Black Thought’s “School of Thought”
Black Thought—legendary hip-hop artist and front man of The Roots—hosted Carnegie Hall’s first hip-hop master class as part of the Weill Music Institute’s series of workshops for young artists. Over the course of three days, eight rising MCs from across the country met in the Hall’s Resnick Education Wing to explore the history of hip-hop and examine their technical skills, including lyricism, flow, style, and delivery.
Black Thought was joined by DJ and producer Sean C., who helped coach the MCs. The participants were equipped with tangible exercises to improve their artistry and hone their individual sounds. They also had the opportunity to tap into Black Thought’s outstanding career of more than two decades, reflecting on how artists can achieve and sustain excellence. The workshop culminated in a final showcase in the Weill Music Room, where the MCs had the opportunity to perform for a sold-out audience.
Mel D. Cole, the house photographer for The Roots, documented the workshop and showcase.
This fall, Black Thought’s master class returns to Carnegie Hall, giving ten up-and-coming MCs the opportunity to hone their craft under his mentorship. Applications are open through September 7, 2021.
Photography and captions by Mel D. Cole.
Lead support for workshops and master classes is provided by Beatrice Santo Domingo, and Mr. and Mrs. Anthony B. Evnin and A.E. Charitable Foundation.
Workshops and master classes are made possible, in part, by Mr. and Mrs. Nicola Bulgari.
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Led by Black Thought, this workshop gives emerging MCs the opportunity to work with artists who provide the skills needed to be an elite MC.
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