Who Is Black Thought? Age, Biography and Wiki
Black Thought was born on October 3, 1973, which makes him 51 years old in 2025. With a passion for music ignited in his childhood, he later co-founded The Roots in 1987. The group's blend of hip-hop with live instrumentation quickly gained attention, setting them apart in the genre. Black Thought's eloquent lyrics have earned him critical acclaim, making him a respected figure in hip-hop culture.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 3, 1973 |
| Age | 51 Years |
| Birth Place | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Black Thought's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm), Black Thought maintains a fit and agile physique. Although specific weight statistics are often undisclosed, he is known to prioritize health and fitness, which contributes to his impactful stage performances. His body measurements are in line with his active lifestyle and dedication to his craft.
Tariq Luqmaan Trotter (born October 3, 1973), better known as Black Thought, is an American rapper, singer, actor and the lead MC of the hip hop group The Roots, which he co-founded with drummer Questlove in Philadelphia.
Regarded as "one of the most skilled, incisive, and prolific rappers of his time", he is widely lauded for his live performance skills, continuous multisyllabic rhyme schemes, complex lyricism, double entendres, and politically aware lyrics.
He and The Roots perform as the house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, frequently playing games with Fallon and his guests.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Black Thought's relationship status remains private, but he has been known to value his personal life. Previous reports suggested he was in a long-term relationship, but details about his current girlfriend or boyfriend have not been publicly disclosed. Family remains important to him, and he often expresses gratitude for the support he receives from loved ones in his musical journey.
His father was murdered when Trotter was one year old, and his mother was murdered when he was in high school. He spent time tagging "DT" or "Double T" with graffiti around Philadelphia. He sold crack cocaine briefly, and was sent to live with family in Detroit for a few months in high school.
Trotter attended the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts and Millersville University, studying journalism. In 1987, he became friends with drummer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson and formed a drummer/MC duo, performing on the streets of Philadelphia and at talent shows.
Trotter subsequently spent some time as one of two MCs in the group the Square Roots; the other was Malik B., whom Tariq met in college. In high school, Black Thought became interested in the lessons of the Nation of Gods and Earths.
Net Worth and Salary
Black Thought's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $10 million. His wealth has been amassed through various avenues, including music sales, touring, and brand partnerships. As the frontman of The Roots, he has also benefited from the group's success and their role as the house band for "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," further enhancing his earnings.
Career, Business and Investments
Throughout his illustrious career, Black Thought has made significant contributions to the hip-hop landscape. Beyond his work with The Roots, he has collaborated with numerous artists across various genres, expanding his influence. In recent years, he has ventured into solo projects, including critically acclaimed albums and mixtapes, showcasing his versatile artistry.
Moreover, Black Thought has also been involved in several business endeavors, including music production and philanthropy. His investments often focus on projects that promote arts education and community engagement, reflecting his commitment to giving back.
Black Thought recorded a solo album, titled Masterpiece Theatre and intended for a 2001 release, but the project was scrapped after he learned that the album would not count toward the Roots' contractual commitments. Most of the songs from the project ultimately appeared on Phrenology.
In a June 2008 interview with Brian Kayser of the website HipHopGame, Black Thought spoke of another solo project that was scheduled for release on the Razor and Tie music corporation. He said that Questlove might work on production. However, by September 2014, Black Thought and the solo album were not referenced on the Razor & Tie website.
Social Network
Black Thought is active on various social media platforms, maintaining a connection with his fans. He frequently shares updates on his music, projects, and insights into his life. You can find him on:
In December 2017, Black Thought appeared on HOT 97 with Funkmaster Flex and performed a 10-minute freestyle over "The Learning (Burn)" instrumental by Mobb Deep. This freestyle went widely viral, trending on Twitter for the next days and hitting millions of views on YouTube.
Education
Black Thought, born Tariq Trotter, studied at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. His early exposure to diverse musical styles during his education played a key role in shaping his career. He later attended college for a short period before fully immersing himself in the music world, demonstrating that passion often leads to success beyond traditional educational paths.
