In a recent event at the Bonnell Auditorium of Community College of Philadelphia, Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter shared insights from his memoir, “The Upcycled Self, A Memoir on the Art of Becoming Who We Are.”
Trotter opened up about the traumatic experience of burning down his family home in South Philadelphia at the age of six, an event that he regarded as a pivotal moment in his life.
“I had to overturn some stones — had to get some weight off my chest,” he reflected on the significance of that incident.
His personal journey from that harrowing childhood moment to becoming a celebrated musician exemplifies the concept of ‘upcycling’ — improving something to make it more valuable.
After the fire, Trotter’s family relocated to Mt. Airy, a move that marked a new chapter in his life.
During his discussion with Cherise Shane, a professor of English at CCP, he revealed the deep wounds from his youth that have influenced his artistry and perspective.
“We talk about wounds that never heal from our youth,” Trotter noted, recognizing how these experiences shape who he is today.
Trotter co-founded the Roots, the renowned Philly hip-hop band, in 1987 along with Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson while they were both students at the High School for the Creative and Performing Arts.
Now, Trotter is a Platinum artist, with accolades including three Grammys and three NAACP Image Awards to his name.
The band has enjoyed significant success, including hosting the recent Roots Picnic, and serving as the house band for NBC’s “Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” since 2014.
Cherise Shane, who facilitated the discussion, expressed that interviewing Trotter was a privilege, particularly emphasizing the importance of his message.
She stated, “His focus of ‘Upcycled Self’ is what all people need to hear, but particularly Black males from Philadelphia, because too often there is this erasure or this blaming or focusing on violence or focusing on illiteracy.”
According to Shane, Trotter’s story highlights the need to recognize the legacies of literacy and resilience within communities, a narrative that often goes unacknowledged.
Trotter’s memoir has been selected as a 2025 One Book, One Philadelphia choice by the Free Library, a program designed to enhance literacy and foster civic dialogue.
It has also gained recognition as a New York Times Best Seller, indicating its broad appeal and impact.
Reflecting on his creative beginnings, Trotter revealed that visual arts were his first love, describing it as a sanctuary during his childhood.
He recalled winning a citywide art contest in 7th grade, which awarded him art supplies and a chance to take courses at CCP.
“That’s the thing that made me want to attend the High School for Creative and Performing Arts,” he explained, emphasizing how essential arts education was to his development.
Beyond his work with the Roots, Trotter has ventured into solo projects, producing multiple albums and co-writing, co-producing, and acting in the Off-Broadway play “Black No More.”
“I want to tell a story that is accessible,” Trotter said, dedicated to being a voice for those who often go unheard.
As he continues to engage with his roots and share his journey, Trotter remains an influential figure in both the music industry and as an advocate for self-empowerment through narrative.
image source from：https://whyy.org/articles/roots-tariq-trotter-black-thought-recycled-self/
