! I don't care about labels. There is truth and non-truth. The truth is that anyone who loves rappin and has listened to plenty of it KNOWS that BT is the greatest. You don't even have to "like" all of it but he is a no cliche pure MC! Respect where respect is due!

[@ignorantenlightenment]

I'm a 23 year old I was born in 94 and unfortunately I've never been up on any of the Roots music, this is putting me on and I'm about to go back and do the knowledge good look Justin

[@CloudTribe]

Same it wasn't until I heard the heart 2 by kendrick lamar did i realize the song sampled the roots and then I started looking them up more.

[@dicktracy926]

Look into Do You Want More for some classic Roots

[@animbot6817]

Definitely check out Things Fall Apart. I've said it over and over again I consider this the greatest hip hop album made. Yet it rarely makes it on peoples list. It's the roots perfecting their sound while also innovating. On a side note since Kendrick was brought up. As crazy as everyone was going over to pimp a butterfly listen to these 2 albums back to back and you realize To Pimp a Butterfly is just Kendrick's imitation of The Roots.

[@MrOvadose101]

Definitely take the time listen to his catalog. If you need to school some younger heads, tell them to check out the new David Banner joint featuring Thought "Who want it." You won't be disappointed, you even need a neck brace afterwards,lol.

[@robertyoung2Legit]

EVER MADE!!!!!!!!!! your absolutely right on all fronts!! these young kids have no idea!

[@mlo__]

Black Thought's one of the realest out there for me. Like he said in the Sway interview, he doesn't need to talk about it, he communicates the culture regardless.

[@TheCompanyMan]

That's a wild interview. Think about that. We know Kanye dropped out of school. We know biggie was selling crack to feed his daughter. We know eminem hated his mom and lived in a trailer park. We know so much about so many of our long time favorites and most have no idea Thought's parents are double murder victims. It's crazy how private he is.

[@ChampD1012]

He had an interview on The Champs Podcast where he went personal.

[@afroandy2000]

I think people still say Thought is underrated because he's not one of the names constantly mentioned in the "typical" GOAT conversations. He's not always mentioned with Nas, Jay, etc but people who know how great BT is know that he deserves to be one of those names synonymous with the goats.

[@jacccs]

Rasuke11 mate you don't write the rule books. Andre is always considered - no solo work.

[@Eliburgo]

MCMF exactly

[@anredickerson1535]

afroandy2000 I like Jay z but he not on black thought level and to me thought is more likable than Nas. he got that raspy gutter tone

[@redpiller169]

MCMF he's not considered and that's good, he doesn't deserve any mention at all. He hasn't influenced the culture like rakim or nas and he hasn't had the commercial success of Jay-Z and eminem. You think Jay, nas and eminem can't rap like these underground dudes? Back in the day thought wasn't even top 5. He got the shine now because brothers went commercial and pun died. Thought isn't touching peak Nas or pun.

[@anredickerson1535]

lethubuhle moyo what! nah the ROOTS aren't going to have as much commercial success talking about the things they did when ppl wanted to hear about sex drugs and hood sht plus it's hard to stand out in a GROUP. those artist influenced hip hop more and look where it's at today. where have they lead us? Stay out the culture

[@markricks]

I've seen The Roots live 12+ times and have been saying Black Thought was the GOAT forever. Thank you for this show. Truly highlights all the key points - well done! PS: Congrats on the new job, Justin!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Mark Ricks thanks mark!

[@stevencloer2941]

Whenever you say "might be the greatest of all time," I instinctively say "GREATEST OF ALL TIIIME!"

[@frankhood5630]

Loneliest Monk all of this got me thinking, Cal Chuchesta might the be the greatest of all time, GREATEST OF ALL TIME!

[@leenasty23]

Frank Hood he is tbh

[@stevencloer2941]

+Frank Hood Yuu betcha buddi!!

