Streams of thought, vol. 1 eP review

In the midst of all the Drake, Pusha T and Kanye chatter, something extremely ill got overlooked. The legendary lyricist of the iconic band, The Roots, teams up with one of the dopest, yet underrated producers, 9th Wonder. To release Streams of Thought, Vol. 1, a five song EP, that wholeheartedly supports the claim, Black Thought is a legend and 9th Wonder needs to be recognized as a supreme creator. The albums he’s crafted for Rhapsody Jean Grey and Little Brother are all remarkable, but this right here is special! Black Thought has occupied the shadows, being one the most obscure rappers to be on everyone’s lists but never the top.  He can’t be questioned with bars like, “I heard murder ran, as vast as deserted land, since back when Burning Man was blacks in Birmingham”. He deserves a spot for being one of the all time greats. To remain at this level three decades into the game, a game that discards it’s elders, is truly impressive. With guest appearances by Rhapsody and Styles P, he proves he can hang with the premier rappers of the future and past, creating something amazing for the present. His dedication to his craft ensures that his abilities will always be timeless.


 

1. Twofifteen – Wow, what a jump way to jump off the project! The instrumental is exceptional - those drums are just marvelous! Black Thought effortlessly rides the track, it is a definite stand out. 👍🏿

2. 9th vs. Thought – Black Thought is not playing around with this beat as he boldly states: “I’m not a typical arrogant American on prescribed medicine. I’m sicker than I’ve ever been.”He’s coasting in his lane on this. It’s evident that 9th and Black Thought are in a zone. Did he really say, “These rappers Peter Pan, I’m pan African.”  👍🏿

3. Dostoyevsky (feat. Rhapsody) – The track uses the name of the Russian novelist, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, who is responsible for many literally classics like Crime and Punishment and Poor Folk. This is some trippy spaced out, fly music right here! Rhapsody is a perfect fit for this beat as her work with 9th is exemplary. By the way, this record is so ill! 👍🏿

4. Making a Murderer (feat. Styles P) - So much is going on with beat! 9th basically has two beats going at once and they both bang! Styles P is a welcomed addition to this track. He provides raw lyrics like, “When the money’s cut off, then we barter goods, a lot of niggas is cowards that ran out of fatherhood”. It’s just two masters at their craft, showing and proving!👍🏿

5. Thank You (feat. KIRBY) - This review is academic at this point. What a way to bring this home! Black Thought spits: "Thanks to my moms for gettin' rid of me, And to my lady baby thank you for forgivin' me, I climb from the lower level to the mezzanine".   👍🏿

Black Thought is a rap expert, super proficient at what he does! This track is a 👍🏿 without question and this EP is just another entry into a legendary catalog. Black Thought is the kind of rapper that makes you want to rap which I think is the highest compliment that you can bestow on a rapper. Make this apart of your life ASAP! I easily give this EP, 5 out of 5 stars.

👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿out 5!