How Tariq Trotter Increased His Net Worth

Tariq Trotter — widely known by his stage name Black Thought — has an estimated net worth of $12 million. As the co-founder and lead MC of The Roots, a groundbreaking hip-hop band known for live instrumentation and lyrical depth, Trotter has built a career spanning decades, awards, collaborations, and major television success.

Early Life 

Born on October 3, 1973, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Tariq Trotter’s early life was marked by tragedy. Both of his parents were murdered — his father when Trotter was just a year old, and his mother during his teenage years. Despite the hardships, he pursued the arts, studying at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts and later attending Millersville University, where he studied journalism.

The Roots

Trotter met drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson in 1987, forming a musical partnership that eventually grew into The Square Roots before becoming simply The Roots. The group began performing at talent shows and on the streets of Philadelphia, releasing their debut album “Organix” independently in 1993.

Their breakthrough came with:

• “Do You Want More?!!!??!” (1995) — a favorite in the alternative and live hip-hop scenes
• “Illadelph Halflife” (1996) — reached No. 4 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart
• “Things Fall Apart” (1999) — their commercial breakthrough
  • Sold over 500,000 copies
  • Earned a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group (“You Got Me”)
  • Nominated for Best Rap Album

Over the years, The Roots released acclaimed projects like “Phrenology” (2002), “The Tipping Point” (2004), “Game Theory” (2006), “How I Got Over” (2010), “Undun” (2011), and “…And Then You Shoot Your Cousin” (2014) — solidifying their status as one of hip-hop’s most innovative acts.

Other Music Projects & Collaborations

Beyond The Roots, Black Thought has been featured on numerous songs across hip-hop, R&B, and even pop. His collaborations include:

• “Hard Hitters” – Dilated Peoples
• “My Favorite Mutiny” – The Coup
• “Rafiki” – Zap Mama
• “Right Now” – Fort Minor
• “Nobody But Me” – Michael Bublé
• “Stolen Moments Pt. 2” – Common

He also teamed up with producer Danger Mouse for the critically acclaimed album “Cheat Codes” (2022).

Solo Work

Black Thought has released several solo and collaborative projects, including:

• “Streams of Thought Vol. 1” (2018)
• “Streams of Thought Vol. 2” (2018)
• “Streams of Thought Vol. 3: Cane & Able” (2020)
• “African Dreams” (2022) – with Seun Kuti
• “Glorious Game” (2023) – with El Michels Affair

These works strengthened his reputation as one of the most technically skilled and lyrically powerful MCs alive.

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

In 2009, The Roots became the house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, later transitioning to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2014. The gig dramatically broadened Trotter’s visibility and income.

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On the show, Fallon famously introduces them as “The Legendary Roots Crew.”
Trotter frequently appears in comedy segments and celebrity game bits like:

• Pictionary
• Catchphrase
• Charades
• Password

This long-term TV role contributes significantly to Black Thought’s net worth.

Acting Career

Tariq Trotter has also built a substantial acting résumé across film, television, and stage.

Film appearances include:

• Bamboozled (2000)
• Brooklyn Babylon (2001) – his first starring role
• Love Rome (2004)
• Night Catches Us (2010)
• On the Inside (2011)
• Get On Up (2014)
• Stealing Cars (2015)
• tick, tick… BOOM! (2021)

Television and Stage

He appeared in The Deuce (2017), The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2018), and made his stage debut in “Black No More” (2022), for which he also wrote the music and lyrics.

Personal Life

In 2010, Tariq Trotter married his wife, Michelle. Together they have five children — four sons (including twins) and a daughter.

Tariq Trotter Net Worth

Tariq Trotter net worth is estimated to be $12 million.