[@abrahamkeys7830]

He is not the greatest rapper of all time get the fuck outta here

[@Fresco1005]

Abraham Keys You don't know ish about Thought you're opinion won't win it just falls and blows like leaves in the wind

[@kylepickus5712]

After that funk master flex freestyle, I had to come back to this. Thought is definitely up there as one of the greats. Not only is he a good rapper, he bleeds the culture. He is more black culture than hip hop. The man is R&B, the man is jazz, the man is blues and the man is Hip-Hop. Hell he is also rock ‘n’ roll. While some rappers only rap over g-funk, trap or blues. Tariq can do it all. The only reason he doesn’t get enough respect, is because he hasn’t created a hit. Tariq focuses much more on the art of lyricism and the culture, whereas the popular artists in the 90s would make at least one single. Tariq is technically one of the most sound rapper, but cant create a single with a hook that gets caught in your head.

[@gxtmfa]

Man, they should have hits- I’ve had “Do You Want More?!!?!” stuck in my head for years.

[@foresttdog]

Not his hook, but definitely a hit and catchy as hell kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZCxp6d3rdJ3e68

[@lyrics2challenged]

You got me?

[@Bornjamerican24]

All of this

[@jeo3212]

I feel you. Feel the same way about Jadakiss. He's a great rapper but he hasn't had that one over-the-top song like a lesser MC. Some guys are great MCs but they dont make great songs. Some guys are great song makers but they are not great Emcees like

[@QuietStorm3007]

HOLY CRAP!!!!!! What a surprise finding out about the BOOM! track which is one of my many favorites. Being the meticulous person I am, I must go and edit the contributing artists on that track now. For YEARS I thought it was Big Daddy Kane and Kool G Rapp featured on that track. Thank you Justin.

[@rezthapoet]

Supreme Lyrical Ability!

[@ErlingGrey]

he's definitely in my top 5

[@TheCompanyMan]

Top 5 is definitely more than respectable.

[@ErlingGrey]

The Company Man Media Thought has that soulful feel to him too. That D'angelo or Bilal feel. His rhyme schemes. I get goosebumps when he spits. "I'm crooked like the i off the toxic malt liquor, the land whipper, the dom perignon champ sipper" I love conceptual albums but also love raw emption and musicianship. the roots give me both in a spades. Organix hits home like no other. honestly have one of the most impressive discography. Thanks for making such great content Justin. Do you have a favorite Roots album? Its hard but mine would be How I Got Over because it's the first I heard from them. Organix and Things Fall Apart could take that spot with more time.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks Keegan. How I Got Over is my favorite. I like more songs on that album than any other. Tipping Point is a close second. You're right about the soulfulness of Thoughts' approach. There really isn't anything he can't do lyrically. he also sings, which is something I forgot to mention in the vide (realizing this as I type this) which he should be given more credit for.

[@therunawayrascal]

that first verse on What They Do was some straight up prophesy! crazy foresight

[@TheCompanyMan]

Kalepa Heidegger facts!

[@Jrk1235]

Thanks for this! I always felt black thought was the best ever when I first saw the Roots in March 1995 in Toronto during the "Do you want more?" Tour... Black Thought the illist of all time!

[@leonardjackson842]

I still listen to Illadelph to this day and Black Thought is one of my favorites. His skills are definitely underrated in the industry but us real hip hop heads know how fly he really is.

[@buhdahwee]

"Unorthodox hip hop minister Than a serengeti cheetah my thoughts swifter You lose your balance when the sound hits ya" THAN A SERENGETI CHEETAH MY THOUGHTS SWIFTER!!! The construction of that line alone to fit into the flow. Mastery. Wordsmith.

[@mansurx26]

His intellect makes him better than 90% of rappers.

[@shaspearman8647]

To me Greatness is all about intellect. You can be a great fool. How can we praise someone who rhymes irresponsibly about the most horrendous things?

[@ahmedsabi5143]

Black Thought has been my personal best MC for a long time. Have followed him since "Proceed" off "Do you want more...", and he has never, and I mean never, dropped a sub-par verse. I think his reserved nature and being in a group have kept him off minds as the GOAT. He's without doubt a contender, as well as Prodigy, Common and Guru. Great job Justin, as soon as I saw your channel I was more than happy to subscribe.

