CD REVIEW Talib Kweli-Eardrum

I very much like the idea of alternative rappers. They seem like a bunch of good guys, they aren't shooting anyone, or demeaning women or partaking in drug traffiking. With all that extra free time you'd think they would be recording smash singles. The genre has put out some incredible albums, Common's Be, Lupe Fiasco's Food and Liquor, and Mos Def/Talib Kweli's Black Star come to mind, but the only artist to find his way out of the backpacker ghetto into mainstream success has been Kanye West. With a larger than life personality, brash subject matter, and connections to die for, Mr. West has become one of rap's most influential figures, despite being a below average MC.
Like many a suburban Wonder Bread child the first time I heard Talib Kweli's reedy voice was on Kanye's "Get 'em High." While his career has been quietly gaining steam, I've developed the impression that he is to Alternative Rap what 50 Cent is to the mainstream: an almost too good to be true marketable commodity. "Talib" is Arabic for student, "Kwali" is Swahili for true. He has funded a center for education and culture in Brooklyn. He is close friends with Dave Chapelle. The biggest controversy of his career was his unauthorised sampling of a Ben Kweller song.
But also like 50 Cent is his tendency towards braggadocio can get a little draining. The opening song is peppered with recordings of fans remembering when they first heard Talib Kweli. In another track he refers to himself as destined for greatness. All throughout, he talks of how he brandishes his knowledge with the same attitude of how others talk of brandishing a piece.
Once you get past the superiority complex, the album is quite enjoyable. Talib's flow is bouncy and his beats enjoyable, even though his rhymes aren't nearly as colorful as those of Kanye or Lupe. "Country Cousins" has a fun jazzy beat and a guest appearance by Huston rap survivors UGK. Another highlight is the Will.I.Am produced "Hot Thing" where Talib serenades the titular woman with a soulful track. Will.I.Am's production work has gotten better and better over the last couple years, and this track is one of his finest. The album is a consistent one, but Talib Kweli can still do better. On his next album he should concentrate on not getting shown up by every guest star who appears. As Black Star is about to turn ten, the rapper is still trying to make good on the promise of that debut.

6.5/10

www.talibkweli.com