Talib Kweli’s new album “Eardrum” is one of 2 critically dope summer releases (of 2007) I will be reviewing prior to Labor Day weekend. (The second being Aesop Rock’s “None Shall Pass” LP) The success of “Eardrum” has also sparked positive reviews posted throughout the media circuit and music lovers alike. Through a listener’s point of view, “Eardrum” is an album I can both appreciate and look at as a positve release catering to those looking for good quality Hip-Hop. After numerous releases, (on the solo tip) Talib has tried to please just about everyone above and beyond the masses, falling short of criticism within every album dropped… (“You’re too underground, you’re selling out, stop rapping about love, stop crossing over”) I’d have to say this is what I’ve come to expect from Talib Kweli. Thoughtful Intelligence, Charizma and potent skills to move a crowd. (not to mention dope producers and an all-start line up!)

Break things off early with the Madlib produced “Everything Man” track where Talib breaks off the burden of spitting conscious lyrics and the and the expectations of how he got to write good lyrics that people can apply to. Just Blaze drops a dime on “Hostile Gospel Part 1″ with Kweli spitting verbal pictures of building a foundation through Underground Hip-Hop and how commercial Hip-Hop prevailed without any passion. Just how fresh to death is “Say Something?” (produced by Will.i.am) The track also features a hungry Jean Grae on the mic and how Trill is the southern sounding UGK featured track “Coutry Cousins” bridging 2 coasts together lyrically commanded by Talib! I gotta say, it’s not just the ladies feelin’ Talib’s current single “Hot Thing” (again, produced by Will.i.am) which truly shows a vibe respecting women as a whole. If you’re “In the mood,” the KanYe produced and featured track is a smooth jazzed out track about the passion to acheive. What can I say? Just about every track is solid. (Even the Justin Timberlake track)

“Eardrum” is one of my favorite picks for 2007. Talib Kweli breaks the stereotype of creating a quality album without the use of materialistic things, guns, gangs and hoe’s. His choice for beats to help him illustrate his thoughts is a great collection I hope he puts out as instrumentals. This album comes out as a winner everyone can spread word to. Positive Hip-Hop is smart, uplifting and feeds knowledge. Get everyone to act right and be positive, you can have more albums like Talib’s with a piece of mind… Talib has always been one step up to move the crowd, and come together.

Peep Video’s off the Eardrum Album…
“Hot Thing” produced by Will.I.am

Listen!

Blacksmith TV Trailer (Say word?!?)

The Tracks… “Eardrum”
1. Everything Man - Talib Kweli
2. My Weather Report - Talib Kweli
3. Hostile Gospel, Pt. 1 (Deliver Us) - Talib Kweli
4. Say Something - Jean Grae, Talib Kweli
5. Country Cousins - Raheem DeVaughn, Talib Kweli, UGK
6. Holy Moly - Talib Kweli
7. Eat to Live - Talib Kweli
8. In the Mood - Roy Ayers, Talib Kweli, Kanye West
9. Soon the New Day - Norah Jones, Talib Kweli
10. Give ‘Em Hell - Lyfe Jennings, Talib Kweli, Coi Mattison
11. More or Less - Dion, Talib Kweli
12. Stay Around - Talib Kweli
13. Hot Thing - Talib Kweli, will.i.am,
14. Space Fruit (Interlude) - Sa-Ra,
15. Perfect Beat - KRS-One, , Talib Kweli
16. Oh My Stars - Talib Kweli, Musiq (Soulchild)
17. Listen!!! - Talib Kweli
18. Go with Us - Talib Kweli, Strong Arm Steady
19. Hostile Gospel, Pt. 2 (Deliver Me) - Talib Kweli, Sizzla
20. Nature - Talib Kweli, Justin Timberlake