[@FacelessProjects]

This was pretty eye opening. Actually dropping content which isn''t just entertaining, it's educating.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks, James!

[@RapMATTers]

This video is 7 years old and since then Black Thought has been releasing quality albums, proving he's one of the goats. Streams of Thoughts are great, Cheat Codes is classic. In the meantime, he had a fascinating Tiny Desk Concert. Still, he's the most underrated among the best ones. Tkanks for the video!

[@TheAnusuyamitra]

not only is BLACK THOUGHT the best, but this guy is a legend for presenting this the way he did.

[@BboySven]

Justin Hunte is out here dropping amazing content, consistently. Black thought on Statik Selektah is some of the nastiest verses and beats.I still get down to The Imperial like once a week.

[@matttraverso4592]

This video should introduce him to me more. Only groups I've ever checked out much are ATCQ, Wu, public enemy, and NWA. thanks for introducing more music to me justin!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Glad you dig it Matt! Thought deserves more credit.

[@Hahnbros]

Matt Traverso You should also check out the Beastie Boys if you haven't already

[@samseliger605]

Matt Traverso since you like atcq, you should definitely check out OutKast

[@matttraverso4592]

Sam Seliger Love outkast, just didn't count them since they're a duo

[@Cell-dx3nw]

Check out De La Soul, Black Sheep, Gang Starr, The Roots, Jungle Brothers...Do You Want More?!?!!! (This is a reference to one of The Roots albums)

[@2013_Shox]

sales should have absolutely no part when discussing the best of all time, the only thing that matters about music is the music, not whether some people found it catcby enough to put on the radio.

[@Noirlore]

ronald bangtidy yup. Just cuz drake outsells Kendrick doesn't mean he better. Twitter wild sometimes

[@jordanbabcock9349]

Ronald Bangtidy I agree with you. Some artists aren't recognized for a few hundred years or more. I never actually knew the facts about them not getting #1s and all that.. pretty incredible really! I guess the nation really is asleep. haha

[@Gemini050788]

"Break You Off" has never failed to secure the "kill" for me. If you can't seduce a chick with that, you have no hope.

[@TheCompanyMan]

HAHAHAHAHA! Well said!

[@idontwannaidontwanna7307]

Gemini050788 ... follow that up with "you got me"... well and truly nailed....

[@bryanwilliams1819]

Gemini050788 the last minutes in "break you off" is sex music for your ear.

[@rikkigram5464]

Gemini050788 As a woman, I can confirm this. Its on my pantydropper list, so smooth

[@KtotheG]

Wow, I've never used hip hop to get the drawers, lol... for me, it's always been either charm, LL Cool J lip lickin', or a massage.

[@jjutt87]

Black Thought has always been my GOAT technically, I'm glad dude called him a Samurai! So true, stoic and deadly. Thank you for making this video, I appreciate all the angles at which you attacked the conversation. Well done! Again!

[@desi_no_aka]

He's my favorite voice in hip hop ever! Him and Pac the only top 2

[@roman540]

I hadn't given much thought to Black Thought/ The Roots but I'm looking into their catalog right now. Thanks for the introduction.

[@odiemonster12]

Again Justin man, I love how you just brought an aura of intellectualism to Hip hop that I didn't even know I had been craving for. Your documentation of hip hop is simply amazing! Followed you from Hip Hop DX and Imma follow you wherever you go, keep it up man. I'm from Kenya and hope you can cover African Hip Hop some day

[@TheCompanyMan]

odiemonster thank you Odie! Which artists should I check out?

[@odiemonster12]

Lemme do for you a thread on Twitter

[@baloyithomas]

I'm a huge fan of work, you did it again today. I loved your piece on The Game a few months ago. I'm a huge fan of The Game, he has one of the best catalogues out there, and I'd love to see you make a goat piece for him.

