Talib Kweli, "Eardrum"pick

Slept-on rapper bangs hard so everyone can hear him

By Tamara Palmer, Special to Metromix

August 21, 2007

 
Critic's Rating:
4

Talib Kweli, "Eardrum"
Eardrum
Release date:
August 21, 2007
Artist/Band name:
Talib Kweli
Record label:
Warner Bros.
Official Web Site:
http://www.talibkweli.com/
Backstory: Brooklyn-born MC Talib Kweli is a criminally underrated wordsmith who first gained national attention in 1998 with his group Black Star, a duo with Mos Def. Fame seems to have been an easier grasp for Kweli’s partner, who has since released acclaimed solo albums, acted in films and continued to host HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. But that might change if Kweli’s sixth solo album “Eardrum” is heard loud and clear, as it deserves to be.

Why you should care: Even those that live under a hip-hop rock will have heard of some of the star-studded guest singers (Norah Jones, Lyfe Jennings), producers (Kanye West, will.i.am) and rappers (KRS-One) here. While some use famous collaborators to detract from their own thinning talents, Kweli actually outshines almost everyone.

Verdict: Kweli has delivered an album worthy of the wider platform he’s earned. While he references spirituality, it’s on his own terms; songs like “Hostile Gospel” are smart and genuine reactions to the ills of the world set to a reverent beat. He’s smart and blunt, but never preachy. “More or Less” sharply skewers politics (he asks for “more building, less destroying”) as well as the low-brow barrel (“more Beyonce, less Britney”). The first single “Hot Thing,” produced by and featuring will.i.am, is a nice reminder that he’s also got a fun side. And make sure not to miss bonus song “The Nature,” which finds Justin Timberlake crooning a soulful chorus.

X-Factor: This is an early highlight for Kweli’s new record label Blacksmith, paving the way for future releases by rappers Strong Arm Steady and Jean Grae, both of whom also appear on “Eardrum.” Kweli’s also written a 15-chapter “Story of Blacksmith,” which fans can sign up to receive in weekly text installments on their mobile devices.

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