There’s no question as to the effect Talib Kweli has had on Hip Hop over the past few years. The Brooklyn MC has been a steady fixture in music since the mid-90’s when he first caught the ears of fans on Rawkus Records, appearing on recordings such as the Lyricists Lounge and Soundbombing series’, as well as on his own collaborative recordings with Mos Def (Black Star), DJ Hi Tek (Reflection Eternal), several solo albums and mixtapes, his own latest group project Idle Warship, and with his own music label, Blacksmith.
And it is no secret that Kweli has collaborated with a diverse array of artists throughout his career, including Snoop Dogg, Ghostface Killah, Busta Rhymes, Killer Mike, Saigon, Mary J. Blidge, Anthony Hamilton, UGK, Norah Jones and Justin Timberlake, to name a few.
But Kweli’s latest collaboration, the song ‘Poltergeist’ on which he is featured with Gucci Mane, has drawn some criticism from the Hip Hop blog sphere. In a story that appears on HipHopDX.com, blogger Mychal Smith, in an article entitled “The Demise of the Conscious Rapper”, takes Kweli to task for the collaboration. Smith writes that “[Kweli] wants to serve everyone...I understand not wanting to be singularly defined, but when you try to be everything to everyone you end up being nothing to no one."
In response to the article and in talking about his upcoming release, Prisoner of Conscious, Kweli is quoted as saying that Hip Hop “is like bipartisan politics these days. Everyone chooses sides and argues for the sake of the argument, not to actually achieve any clarity." He also talked about the importance of reaching various types of fans. “I am a man and an artist of the people. When I say that, I do not just mean people I agree with, people who understand me or people I can relate to. I mean the people in the truest sense of the term.”
Responding directly to Smith and his article, Kweli had this to say: “Now I don't know Mychal Smith, but what I do know is he is a blogger that follows me on Twitter, and I guess my decision to record with Gucci Mane bothered him enough to blog about it, declaring my move a part of the demise of the conscious rapper. I offer a different take. I say people like Mychal Smith are every bit as caught up in the flashing lights as the 'ignorant' masses they like to judge. Instead of celebrating it, they get joy from speaking against it.”
A date for the release of Kweli’s latest album, Prisoner of Conscious, is yet to be set. Fans can visit Talib Kweli on MySpace, Twitter and on his website YearoftheBlacksmith.com
Put down that drumstick and leave the gravy at home (actually bring the gravy). The Bodega and Southpaw are teaming up to bring you a killer lineup on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Our October Show and Prove winner, Kalae All Day, will open a show that will feature Megabone, Niles, Soul Queen TreZure The Empress, Jah C & The Antidote and Rebel Starr. Talib K'weli's supergroup, Idle Warhship (featuring Res and Graph Nobel), will close out what is shaping up to be a very memorable night. The event will be hosted by End Of The Weak and there will be Music Live Painting by Marthalicia Matarrita!
Idle Warship starring Talib K'weli
Saturday, November 28th, 8PM
Southpaw, 125 Fifth Ave, Brooklyn
$15 in Advnace, $20 Day of Show
Talib K'weli is a busy guy these days. Less than a week before his upcoming Bodega show with Idle Warship, Mr. Kweli will be making another Brooklyn appearance at Williamsburg's newest place to throw strikes, Brooklyn Bowl. This show will feature a markedly different lineup as SkyZoo, Jean Grae and Beatnick & K-Salaam are all scheduled to appear.
Talib Kweli and Friends
Sunday, November 22nd, 8PM
Brooklyn Bowl
$10
In anticipation of the Bodega sponsored Idle Warship show here are some videos from one of the Bodega's favorite MC - Talib 'E' Kweli 'Ty'.
And don't forget 'Show and Prove' October Winner Kalae All Day will be opening Sat, Nov 28th at Southpaw