[@dwilz1183]

He been my favorite rapper. When I met him he said he knew was the best...he cut me short... he was so cocky and serious.. anyone else I would've felt played. I wasn't even mad. #Proper

[@mrw9044]

THANK YOU JUSTIN. This was badly badly needed. Hell, you can label him a GOAT only by listening to Do You Want More???!!?, let alone all the other stuff he did. This dude is so underrated it's crazy. Great analysis Justin, didn't know about his circular breathing, for one thing.

[@shontelllacour138]

#BlackThought is definitely the greatest! I love this dude. I hate we don't give this dude his praise and flowers while he is alive! Thanks for this piece!

[@theneovas1]

Literally my favorite person that has ever commentated and analyzed rap music!!!!

[@Sentientcakes]

Man, I was super pissed that the breakdown was ending and I thought it would be a long time before we got to see you again. Now here we are killin this! Glad you came back so soon Justin! And as always, thanks for the food for thought.

[@JustinBlastoff]

Before I watch this, I have been saying this ever since I first heard Black Thought in middle school and listening to the Roots all my life. Black Thought is the best freestyle artist of all time hands down

[@joshmariscal6482]

Another GOAT piece!! Was definitely looking forward to these, and of course, you did great!!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks Josh!

[@JepMaster8]

I've been telling people this for EVER. Black Thought is #1 on My list. Things Fall Apart was my introduction to the Roots.

[@manoneal1724]

To me, what really separates Thought from the rest is longevity. There are only two or three emcees all-time who have ever been as nice as him. But all of them have fallen off at some point. Tariq's been at the highest plateau for 25 years and never ran out of ideas. So impressive.

[@lordg3803]

One of the best NO DOUBT!! CELEBRATE HIM WHILE HE IS HERE!! SALUTE BLACK THOUGHT!! R.I.P. Prodigy!

[@odefeoberabor7597]

Great to see you ain't selling out for views. This is not a popular rapper. Keep pushing the culture !!!!!!! I LOVE IT !!!!

[@TheCompanyMan]

I React to Everything ! 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@Marvellous.Misfit]

I've been listening 2 Hip Hop since 1980 & I'll go ahead & agree that Black Thought is the finest MC I've had the pleasure of hearing. He will get his props in time, the man is ridiculously talented & intelligent. His singing​ is pretty good 2.

[@wslavenphx]

This video is a fantastic essay. You just gained a fan and a subscriber.

[@memobenitez2508]

Your breakdowns turned me on to The Tipping Point and it is now one of my favorite rap albums ever. That intro, Web, Boom, and that long ass outro are some of the best songs I've ever heard in hip hop, and I listen to a lot of fucking hip hop. Black Thought top 10 for sure

[@ballislife]

Ballislife approves this message. Black Thought and Nas the greatest to ever do it. Shame they've never collaborated.

[@yd856]

Lmao Ballislife has better taste in music than most hip hop heads.

[@gallonthegreat7036]

​@@yd856forreal

[@1c0nic_player]

both are still going, i could see it happening. they’re my top 2

[@gnaradah]

Congrats on the new gig! Damn good breakdown on Black Thought ! I'd say he's top 5 for sure. dude is a BEAST

[@bakiozefe3410]

Black Thought can rap on any beat with any flow with any feature AND STILL KILL IT. Also, he seems to become even better with time, I mean look at that making a murderer verse or that birds I view verse (insert Justin's "Yeezus" here) But do commercial success and "personal raps" really matter that much? In terms of lyricism, skill and live performances he is one of (if not simply) the best to ever do it, so why shouldn't he be considered the greatest emcee of all time? he surely isn't the most commercially successful emcee, but at least for me there is a big big line between commercial successful and being a great and skillful emcee. but finally a Black Thought Goat video, thank you Justin, in all honesty. keep it up #itsallhappening

[@Alex18PR]

Great video. For some reason a lot of people don't considere rappers that are mainly part of a group as serious contenders for GOAT. People usually bring up that Thought doesn't have a solo project and the same happens with Andre 3000. Q-Tip is also a name that people rarely bring up in this discussions. Also Scarface deserves that GOAT piece!! (Jude will probably appreciate it 😂)

[@WhatWeDigtoday]

This was flames! Love that you got 9th Wonder quote. Brings up a good question of what defines success currently? Billboard is much less of a benchmark these days with streaming music. The Roots are like a Ben Harper of hip hop. Successful, but more based off of touring and a large global ollowing.

