The Roots' Black Thought announces debut memoir, The Upcycled Self
The work focuses on four key relationships in the artist's life, and asks questions about identity, reflection and letting go
The Roots' Black Thought has announced his debut book, The Upcycled Self: A Memoir on the Art of Becoming Who We Are. The publication will hit stores on 14th November via One World.
Rather than simply opting to write a typical biography, the text is broken down into individual sections, each relating to one of four significant relationships that have influenced the artist, real name Tariq Trotter. In doing so, it asks questions about identity, reflection, how we can use the past to better understand our present and near-future, and the ability to move on from old traumas, hurt and grief.
A founding member (alongside Questlove) and lead MC in seminal Philadelphia hip-hop group The Roots, Black Thought is often cited among the most talented rappers of his generation. First making a name for himself – and the collective — in the mid-late 1980s, the following decade saw the crew breakthrough into the mainstream conscious via albums like 1996's 'Illadelph Halflife' and follow up, 'Things Fall Apart', in 1999.
You can preorder 'The Upcycled Self' online now.
Last year, Black Thought and Danger Mouse released a collaborative LP, 'Cheat Codes'. Revisit DJ Mag's interview with the pair here.
