Posts about Black Thought (RSS, JSON)

6PM — Although not the norm, rap music recorded with a live band has a long history: Guru’s Jazzmatazz pioneered the genre, The Roots perfected it, and BadBadNotGood’s feature with Ghostface Killah is now a classic. Glorious Game by Black Thought, of Roots fame, and El Michels Affair, of Enter-the-37th-Chamber fame, fits neatly into that line. It brings together an incredibly talented band, many of who have a staggering track record, first and foremost as members of the Menahan Street Band, Daptone Record’s house band, and an MC at the height of his game. Glorious Game is a fantastic album, laid-back and smooth like an Old Fashioned on a Friday night.

8AM — Hands down, Cheat Codes is the best rap album in the last five years. Danger Mouse’s production is on point, as always. Black Thought is one of the best MCs out there; I’m glad his gig in Kimmel’s show band leaves enough time to create something worthwhile. The album is delightfully old-fashioned without sounding too much like it was made during the boom bap era. It’s modern hip hop, but it sounds old. I’m old, hence I’m loving Cheat Codes.