[@MrDavissssss]

Thank you Justin, you are the most accurate, articulate hip hop discussion channel around. You are highly overlooked, and I hope the absolute best for you and your channel.

[@JordanClemons]

Cant argue with any soul that thinks that Black Thought is the Greatest rapper ever

[@luminardiex7169]

Please do a series called Most Underrated Rappers In The Game! That would be so dope to see because there are some really great artists that don't get the recognition that they deserve. Example; Mick Jenkins. He is one of the greatest lyrical rappers since the 2010s and I bet majority of people have never heard of him. The idea of having this video series would give more attention to people who deserve it. Love you and keep up the good work dude.

[@eyonkiller55]

Great show Justin !

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks Milan!

[@alonzox5420]

One correction: On the song BOOM that is Kane and G Rap recorded on the track. However during live shows Thought does do impressions of their verses. He also does impressions of G rap's "Men at work" as well as Kane's "Set it off"

[@doodiemac100]

I love and respect Black Thought. His penmanship and talent are elite. There's just one problem that denies him the GOAT title: he does not have a solo catalog. We never got to see Black Thought hold down a whole album on his own without the Roots. Yeah he's dominated his guest features and cyphers but that isn't enough. He needs a solid piece of work or works where he showcases his skills and content on a classic album by himself. Can't be the greatest when you don't have your own discography

[@thehawk6109]

doodiemac100. Agreed. I don't think he wants the spotlight light like that. Which is the reason why he often gets overlooked as one of the greatest of all-time. Had he dropped a few solo projects he would get more recognition.

[@lcasanova1202]

FACTS. .HE DOESN'T HAVE A SOLO CATALOG

[@lcasanova1202]

I agree

[@lcasanova1202]

+Mike S I agree

[@IllusionistBeatsOfficial]

Go and listen to his solo catalogue. I know I'm 5 years late but if you're a fan of BT you should give those projects a listen.

[@realtruth1988]

Black thought will go down amongst the greatest to ever do it whoever has taken the time to listen throughout all these years will feel this.

[@griffenyyoung9163]

Dude he's one of my favorites along with Lupe! Thank you for doing this. Where did you get this shirt though?????

[@edwardchan6976]

Yes, finally, been waiting for a Black Thought piece! Thanks, Justin. I think Undun is also highly underrated, it's in my personal top 5 albums.

[@ballislife]

Where can we get that GOAT shirt?

[@stevenmonte7397]

perfect shirt!!!

[@_The_Doc_]

4 years later and I'm still waiting on the album. Been back to this video a bunch of times especially to show to friends. Black Thought is the GOAT

[@jamaaldavis7907]

Awaiting end game..glad thought doin other things musically in mean time

[@xuniversalx635]

💎🔥💎🔥💎 I really appreciate MC'S that focus on mastering they're craft and getting better with time and still deliver with a certain energy where you can tell they are putting forth a effort to rip s#!+

[@TheCompanyMan]

Me too.

[@TomCox84]

I've been preaching that Black Thought is one of the best for decades now. Top tier on all levels. For one, it's mind-boggling how many people don't even know who he is, many not even knowing The Roots (smh), but even the ones that do know mostly still underrate him.

[@BanditTheDad8]

Black Thought is one of the most influential rappers ever, even though he doesn´t get appreciated as he should. I would love if you would do a GOAT piece about my favorite rapper of all time, Ice Cube, he´s been in the game for so long and just like Scarface he never really lost he´s way, he´s always been faithfull to his style and area code and just like Scarface I see that he´s not respected and admired as he should be. Thanks

[@ashleyveremu5282]

Greetings from Zimbabwe, great vid, Black Thought definitely in my top 2...it's between him and 3 Stacks.

[@SKLZWL]

the 2 thumbs down are both lil yachty from 2 different accounts.

