Black Thought
"Streams of Thought, Vol. 3: Cane & Able"
(Republic (ASTERISK)(ASTERISK)(ASTERISK))
The Roots haven't put out a new album since 2014. Six years! True, they've hardly been idle: They've got a night job with Jimmy Fallon and host their annual Picnic — and DJing, podcasting, book-writing drummer Questlove has a hardest-working-man-in-showbiz brand.
Thankfully, his partner has filled the void by releasing new music. Black Thought has always been considered a true master of rhyme among hip-hop cognoscenti, but he resisted putting out solo music until 2018, when he released two "Streams Of Thought" EPs.
Each of those was recorded with a single producer — 9th Wonder on "Vol. 1" and Salaam Remi on "Vol. 2" — and showcased the Black Thought's unparalleled lyricism. "Streams of Thought, Vol. 3" follows a similar blueprint, with some expansions and tweaks. Again, he partners with just one producer: Sean C. of the Hitmen, who provides sonic consistency.
Because it clocks in at 34 minutes, "Vol. 3" is being categorized as Black Thought's debut album. He uses the extra space to stretch out beyond the extended throw downs, which dazzle but can grow repetitive over time. Three pop-flavored tracks that feature Alaskan rock band Portugal. The Man change things up with varying degrees of success, with the Black Thought showing off his singing skills on "Nature of The Beast."
But the point of listening to a Black Thought record isn't to savor the sweetened parts. It's to stand back in awe at his rich, rhythmic dexterity and masterful wordplay on audacious tracks like "Black Thought Vs. Everybody."
"Vol. 3" does not disappoint in that regard. "Good Morning," is a barnburner with guest verses by Pusha-T, Swizz Beatz and Killer Mike in which Black Thought considers the human cost of the pandemic and the injustice it has exposed. "It's mad last wishes, gas mask kisses," he rhymes. "The thin line between savants and savages, your life could depend on the law of averages/ The difference between Black and white is mad privilege." — Dan DeLuca
