The Roots Co-Founder Black Thought to Release Official Autobiography ‘The Upcycled Self’
Alex H. Krinsky on August 1, 2023
Four-time Grammy Award-winning rapper, producer, and The Roots Co-Founder, Black Thought (a.k.a. Tariq Trotter) is set to reveal an unprecedented chapter of his life through his first-ever official autobiography, The Upcycled Self, hitting shelves on Nov. 14, 2023, via One World. With the same lyrical prowess that established him as one of hip-hop’s greatest lyricists, Black Thought pulls no punches detailing his story as he candidly recounts moments of tragedy, love, triumph, and truth in his journey to stardom.
The Upcycled Self delves into the pivotal memories that have shaped Black Thought’s extraordinary life. The book begins with a gripping account of a childhood tragedy, as a young Trotter inadvertently burned down his family’s home. From there, the autobiography takes readers on an unfiltered and intimate journey, revealing the trials and tribulations he faced while growing up, along with the discovery of his deep-rooted passion for music.
Through the pages, Black Thought lays bare his pivotal moments, including his alliance with Questlove to form The Roots—a move that set the stage for his rise to stardom. Along with his Four Grammy Awards, Black Thought holds three NAACP Image Awards and an esteemed role on NBC’s The Tonight Show. His unforgettable performances on tours worldwide have cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop world. The book also offers a rare look at his come-up in the music industry, chronicling the inception of some of hip-hop’s most influential records and the challenges he overcame to become one of the most influential voices in the genre.
Pre-order Black Thought’s autobiography here.
