When it comes to premier MCs, few if any would argue that Black Thought would get a seat at the table of the chosen few. As the front man and co-founder of The Roots, the hip-hop band haven’t release an album since 2014. Black Thought himself however has been busy releasing music. He dropped “Streams Of Thought Vol 1” in 2017. That was followed up with Vol2 and Vol3, the latter dropped in 2020 . Now with the release of “Cheat Codes” he serves notice once again that he hasn’t lost a step. Joined by producer Danger Mouse, the two deliver twelve tracks of authentic boom bap hip hop. On “The Darkest One” is aided by a hypnotic piano melody as well as a guest appearance from legendary Wu Tang member Raekwon. “Aquamarine” is another banger that’s enhanced by the soulful vocal chorus courtesy of Michael Kiwanuka. “Because” glides on the backdrop of a string laden seventies soul groove. In addition Joey Bada$$ and Dylan Cartlidge raise the track to greater heights. This disc is further evidence that Black Thought is lyrically gifted with a bottomless well of rhymnes. Danger Mouse’s production is tight and his beats are edgy. Simply put it’s a hip hop album certain to provide immediate satisfaction.
