A recording of this should be archived in the Smithsonian, Library of Congress, or National Museum of African American History so generations know the impact Hip-Hop had on 20th & 21st Century culture.
A 13 year old and a 50 year old hears this piece in different ways. For me at 54, this is an amazing look back at where hip hop has come from. For my 13 year old son, this is an amazing look at hip hop's trajectory moving forward. For me, it's about what was built. For him, it's about what we are building. And I don't know why that brings tears to my eyes. Salute to Black Thought, we could always feel your love for the culture.
Yay it's crazy. We maybe older now but I remember every artist on here and more. It is crazy to look at how far hip hop has come. But respect the past.
I hear ya, PP. 💯 I can relate to the tears you shed. The trip, literally and figuratively, for me is to be living as the music has transformed over this time span. Reinforces how much life and the lessons it teaches should be appreciated. ... and it don't stop!! ✌🏾
@@najeemuhammad9739No one can say that when we have Kendrick. He's taken everything from the past generations and pushed it forward. Many greats sit next to him as well regardless of who inducts them. As for the younger generation, give them time. I don't think we're getting another illmatic at 18, but let them live life and develop something worth saying. We'll see what this conversation is like 25 years from now when I'm 50, and I look towards my son for inspiration.
@@goose0078 Kendrick lamar aint getting in...stop it. The rock and roll hall of fame is for trailblazing artist that also made their genre better. Can you give me a name of one artist since 2005 who was a trailblazer that made hip hop better, because I can easily make the argument that right after soldier boy, the music took a huge nose dive, and there aint nobody on the plane that can fly this thing
When I was growing up I constantly heard “rap/hip hop is just a fad. It’ll go away just like disco did”. Yet here we are 50 years later and it’s still the illest form of musical expression and it’s still going strong. Much love and respect to Black Thought for this amazing love letter to hip hop.
I feel so specially bless to be raised in the boogie down Bronx I'm 66 and I still play all kinds of music especially old school hip-hop no it's not going anywhere like they thought so I thank the most high God for black thought like Melle Mel once said: my name is on the radio and in the magazines my picture on the t.v. screen it ain't like that yet !!!! Yes yes ya'll it is like that and that the way it is !!!! Big shout out to Mel rakim,and common and now the new king black thought do the knowledge and the damn thing my brother from boogie down Bronx now living GA peace
@@jeffhendrix2166 nah family I go back a very long time in the culture ( hip hop) that term hip hop came from love bug starski when he used to d.j. and Mc with g.m.flash and the incredible 4 mc's before Rahim got with flash and before they were the furious 5 ask any old old head do they remember flash at the black door club I'm talking real old school like 76 or 77 man ya'll miss out on some real old school hip-hop parties that lasted from 10 or 11 until 5 6 or 7 in the morning with no fighting killing we were just chilling out ( having a good time)
Protect this man. At all costs. No flashiness, no bravado, no watches, cars or insane brags. Just pure talent. A beautiful human. He could teach young rappers a thing or two about humility. We won't see another Black Thought again, and that's kinda sad.
It's not sad being an original. But I see what you saying. Because talent is shunned while images are pushed. He is a talent respected. The new artists are talentless and respected. If only they could go back to writing from the heart and making their mark hip Hop and it's glory will be revived.
Lol he has all you mentioned. He flashy, with bravado, he got watches and brags whenever he proclaims himself the best. The only difference is when he says it, thats cuz its arguably true and thats genuine confidence. While others is just cockiness. Black thought is a street poet. All you mentioned above fits better for andre 3000. 😉
Don't say that, my man. The future is not yet written :) Black Thought is unique, but he doesn't have to be alone. They may not be the loudest, but talented rappers and artists will always exist. It's down to us to seek out their voices (and take part, as well)
It’s sad because the predatory capitalistic spirit and nature of what rap business has become OPPOSED to Hip-Hop will do everything in its power to block, shunt, deny, disenfranchise or dishonor a muthafucka like Black Thought that’s this SERIOUS about only using his crafted mastery of this ancient artform of emceein’ to thrust the culture foward while puttin’ up a middle finger 🖕🏾 to corporations, networks, radio affiliates, cronies, and culture vultures that spend every freakin moment of their lives tryin to steal revenue from a culture they took no part in creating nor building.
Once again Thought has shown everyone that he is one of the best to ever do it! He is beyond the title emcee at this point. He is our modern day griot, an orator of the highest level.
