Tariq Trotter, a.k.a. Black Thought, sits firmly within the pantheon of hip-hop's greatest MCs. But the cofounder of the multiplatinum-selling hip-hop band The Roots is best understood not through all trophies and awards, but the sheer weight of his lyrical force.

In 7 Years, Trotter's new addition to Audible's Words + Music series, the prolific rapper examines his life and career in dynamic seven-year increments. Featuring a powerful and personal musical score, Trotter takes listeners through his intimate journey, including his tumultuous childhood in Philadelphia, facing off with a justice system that was stacked against him, and adapting to commercial success in mainstream America. Mixing complex rhymes with searing insight, 7 Years finds a singular creative voice opening up and speaking volumes.