Tariq is his name on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.” But hip hop fans know him as the lyrical wizard of The Legendary Roots Crew, Black Thought.
When he’s not touring and releasing albums with The Roots expounding on the complexities of Black American life in the 21st century he’s cutting it up with Jimmy, Questlove and the guests that show up for a good time on the Late Night With Jimmy Kimmel.
Some say that The Roots sold out a little by tamping down their political voice for network television. Others believe that their presence lends American television an extra level of authenticity and a voice for the black community. However you look at it, The Roots are doing something that resonates and makes people think. Isn’t that the essence of hip hop?
On a popular segment of his show a fan suggested to Jimmy that someone write lyrics to the most famous video game theme song of all time, Super Mario Bros. so Jimmy asked Tariq if he could throw a rap on it. Well, that’s kind of like asking a healthy Kobe Bryant to play pickup ball with a group of 8th graders, but Tariq graciously accepted the challenge.
And in true Black Thought fashion he blew it out of the park. How long until a full, three verse remix shows up on iTunes? Anyone got a dollar?
Check out some of these other awesome Super Mario Bros. theme covers. They’re amazing!
Ever see it on ukelele? You can now.
How about on two guitars at the same time?
Didn’t even know there was an eleven string bass. Bananas!
On drums? How is that even possible?
Super Mario Theme with just the voice? Really now?
