Talib Kweli

Released to underwhelming reviews, Kweli's solo debut has recently experienced a revival of sorts, thanks to the ever-changing tastes of hip-hop fans and the presence of Chi-Town producer Kanye West. Single "Get By" is a rousing anthem to self-determination, while the politically thorny "The Proud" still feels relevant.

"I wanna write the songs that right the wrong," Talib Kweli raps on "Stand to the Side."
Usually that's more of a threat than a promise -- Public Enemy and Dead Prez
notwithstanding, revolution on wax is often a dowdy affair. But on his first proper solo
album, Kweli smoothly bridges the physical and the political. Producers Kanye West and J
Dilla mix a rich palette of summer-morning horns, somber strings and crisp, chatt... More >