[@Lcarter52]

then he got 83 more of his cousins to do the same

[@entitiessoul]

Naw it's stans

[@wombwomp2983]

Y'all don't even really listen to hip hop stop😂 their is no best rapper it's opinion one.be.lo could be the greatest to you or ransom or mf doom or rakim or black thought or sooo many others

[@qnp1236]

@@wombwomp2983 all caps

[@kan50805]

@@wombwomp2983 MF DOOM*

[@serv5000]

Thank you Justin somebody besides me has finally given my dude Black Thought his due. Most def one of the best to ever touch a mic , the brother gets no credit for his lyrical abilities. Black Thought can kill any MC that try's to get with him on the mic. Yo! I need that shirt let me know where I can get it...Thanks. FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY!!!!

[@dolaopposite]

Thought is my favorite rapper. I don't think he's the greatest MC, but I do think he is the best... If that makes any sense. Like, if Rappers were Architects, Thought would design the best buildings.

[@NickCTaylor]

You can use that as a bar "If I were an architect I would design the best buildings/Mona Lisa framework, sublime, the best ceilings

[@dominicsouder4938]

The biggest compliment/signifier for GOAT status if the rapper is considered "underrated." With that being said, do a Brother Ali review, a Lupe Review, a Myka 9 review. We need people to touch on these guys and you're the man I trust.

[@amaj1998]

being able to do impressions and circular breathing and being on tonight show without being a sellout is cool but I'm not sure if it really matters in the greatest of all time conversation. why I think black thought deserves to be considered one of the greatest? he is probably the most consistent rapper of all time, hasn't had a bad verse in almost 25 years. The Roots also have arguably the best catalog in Hip Hop. Illadelph Half-life, Things Fall Apart, Phrenology, Game Theory, How I Got Over, Undun are all amazing albums even their weaker albums like The Tipping point or Organix are still solid. Also one of the most versatile emcees, no two Roots albums sound alike yet BT manages to find his pocket on every single one. I can't imagine some of their more experimental shit like on Phrenology or Rising Down could be easy to rhyme over.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Right. I'm with you. The genius of the roots is an indelible reason why Thought's in the conversation. What Statik said about concepts and the piece of the J. Period convo about the mastering, combined, that kind of describes the roots catalog. For individual accolades, that's the gift and the curse.

[@tonyschimmoeller4439]

I believe The Roots said they have around 1000 songs recorded since they are able to record regularly working at the Tonight Show. That is amazing the BT has been able to have that many verse. Also agree with every point you made.

[@flawkolopez6565]

Aarif Majeed Facts. This has always been my main argument for Tariq being the GOAT. Only rapper that ain't never fallen off lyrically. Everyone else in the GOAT convo (except maybe 3 Stacks) has has a period where their lyrical ability, song quality and/or output has dipped. Except Black Thought. In fact, he keeps getting better.

[@MartyMcFly__25]

FINALLY!!! Thanks Justin! I just glad KZbin recommended this so I came across your new channel

[@BigSkippy95]

Hey Justin, great vid as always. I was wondering if you were going to do a response video every now and then like you used to after a couple weeks. Those were great and it was a cool getting different perspectives from commenters. thanks again for this vid it was great.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Those are DEFINITELY coming back. I'm glad you liked those. The Rebuttal's were a lot of fun. This channel is only 3 weeks old. We're just getting started so you'll see some old favs and some new innovations as well. I'm glad you're kicking it with us so early, Jeremy.

[@1q2w3e4r5t6y7u8i9ify]

The Company Man Media thank you for putting me on man, I didnt know black thought til today but I shall sleep on him no more.

[@johnbutler7567]

thanks for doing your part to bring more awareness to this underated group. every young gun my age just knows them from the tonight show put they have some of the most inspiring songs I've ever hear "Star", and "Now or Never" just as some quick examples. Black Thought never has to go to flashy and still has one of the most powerful flows with the lyrics to back him up. Thanks Justin

[@MrKing8050]

when I first saw the "What they do" video on Yo MTV Raps, I was hooked on the Roots, Black Thought is hella underrated, Illdelph Halflife is my favorite Roots project too

[@TheCompanyMan]

Such a classic video.

