Talib Kweli has received high marks from critics over the years, but he’s never being able to capture the mainstream market. His old Black Star partner Mos Def has gone on to star in Hollywood films and enjoy several solo successes and with Eardrum, Kweli makes an effort for “mainstream success” with collaborations with Kanye West, Will.i.am, Justin Timberlake, UGK, KRS-One, Musiq Soulchild and Norah Jones.
Eardrum could drop several of its tracks and be far better for it, but there are some exciting moments of classic hip-hop, notably the irresistible boom-bap of “NY Weather Report” and “Say Something,” which features Jean Grae. The production is as varied as you’d expect, with contributions from Kanye West, Madlib, Hi-Tek, Kwame, and Nick Speed. Kweli doesn’t stray too far from his standard soulful sound, but the better tracks, such as “More Or Less,” show some great production & high quality emcee skills.
The lyrics range from politics, poverty, and world issues to some more lighter topics. Kweli shows again that he deserves the respect he receives, but Eardrum doesn’t seem to deliver.
[tags] Talib Kweli, Hip Hop, Review, Eardrum, Kanye West [/tags]
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talib, like many of the ol genius souls – e.g. common
is still talented
but has lost that spark for something fresh and original
that trak with KRS just made my bones turn to gold
its still kweli…
but nuthin more
not completely awe inspirin as the ol shit
its seems even the soulful ones r givin in to the charts…
this is his highest eva album entry at the first wks of release in the u.s. album chart
no2
they wer better in the beginin wen only true hip hop fans copped their shit
looks like it’s up to the u.k. emcees to hold the true soul down…