While I agree Thought is 1 of the best lyrist do it. He simplified his rhyme schemes to make sure the message was heard louder & clear by everyone on this track. Which is another example of his greatness. This wasn't about his lyrical miracle type track, but a homage to hip hop from where it started, to where it went & where it is now. He always drops knowledge regardless
This man has pure poetry in his veins! Easily in the top 5 greatest rap lyricists of all time, Black Thought has shaped the genre of hip-hop in incredible ways. He eloquently captures the power and beauty of hip-hop culture in this piece 🎤
@@mrlee7328 To be real...em can rhyme...but I would put my last dollar on black thought. If u think em would even try black thought. Nah. Would never happen he's not stupid. Black would snap and one of the few that would actually end ems career. Effortlessly. If that's even possible in the minds of people today. Em probably the rhymer syllable sayer. But don't be saying much. No cap at all. Anybody know hip hop frfr knows Black thought would LITERALLY give him a lesson in his craft and son him. Alot rap greats would agree themselves. Don't let the cool smooth approach fool u. Black thought is like the lyrical celestial being. He has a whole university with the streets stored in his memory lololz
Black Thought is the illest of all time. No one could have done it better. I’m loving this and the shoutouts throughout. Like the ode to KRS and All Natural. “50 years down the line, you can start this because we’ll be them old school artists.” It’s wild to think where hip-hop will be in another 50.
Just to show how powerful hip hop was. Imagine a kid about 6 years old going to a record store in 1990 and being drawn to the album covers, listening to the music and feeling a connection with a person, a community, a status quo. Imagine a kid who was living overseas but from a ghetto, an immigrant family. I was the only persons listening to hip hop in entire countries, and even though no one else liked it, it stuck with me. Albums like Illmatic and All Eyes On Me sealed the deal. I could see the poetry, stories and messages they wanted to send. I did my best to share it with the world and I think the world is better because of Hip Hop. Now I see people standing up for their beliefs around the world in many languages using hip hop to convey their message and it just makes me so proud.
@Exxx Vandal ...dude, you keep spamming this comment like loads of artists haven't had tracks/verses/bars professing their love of hip-hop years before & after that song 20yrs ago. Dunno why you feel the need to make repeated attempts to detract from Tariq's work here, but pls figure it out so you can stop.
Black thoughts is veteran, A true Noble man That knows and upholds his words like a Reverend man. He is one of Hip hop best kept secret man On the other hand he is a layer man Deep in his thoughts, Deep in his porch reaching far and beyond even were the light can't touch Famous for the truth, famous from his youth He's got so much to offer, everybody's trying to loot Every word he rote every line he quote Resonates............
Truth just got spoken. Undeniable. Respected. Power to my humans, all humans, no separation, no division, no schism. Music is the power we all need, the power we can all use. Hit me with music and I will feel no pain.
This is a Masterpiece from one of the greatest Emcees living or dead. This is a fitting tribute to the music, culture, and art form Hip Hop has given to the World. 💪🏾
Are you Hip Hop enough to hang behind the scenes? Find out here: th-cam.com/video/tOeCczLNuTc/w-d-xo.html
A recording of this should be archived in the Smithsonian, Library of Congress, or National Museum of African American History so generations know the impact Hip-Hop had on 20th & 21st Century culture.
I definitely agree 💯
💯🎯💪🏿
Understatement
The big homie in The Smithsonian
Indeed.
It takes a special artist to captivate the listener like that for 4 minutes with no beat, just straight up poetry. Black Thought is different. 👏🏼
Actually, the game is watered down. So many MCs were are able to do this.
Yes! I would like to hear a fan version of this on a beat (that doesn't overpower it) though.😌
Dope! I would like to hear a fan version of this on a beat (that doesn't overpower it) though.😌
Agree about the respect for Black Thought, but you might benefit from going to a real Poetry Slam.
It's amazing how fanboys will say anything stupid to big up their idol. lol Obviously you never been to a poetry slam.
A 13 year old and a 50 year old hears this piece in different ways. For me at 54, this is an amazing look back at where hip hop has come from. For my 13 year old son, this is an amazing look at hip hop's trajectory moving forward. For me, it's about what was built. For him, it's about what we are building. And I don't know why that brings tears to my eyes. Salute to Black Thought, we could always feel your love for the culture.
Yay it's crazy. We maybe older now but I remember every artist on here and more. It is crazy to look at how far hip hop has come. But respect the past.
I hear ya, PP. 💯 I can relate to the tears you shed. The trip, literally and figuratively, for me is to be living as the music has transformed over this time span. Reinforces how much life and the lessons it teaches should be appreciated.
