Black Thought: An Intimate Memoir on Embracing Our True Selves
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Black Thought, the renowned rapper and frontman of The Roots, is delving into the world of books. He recently announced his debut memoir, titled “The Upcycled Self: A Memoir on the Art of Becoming Who We Are,” which is set to be released on November 14. The memoir will be published by One World and Roc Lit 101.
In “The Upcycled Self,” Black Thought, whose real name is Tariq Trotter, shares his personal journey, starting with the traumatic event of his childhood home being burned down. The memoir will also delve into the various challenges and hardships he has faced throughout his 51 years of life.
The memoir’s description provides a glimpse into Black Thought’s early life, describing him as a young kid with a vivid imagination and a deep curiosity about the world. Growing up in Philadelphia, he was influenced by the city’s skyline and the South Philly neighborhood where he played. Despite the violence that surrounded his childhood, Black Thought refers to himself as “the son of survival” for overcoming the hardships he faced. He lost his father to murder when he was just one year old, and his mother was also tragically killed fifteen years later. However, he carries their stories with him as he builds the person he has become.
“The Upcycled Self” offers readers a window into Black Thought’s life through letters, lyrics, images, and stories. The memoir explores his early days in hip-hop, where he would incorporate words from the dictionary into his rhymes. As the art form of rap grew in popularity and influence, Black Thought honed his creative voice and mastered his unique skills in storytelling and wordflow.
Recently, Black Thought released the collaborative album “Glorious Game” with El Michels Affair. He also has plans to release the fourth installment of his “Streams of Thought” series later this year.
The memoir, “The Upcycled Self,” is currently available for preorder. It promises to be a captivating and inspirational read, offering a deep insight into the life and journey of one of hip-hop’s greatest artists.
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