Talib Kweli - Eardrum
Hip Hop. The term itself can be a handful of things. Though one thing it's not is the "Laffy Taffy" and "Soulja Boy" Rap / Pop tracks that have been dilluting radio airwaves in recent years. The culture has long suffered from the cross-over, and has also remained present, if not stronger. "Eardrum", the latest studio release from Talib Kweli is radio playable. Will it get heavy rotation? Probably not. And you know what, who cares? That's Hip Hop. Talib is Hip Hop. HIP. HOP!
Whether you've been down with Kweli from the Rawkus Records "Soundbombing" days, his collaboration with Cinci producer 'Hi-Tek's' "Reflection Eternal", his groundbreaking super duo with 'Mos Def' "Blackstar", or have just recently been introduced, you know Kweli is a well educated-open minded-spiritual but hard hitting-MC! The kid just brings it. Touching on topics ranging from the almighty to the internet ("fuck a top 8, back up, gimme my space") he does it well, but not without flaw.
I value his presence. His content is relatable. His delivery is good. Production choices standard and his vocal collaborations (with the exception of 'The Perfect Beat' with Krs-One) are mediocre. He's capable of far more. The album is lacking a seamless flow that is much needed in good hip hop records of these times. The last 3 songs are "bonus tracks" that tell me Talib had a hard time letting some of his material go. With 20 songs (of which only 1 is an interlude) only 7 are just Talib. This is a trend that has gotten out of hand.
This record is good. The music is far better listening material than eighty percent of new releases. You will enjoy hearing the thoughts of the man that brought the emotional "Good Mourning" from 2000, collabing with former N'Sync frontman Justin Timberlake. You will nod your head to the beats that pave the way for the most ridiculous and repeated phrase on the album..."this is the year of the Blacksmith". which is dropped on nearly...every...song.
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