Streams of Thought, Vol. 1
Black Thought · 2018
17 min · 5 tracks · hip-hop
A dynamic blend of incisive lyricism and rich, soulful beats that showcase Black Thought's lyrical prowess.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Making a Murderer — This track stands out for its compelling narrative structure, where Black Thought recounts personal experiences while reflecting on broader societal issues. The vivid storytelling showcases his ability to weave intricate tales that resonate with listeners.
-
→
Dostoyevsky — In this track, Black Thought draws parallels between classic literature and modern-day struggles, highlighting his intellectual depth and versatility as a lyricist. The thematic richness invites listeners to engage critically with both the lyrics and their implications.
-
→
Thank You — Concluding the EP, this track features gratitude woven into its fabric, displaying vulnerability and humility. It encapsulates the essence of reflection, making it a poignant ending to an already impactful collection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Black Thought's lyrical skill with varied production, creating a strong yet cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- Each track features a different producer, resulting in distinct sonic textures while maintaining a cohesive lyrical theme.
- The album opens with a mid-tempo track that gradually introduces more aggressive beats and faster flows as it progresses.
- The final track features a reflective tone, contrasting with the intensity of earlier songs, providing a sense of closure.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- sharp, concise lyrical insight
- short bursts of reflective thought
- thought-provoking narratives in brevity
- soulful beats with dynamic flow
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy immersive albums
- want extended musical explorations
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2018, 'Streams of Thought, Vol. 1' marked Black Thought's first solo project outside of The Roots after over two decades in the industry. This EP arrived following a powerful viral freestyle that reignited interest in his artistry, positioning him for a renewed spotlight as a solo artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Talib Kweli· Common· Anderson .Paak
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Twofifteen 3:45
- 2 9th vs. Thought 2:47
- 3 Dostoyevsky 3:53
- 4 Making a Murderer 4:32
- 5 Thank You 2:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.