... and it don't stop!! ✌🏾
Hip hop trajectory? Where? Not one single rapper of this generation will sniff the hall of fame
@@najeemuhammad9739No one can say that when we have Kendrick. He's taken everything from the past generations and pushed it forward. Many greats sit next to him as well regardless of who inducts them. As for the younger generation, give them time. I don't think we're getting another illmatic at 18, but let them live life and develop something worth saying. We'll see what this conversation is like 25 years from now when I'm 50, and I look towards my son for inspiration.
@@goose0078 Kendrick lamar aint getting in...stop it. The rock and roll hall of fame is for trailblazing artist that also made their genre better. Can you give me a name of one artist since 2005 who was a trailblazer that made hip hop better, because I can easily make the argument that right after soldier boy, the music took a huge nose dive, and there aint nobody on the plane that can fly this thing
2:24
"Be whoever you need to be but don't forget who you are."
That's a fact right there.
Em said
It's okay to lose people but don't lose yourself -
Seems this is a fact if it keeps coming round from legends' art
@@PenguiinLips he never said that. you just see people comment it.
@@gregh_777 he did
Lyrically unmatched.
Salute to Black Thought! One of the best to do it. Give this man his proper recognition now!
Sixtoo did a song called a letter to hiphop 20 years ago
@@exvandal187 And?
One of THE best is right!
When I was growing up I constantly heard “rap/hip hop is just a fad. It’ll go away just like disco did”. Yet here we are 50 years later and it’s still the illest form of musical expression and it’s still going strong. Much love and respect to Black Thought for this amazing love letter to hip hop.
Old heads sayin turn that hippety hoppety off...Nah Eff That! Turn That Ish Up!
Aw man you sound like my dad circa 1989!
I feel so specially bless to be raised in the boogie down Bronx I'm 66 and I still play all kinds of music especially old school hip-hop no it's not going anywhere like they thought so I thank the most high God for black thought like Melle Mel once said: my name is on the radio and in the magazines my picture on the t.v. screen it ain't like that yet !!!! Yes yes ya'll it is like that and that the way it is !!!! Big shout out to Mel rakim,and common and now the new king black thought do the knowledge and the damn thing my brother from boogie down Bronx now living GA peace
@@jeffhendrix2166 nah family I go back a very long time in the culture ( hip hop) that term hip hop came from love bug starski when he used to d.j. and Mc with g.m.flash and the incredible 4 mc's before Rahim got with flash and before they were the furious 5 ask any old old head do they remember flash at the black door club I'm talking real old school like 76 or 77 man ya'll miss out on some real old school hip-hop parties that lasted from 10 or 11 until 5 6 or 7 in the morning with no fighting killing we were just chilling out ( having a good time)
Rap is a fad
Black Thought its the true epitome of what Rap is and is meant to be. He's a true leader in the culture of hip hop! Incredible!!
He just got nominated for a Grammy for this. Hopefully he wins and gets the proper recognition on a universal level.
When Thought walks into a room full of MCs…all conversations stop.
Stop it
Bar God!!! 🙏😤😤😤😤
Protect this man. At all costs. No flashiness, no bravado, no watches, cars or insane brags. Just pure talent. A beautiful human. He could teach young rappers a thing or two about humility. We won't see another Black Thought again, and that's kinda sad.
It's not sad being an original. But I see what you saying. Because talent is shunned while images are pushed. He is a talent respected. The new artists are talentless and respected. If only they could go back to writing from the heart and making their mark hip Hop and it's glory will be revived.
Lol he has all you mentioned.
He flashy, with bravado, he got watches and brags whenever he proclaims himself the best.
The only difference is when he says it, thats cuz its arguably true and thats genuine confidence. While others is just cockiness.
Black thought is a street poet.
All you mentioned above fits better for andre 3000. 😉
Don't say that, my man. The future is not yet written :)
Black Thought is unique, but he doesn't have to be alone. They may not be the loudest, but talented rappers and artists will always exist. It's down to us to seek out their voices (and take part, as well)
It’s sad because the predatory capitalistic spirit and nature of what rap business has become OPPOSED to Hip-Hop will do everything in its power to block, shunt, deny, disenfranchise or dishonor a muthafucka like Black Thought that’s this SERIOUS about only using his crafted mastery of this ancient artform of emceein’ to thrust the culture foward while puttin’ up a middle finger 🖕🏾 to corporations, networks, radio affiliates, cronies, and culture vultures that spend every freakin moment of their lives tryin to steal revenue from a culture they took no part in creating nor building.
no single curse word, no profanity, no sexualization.. just pure art with deep meaning, no racial slur. bless BLACK THOUGHT, HIPHOP LIVES.
