Tariq Trotter—better known as Black Thought—is the platinum-selling, Grammy-winning co-founder of The Roots, and one of the most exhilaratingly skillful and profound rappers the culture has ever produced. 

In his book, The Upcycled Self, set for release on November 14th, Trotter doesn’t just narrate a riveting and moving portrait of the artist as a young man, but gives readers a courageous model of what it means to live an examined life. In vivid vignettes, he tells the dramatic stories of the four powerful relationships that shaped him—community, friends, art, and family—each a complex weave of love, discovery, trauma, and loss.

His book tour begins on Nov 11th in Philadelphia, and he will go on to make stops in Washington, DC; New York; LA and San Francisco. A virtual event is also on the schedule.

Pre-order the book now and get tickets for the book tour at tariqtrotterbook-dot-com/. 

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Hip-hop artist Rapsody has returned with a massive tune called Asteroids. Produced by the man of the moment, Hit-Boy, the record is all about her lyrical prowess, and her journey as an underrated female MC.

Asteroids went live on all streaming platforms on October 30th, courtesy of Jamla Records, the imprint to which she is signed.

DJ, rapper, record producer, and radio host Funkmaster Flex will be the main act at the forthcoming I Love Retro Saturdays – a throwback party not to be missed. Scheduled for Saturday, October 28th, the event will be served up in two parts: Brunch (11am to 5pm) and dinner (6pm to 2am).

It all goes down at Stush Restaurant, which is located at 470 Driggs Avenue, in Brooklyn, New York. Admission is free, but the organizer would like everyone to RSVP via eventbrite.

On November 11th, Blu Escape will present ACT Festival, an electrifying event aimed at highlighting Barbados’ creative community. The stage will be set at the Hayman’s Factory, which is located in St. Peter, Barbados, starting at 3pm local time.

Black Eyed Peas, the American musical group consisting of rappers Will.I.Am, Apl.De.Ap and Taboo, is confirmed as the headlining act. The show will also feature 2 Mile Hill, Krisirie, Jeremy Goddard, and several others.

Kendrick Lamar came out on top at the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards with four wins for Hip Hop Artist of the Year, Lyricist of the Year, Best Live Performer, and Video Director of the Year.

The award show, which was all about celebrating the past, present, and future of rap music, culture and lifestyle, aired on Tuesday, October 10th. For the complete list of winners visit BET’s official website.