An ode to old-school hip-hop.

Tariq Trotter, also known as Black Thought from the iconic group The Roots, teamed up with soul group El Michels Affair on their collaborative album Glorious Game. Starting with “Grateful,” hip-hop fans will instantly recognize the distorted instrumental as “Ting-a-Ling” by Jamaican dancehall legend Shabba Ranks. The gritty vocals paint a picture of the dark underbelly of the American Dream; Black Thought’s experiences are on full display giving listeners a sense of anticipation. 

This album is filled with storytelling, Black Thought’s capability of putting the listener in his shoes is commendable.  His experience of living in Philadelphia is a prominent theme throughout the album. “The Weather” starts with children laughing, a wave of nostalgia hits and the feeling of summer nights surrounds the listener. The tune is a reflection on childhood memories such as elders playing old school tunes on huge speakers. Black Thought paints a vivid picture of his childhood with lyrics such as “What made me is everything- the bad, the ugly the good.” The track is an ode to a time long gone, his experiences are centered towards inner city life but listeners will surely find things to relate to.

Self-expression and self-confidence are also consistent themes scattered throughout the record. On the funky ’70s-inspired track “Glorious Game,” Black Thought talks about being above the trends and paving his way as his most authentic self, the chorus is sung by Kirby, a Memphis-born soul singer that adds a sweet southern old-school melody that matches the vibe perfectly. Leon Michels, frontman of El Michels Affair, outshines himself on this album. His production on Glorious Game compliments Black Thought’s in-your-face-rap flow by encompassing a vintage ’90s hip-hop feel, think of old Saturday cartoons paired with music only grandparents would have on vinyl.

Leon Michels and Black Thought have the same vision on this album. It’s a conversation between two different people that speak the same language—they just get it. With conscious rap lyrics and great use of instrumentals that add to the story, Glorious Game is catered to hip-hop fans that appreciate hip-hop in its most authentic form.