This extended play was released on June 1st this year (2018). Black Thought is one of the greatest rappers of all time, and his work is often swept under the rug for whatever reason. He’s everything but a coon. When I was first getting into Hip Hop, Royce da 5’9″ called him the most “underrated” rapper of all time. That Funkmaster Flex freestyle he did on Hot 97 was fucking incredible. I haven’t started my Roots Marathon yet, and I was debating whether or not to save this project for it. I’ll feel like shit if I don’t talk about it now though; it deserves all the attention it can get. Every song is produced by one of the greatest artists from my home state, 9th Wonder.

Twofifteen
9th vs. Thought
Dostoyevsky featuring Rapsody
Making a Murderer featuring Styles P
Thank You featuring KIRBY

The first song blew my balls clean off. It’s literally just Black Thought gettin’ busy for 3.45 minutes over an incredible beat. I wish I knew the sample. The way Thought ended the verse was so fucking awesome.

I’m just takin’ a picture like Carrie Mae Weems
So smile and say cheese; we in 2018
In a pyramid scheme, nightmares and day dreams
From the runaway slave to a modern day king

I listened to the song like 20 times in a row the first time I heard this EP. The following song is even better. It follows the same formula, but with a slightly altered structure. The production is stellar.

It’s yours truly, I’m Paul Mooney, I’m George Clooney
I’m fully immersed in the craft, bringin’ awards to me

The song inspired by the Russian philosopher Fyodor Dostoyevsky is dope af too. I love the jazzy beat, and Rapsody’s feature was great. It’s really cool to see Black Thought working with all these NC artists. The ghost on Making a Murderer was awesome, but no one can steal Thought’s shine. I’m not familiar with that KIRBY vocalist on Thank You, but she did a pretty good job. It’s a perfect way to end the project. It’s always good to thank your listeners. It’s dope af.

This shit is fucking incredible. It’s a great way to kick off Black Thought’s solo career. Even the cover is dope af. Rashid Johnson did a hell of a job. The project is everything I was hoping it would be. It’s dope af.

Favorite Song: 9th vs. Thought
Least Favorite Song: Thank You

A+

Watch the video below for more thoughts on this EP