[@BoomSkwad47]

MrKing8050 someone who knows. they have yet to release a bad album but that's my favorite by a long stretch

[@jomolettman9258]

this needs to be part of the hio hop curriculum, thought is one of the most under appreciated greats of rap music and hip hop culture

[@DaPhunkeeFeel1]

Man you killed it so hard at hiphopdx they had to go out and get Murs to do breakdowns? sheeeeit

[@TheCompanyMan]

DaPhunkeeFeel1 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@RCLaROCK1]

black Thought is amazing lyricist HUMBLING TO KNOW I inspired him to write rhymes ...dope 1980 ... THE MICSTRO 1980 B4 THEM ALL WAS and still iz #longestflowonwax this is who started mono tone flow ......RC LaROCK 1977-81

[@memorandom1880]

Bruh, Black Thought is the respirator that kept hip hop alive when it was dying. True hip hop heads recognize Black Thought as GOAT.

[@thepoeticgenius1986]

I think this is very valid, Black Thought is definitely underrated, he definitely has a real claim to possibly being the best. As a poet I love the poetry he packs in every verse. Hands down, one of the best ever.

[@Hahnbros]

You should make a series GRGOAT (Greateat Rap Group Of All Time) Series. The Roots imo is the greatest group of all time. Anyways my man coming through with a sick breakdown video

[@TheCompanyMan]

That's a dope idea!

[@Hahnbros]

Ever need anything else hit me up on Twitter or KZbin in the comments man

[@TheCompanyMan]

Will definitely do so, brother.

[@TheReal12]

mmmm... Wu-Tang is definitely up there with them.

[@OathToAwesome]

Don't forget ATCQ!

[@DestroIABM]

tariq has been my favorite rapper for over 20 years. I was at the roots picnic and saw Joe and P watch in awe of thought's bars.

[@bennejame7854]

That verse on Making the Murderer is absolutely ludicrous

[@ChampD1012]

That fear in the room is real man. Great video Justin. I still need to check on those billboard stats. The Seed 2.0 had to chart. First time I saw The Roots live was during the Phrenology run. Blew off studying for a midterm in college.

[@destined1536]

I thought Sean P was my favourite rapper's favourite rapper. 9th got me confused now lol. R.I.P. Ruck.

[@rezthapoet]

I'm big on Sean P too. Despite Seans's wit, I'll still take me a BT. RIP Sean P

[@LENOVOPRODUCER]

Destined Black is hella good, but Sean Price and Jay electronica are slightly above in terms of bars and delivery. LNP

[@LENOVOPRODUCER]

Destined Sean Price and Jay electronica are slightly above in terms of bars and delivery. LNP

[@brandonb3273]

That was originally Eyedeas line from late 90's.

[@0414ism]

The Clever Rapper Beretta Clapper still hold the 1 spot.

[@jasonborne4931]

As usual great commentary J definitely learned something I thought I already knew! Wish list AZ, E-40, Richie Rich, Raekwon, Above the Law

[@PRAFITJOSIAH]

Greatest Rapper Alive...

[@birch_kalawa]

I had missed the company man's breakdowns..Glad to know you got your own now.

[@robertmoyes3242]

Black Thought bodied "Who Want it" on David Banners newest Project

[@joshuamoyer8342]

The Tipping Point is probably my favorite hip hop album ever...so glad you gave BOOM the love it never seems to get...

[@Hailo4820]

How can I get that "GOAT" T Shirt!? I need that in my life! When it comes to Black Thought, I agree with you wholeheartedly.

[@jeremyallenglover6831]

Yep yep. BT GOAT. I want one of them shirts too

[@catallguy43]

Hailo4820 I want that shirt too. He has been my #1 emcee for a long time.

[@joely.7675]

I was gonna ask the same thing!!!!!

