Whatitdo Wurld,
Talib Kweli (1/2 of Black Star) is back with a new single “Push Thru” from his upcoming solo album Prisoner of Conscious due late summer/early fall. The Brooklyn MC (widely known as a leader of “conscious rap”) has had loads of critical acclaim and collaborations with music industry heavyweights. However, it seems his deep legacy of work with Mos Def, Hi-Tek, Kanye West, Just Blaze, Will.I.Am, Pete Rock, Madlib, Ahmet Zappa, etc. have yet to establish him as one of the top 20 commercial successes in the genre. Even Jay-Z praised his skills in a verse on The Black Album stating that if thoughtful lyrics were enough to be at the top then “…I’d probably be lyrically Talib Kweli.“ Regardless of top tier commercial gain from the music, Talib has focused on bringing thought provoking and clever wordplay which upholds the true definition of a real MC.
He’s been included in Complex Magazine’s 30 Best Rappers in Their 30′s. As a solo artist, he has branched out into all types of styles and genres, including a tribute to Nigerian musician Fela Kuti. Now armed with his own label Blacksmith (which includes artists Jean Grae and Strong Arm Steady), he’s pushing the boundaries of conscious rap with the new mainstream leaders of the thought school such as Kendrick Lamar & Jay Electronica. Peep the video for “Push Thru“, as it takes you on a tour of each emcees hometown and how their verse pertains to their respective cities. Let us know who you think had the best verse!
PS: As a bonus, here’s the first single from the new album produced by Oh-No titled “Distractions” released this past winter. #SwitchflipCertified
