Streams of Thought, Vol. 2
Black Thought · 2018
23 min · 9 tracks · hip-hop
Sharp, incisive lyrics flow over minimalist production, blending street narratives with introspective reflections in a masterclass of contemporary hip-hop.
Top tracks — play these first
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Fentanyl — This track opens the album with raw intensity, addressing the opioid crisis through vivid imagery and personal reflection that sets the tone for the entire project.
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Soundtrack to Confusion — Here, Black Thought weaves complex narratives about societal chaos, showcasing his lyrical dexterity while simultaneously reflecting on personal struggles.
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Conception — With introspective depth, this track reveals Black Thought's contemplations on legacy and artistry, making it a poignant centerpiece that encapsulates his journey.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album excels in lyrical depth and minimalism, creating a strong narrative flow and rewarding repeat listens.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of minimalist production, with sparse beats that allow the lyrics to dominate.
- Each track maintains a similar tempo, creating a cohesive flow throughout the record.
- Black Thought's delivery varies between rapid-fire verses and more measured flows, enhancing the emotional weight of the narratives.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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9/10
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, incisive lyrical dissection
- brief bursts of intense storytelling
- introspective reflections on street life
- high-energy tracks with urgency
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- want laid-back listening experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2018, Streams of Thought, Vol. 2 marks Black Thought's first solo project since The Roots' last studio album, and it showcases his evolution as a solo artist apart from the band. At this point in his career, having established himself as a revered MC through decades of work, this project serves both as a reaffirmation of his lyrical prowess and an exploration of personal themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Talib Kweli· Common· Anderson .Paak
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Fentanyl 1:57
- 2 Soundtrack to Confusion 3:11
- 3 Get Outlined 3:29
- 4 History Unfolds 1:22
- 5 How to Hold a Choppa 1:32
- 6 The New Grit 1:49
- 7 Long Liveth 2:38
- 8 Streets 3:15
- 9 Conception 4:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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