Black Thought and Redman Reflect on Shared Hip-Hop Journeys

In a rare and candid conversation for Musicians on Musicians, Black Thought of The Roots and New Jersey rapper Redman reunited to explore their parallel ascents in 1990s hip-hop, exchanging stories, insights, and mutual admiration. The studio session revealed not only their friendship but also the deep respect they hold for each other’s craft. Redman, 55, credited The Roots’ 1996 album Illadelph Halflife as a major influence on his lyrical growth, highlighting tracks like “[Concerto of the] Desperado” as benchmarks for MC excellence. Black Thought, 52, reciprocated, noting that he and his lat

In a rare and candid conversation for Musicians on Musicians, Black Thought of The Roots and New Jersey rapper Redman reunited to explore their parallel ascents in 1990s hip-hop, exchanging stories, insights, and mutual admiration. The studio session revealed not only their friendship but also the deep respect they hold for each other’s craft. Redman, 55, credited The Roots’ 1996 album Illadelph Halflife as a major influence on his lyrical growth, highlighting tracks like “[Concerto of the] Desperado” as benchmarks for MC excellence. Black Thought, 52, reciprocated, noting that he and his late Roots counterpart Malik B. frequently listened to Redman’s music during their formative years, pushing themselves to match his energy and skill. He emphasized how the band’s live instrumentation required them to “overcompensate as writers, as lyricists, as performers” to gain acceptance in a sample-heavy hip-hop landscape. Both artists also reflected on personal and creative milestones. Redman spoke of the inspiration he drew from Black Thought while crafting “Do What Ya Feel” for his Muddy Waters album, while Black Thought shared that The Roots are nearing completion on their first album since 2014. The session, initially scheduled for a brief conversation, extended for nearly two hours, underscoring their shared passion for lyricism, collaboration, and hip-hop history. Their dialogue is a testament to enduring influence, mutual respect, and the artistry of two of hip-hop’s most revered MCs.