Did Black Thought from The Roots Create Mumble Rap?
Cause he sure thinks he did…
You know Black Thought, don’t you? He’s the legendary MC who has fronted The Roots since he formed them with Questlove in 1987. The Roots, known for blending jazz influence with a heavy hip hop sound, don’t really draw a direct parallel to what the likes of Lil Yachty or Future are putting down these days – but, in a recent interview with Rolling Stone Thought was asked about a recent 10 minute freestyle that is being hailed by hip-hop heads as a major take down of the mumble rap style.
However, while discussing the freestyle with Stone, Thought had this to say:
“Lots of people are saying that I shut down mumble rap in one 10-minute setting. But that wasn’t my intention, because mumble rap – if we go back – that’s something I invented,” Thought contended. “I invented rapping without actually using the words. With songs like ‘Don’t Say Nuthin,‘” freestyles like “New Year’s at Jay Dee’s,” I essentially invented mumble rap, where you go for many bars without saying any words. And when I did it, it came from a place of being inspired by scatting.”
Take a listen and let us know if you agree.
You can read the full Rolling Stone interview here