Thank you for this comment! Long live hip hop!
Once again Thought has shown everyone that he is one of the best to ever do it! He is beyond the title emcee at this point. He is our modern day griot, an orator of the highest level.
While I agree Thought is 1 of the best lyrist do it. He simplified his rhyme schemes to make sure the message was heard louder & clear by everyone on this track.
Which is another example of his greatness.
This wasn't about his lyrical miracle type track, but a homage to hip hop from where it started, to where it went & where it is now. He always drops knowledge regardless
Cheers to the next 50 years of Hip Hop
BlackThought needs to be studied by all students of music
One of the best orators of this Genre period!!!
This man has pure poetry in his veins! Easily in the top 5 greatest rap lyricists of all time, Black Thought has shaped the genre of hip-hop in incredible ways. He eloquently captures the power and beauty of hip-hop culture in this piece 🎤
Black Thought is Hip Hop Rapper's Ambassador 🎤🔥💯💪🏿
He's not
@@renaldofriloux495 you probably think Eminem is 🙄
Word....big major facts
@@mrlee7328 To be real...em can rhyme...but I would put my last dollar on black thought. If u think em would even try black thought. Nah. Would never happen he's not stupid. Black would snap and one of the few that would actually end ems career. Effortlessly. If that's even possible in the minds of people today. Em probably the rhymer syllable sayer. But don't be saying much. No cap at all. Anybody know hip hop frfr knows Black thought would LITERALLY give him a lesson in his craft and son him. Alot rap greats would agree themselves. Don't let the cool smooth approach fool u. Black thought is like the lyrical celestial being. He has a whole university with the streets stored in his memory lololz
Black Thought is the grand master. He somehow continues to get even better. This man is amazing.
This man is an alien
Black Thought is one ofthe top 5 MCs aot, don't matter what you're sayin'
Black thought is your favorite rapper favorite rapper.
50 years already? Man, times flies. 🤯
Black Thought is the greatest rapper of all time
Chino xl
Yes,after Pharoahe Monch.
@@thomasmasingi3852 Monch, Thought, Mos, Rakim and DOOM
Thought is #3 all time on my list behind Nas and Jay-Z
@@thomasmasingi3852 monch isn't nowhere on thought caliber....luv monch tho....
No maarn Black Thought gives me goosebumps gah damn
Black Thought is the illest of all time. No one could have done it better. I’m loving this and the shoutouts throughout. Like the ode to KRS and All Natural. “50 years down the line, you can start this because we’ll be them old school artists.” It’s wild to think where hip-hop will be in another 50.
‘Be whoever you need to be but don’t forget who you are..’
💎💎💎💎
Just to show how powerful hip hop was. Imagine a kid about 6 years old going to a record store in 1990 and being drawn to the album covers, listening to the music and feeling a connection with a person, a community, a status quo. Imagine a kid who was living overseas but from a ghetto, an immigrant family. I was the only persons listening to hip hop in entire countries, and even though no one else liked it, it stuck with me. Albums like Illmatic and All Eyes On Me sealed the deal. I could see the poetry, stories and messages they wanted to send. I did my best to share it with the world and I think the world is better because of Hip Hop.
Now I see people standing up for their beliefs around the world in many languages using hip hop to convey their message and it just makes me so proud.
I absolutely hear you brother, hiphop is more than music
True knowledge true hip-hop
A true poet with a gift of gab
God Level!
Thought stay thought provoking. Now, we gotta decipher bars for the next few days. Legendary~
Months
Black Thought the most powerfull lyricist and pure poet
I hear you. I appreciate your words, the video and tribute to 50 years of Hip Hop. Respect.
Black Thought doing this fits perfectly.
Sixtoo did it first
@@exvandal187 sure buddy
@@LetraConSentido sixtoo did a song called a letter to hiphop over 20 years ago
@Exxx Vandal ...dude, you keep spamming this comment like loads of artists haven't had tracks/verses/bars professing their love of hip-hop years before & after that song 20yrs ago.
Dunno why you feel the need to make repeated attempts to detract from Tariq's work here, but pls figure it out so you can stop.
