I like Tariq generally. Although, if you listen to him closely and long enough, you see that he contradicts himself at times. And I think he's low-key backed by Hollywood's/the media's elite. Moreover, his "beef" with Tommy Sotomayor makes them both look stupid. I would never consider him a leader in the black community. If that's the case and he is one, then the black community is in even worse shape than I thought. And that would be saying a lot.
With all that said, he drops gems and forces you to think and be extra skeptical of certain behaviors and movements. I certainly can appreciate that about him. Moreover, he's funny as hell, especially when dealing with certain callers and interviewees. The Hidden Colors franchise is also a good look.