[@TerryCarter]

Word up! I need that shirt too

[@aubindyer1254]

Dude's always been in my top 5 and I've always been surprised at how he rarely gets brought up in these conversations.

[@buhdahwee]

If you're a true fan of The Roots' music and Black Thought you would know that he does at times reference his life and upbringing. Clock With No Hands being one of those tracks that come to mind where Thought lets us in. On the point of him being a pioneer for the Common Rapper... As much as I love Thought and think he is by far the greatest emcee the hiphop world has seen to date... I would give that title to CL Smooth.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks Baidawi.

[@matt.pma.kresnaputra5458]

Fuck yesssss!!!! Im late for the video but ive been bringing up black thought in every conversation about rappers, "top 5's", personal favourites, and best rapper alive. Im annoyed by the fact im the only one bringing him up!!! Thanks for the vid!!!

[@TheA6surdNerdz]

I personally love black thought, but I feel like he never really attempted to make a personal connection with his audience like a lot of his contemporaries have. I don't mean like not making personal songs, but I mean like letting people know about him as a person. Which is cool, don't get me wrong if he wants to keep things to himself that's his prerogative. But for example, if I never watched this video I would've never known about his parents. Also, the roots never made themselves out to be "cool". Wu-tang made themselves cool with the off the wall personalities and the abrasive style. Roots always came off like a band in an era where people were doing all types of stuff for attention, which made it harder for them to stand out to young guys like me growing up. Would I rather watch a roots video or a Dipset video? I still think about the first time Cam stepped out of the Pink range Rover or the elevators video from Outkast. But that's all marketing, though. 12 albums is still a remarkable accomplishment anyway you look at it. And they lasted longer than any of the groups mentioned. So it works for them and I can't wait for the next project.

[@TheCompanyMan]

They definitely dial down their celebrity. Which is part of the irony. BT is probably the epitome of the Common man rapper and yet we don't know much about him personally which is a very old school celebrity type of thing. modern celebrities are sharing all kinds of personal things these days.

[@rezthapoet]

I see Questlove has stepped up his Celebrity in the last Decade. Tells me they are conscious of some these salient points you made.

[@gokhanozmen1051]

I saw this, after I wrote my comment.. You are definitely right, and I think the same as you :)

[@TheReal12]

MrFritzMusic I really enjoy ur comment. And Thought is in my Top 10 emcees... it speaks volumes; maybe he never wanted them to know any more of him, but the music... similar to Joell Ortiz.

[@deliriousmysterium8137]

MrFritzMusic roots new that a steady stream will dig Deeper in the game over time. Idk

[@AndreD0217]

Thought is definitely one of the True GOATs! That Roots joint ‘Clock With No Hands’ puts my mind in a whole other space 🤯

[@unology1]

What about Pusha T - 15 Years in the game and still has one of the most anticipated albums coming "King Push" - Successful as a group and solo artist - Can switch from intellectual to brag rap in the same verse - Classic song "Grindin" and classic album under the belt "Lord Willin'" - Master of the double entendre - Can make any beat sound good. - Signature rap style I could go on, but you get the point.

[@WrestleManiaMan1000]

Pusha T is a great rapper, hell he up there wit K dot and Cole. But it is something about Black Thought that is Godly. Chills and shivers up and down the spine with every verse.

[@BkuBrown]

Push will tell you Thought is better

[@flavio7180]

Karlus H Indeed, but these videos are not necessarily trying to crown someone as the GOAT imo. It’s just paying homage to great rappers and giving some arguments as to why they are so great which is why Justin says I might not agree but I’d understand at the end of each video. So Pusha ain’t the Goat, but a video about him would be cool.

[@authentic76]

I've been saying this for the past 10 years. Black Thought is the greatest lyricist to ever touch the microphone...

[@ariwilsun]

I need that Black Thought shirt. Does anybody know where I get it?

[@TheCompanyMan]

Ari Wilson made it for the show

[@ariwilsun]

Dope! TCM merch on the way perhaps?

[@KonradCurves]

So happy you are still doing the Goat series just on another channel. was scared it wouldn't come back