@@exvandal187 dude, go listen to Black Thought and Common Love if my life, or Common I used to love her and stop spamming
He put the hip hop history lesson in there!✌🏾❤️
I can't relate to anyone who thinks THE GOAT is anyone other than Black Thought. This poet is a timeless treasure.
This was a dope tribute. Salute to the Legend, Black Thought
A great writer who can't be imitated
Straight from a living hip-hop legend!
That last rhyme scheme was just NUTS!!!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍
Black thoughts is veteran, A true Noble man
That knows and upholds his words like a Reverend man.
He is one of Hip hop best kept secret man
On the other hand he is a layer man
Deep in his thoughts, Deep in his porch
reaching far and beyond even were the light can't touch
Famous for the truth, famous from his youth
He's got so much to offer, everybody's trying to loot
Every word he rote every line he quote
Resonates............
Nice, this was smooth..🔥
Tampa Florida in this bih !!!
God Emcee !!!
I don't believe in GOAT debates. But Thought is the GOTDAM. Greatest of This Day and Minute.
GOTDAM. I like that.
Truth just got spoken. Undeniable. Respected. Power to my humans, all humans, no separation, no division, no schism. Music is the power we all need, the power we can all use. Hit me with music and I will feel no pain.
This is a Masterpiece from one of the greatest Emcees living or dead. This is a fitting tribute to the music, culture, and art form Hip Hop has given to the World. 💪🏾
Honored to be a part of this culture and on the same time-line as so many greats 👑
Thank you, Thought. We love you, Hip-Hop ✊🏿🖤
NOBODY could have done it better. Embodiment of this culture.
Top five and conscious hip-hop artist all day long.
Immaculately articulated.
THIS IS HIPHOP!! Thank you Black Thought💪🏾
Sixtoo had this idea 20 years ago
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Thank you Black Thought!
Love for Hip-Hop is forever!
I love black thought
Crazy dope don't even need a beat🔥🔥🔥🗽🎖🎖🎖
Who else misses the real RAP music.
Thank you Black Thought for being a true ambassador for our culture.
Perfect.
Tears out my eyes
Forever King Black Thought
Hip hop ❤
This man always rekindle my love for hip-hop
One of the best that ever spit it!!!!!
From one poet to another peace to bLk Thought the GOD MC....Tru poetic ....
Incredible Fam .... DAMN 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Hip hop my first love ❤
By far one of the best to ever do it.
💯💯🔥🐏
How is this man not the 🐐
How does he do this. WOW Incredible
Thank you Black Thought, I love you🙌🏾🥹🥹🥹🥹♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
& He’s not da best, He’s da GOAT 🐐 He’s a living HipHop encyclopedia SMH He’s my top Mc off all time hands down.
This dudes last 3 projects are PHENOMENAL. It’s an embarrassment of riches to play them back to back
BLACK THOUGHT!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👀
Now in his 4th decade of absolutely slaying it.. honestly can't think of anyone that's done it better, for longer..
This track was too real for the Grammys, no surprise the most skillful, raw performance of the year didn't win.
Oh God I love hip hop 🔥 🔥 🔥
I am Hip Hop. You are Hip Hop. We are Hop Hop.
Thanks Black Thought.
Let's goo! 🔥🔥💯👏🏾
Top 5 emcee right there
Where our hearts live 🎉 happy 50th hiphop
Love spoken boldly
No one else on Earth could do this. 🔥 🔥
What a true Masterpiece 👑 Black Thought's Voice and his Poetry a totally perfect for the 50th Anniversary
So much love. Hip hop saved my life. From a moroccan immigrants based in italy. Love
No best needed well done Black Thought.
home is where your heart is -- but wheres your home when you heartless
Always lives in my top 10
Black Thought..Salute...Hip Hop Salute!!
keep this alive forever
Legend of Legends
Black Thought, one of the best to do it.
Hip-Hop is truly the eighth Wonder of the World. I don’t even have words to describe how much I love Hip-Hop ❤️
-an Arab-American, son of immigrants
Perfect artistic expression of the history of the culture we built and continue to build.
Black Thought is definitely a top 5 contender.
A true Michaelangelo of Hop, painting pictures with words!
Black thought is hip hop embodiment itself, respect
He Sounds Cool, Calm And Collective As He Delivers This Priceless/Timeless Hip - Hop Presentation .......
his flows are limitless. he just keeps growing. man is the aloe vera of rap.
Respect is large for Black Thought
"Be whoever you need to be but don't forget who you are" wisdom right there👌🏻
50 years. Thought. Keep going...
i love Hip Hop