TALIB KWELI Vinyl & CDs

Review: No Fear of Time, the long-awaited sophomore album from the legendary hip-hop duo Black Star, is finally available in physical formats, including a stunning gatefold LP. After a digital-only debut in 2022, this release celebrates the dynamic collaboration between yasiin bey and Talib Kweli, who first captured hearts with their iconic 1998 album. Produced by Madlib, No Fear of Time showcases the duo's evolved artistry, recorded in diverse locations worldwide, including hotel rooms and backstage at Dave Chappelle's shows. The album's unique style flows seamlessly, with tracks like 'So be it' and 'Sweetheart. Sweethard. Sweetodd', igniting old-school vibes while addressing contemporary issues with sharp wit. With their powerful reunion, Black Star reaffirms their influential status in hip-hop, reminding listeners of the genre's rich cultural depth.

Review: Talib Kweli and J Rawls reunite after 25 years to deliver a heartfelt tribute to hip-hop's golden era. Their collaboration blends Kweli's razor-sharp lyricism with Rawls' authentic boom-bap production, crafting a rich, soulful journey through the genre's essence. Tracks like 'Breath, Eyes, Memory' bring introspection, while 'Turnstyle' captures nostalgia and 'Native Sons' pays homage to the Native Tongues collective. With an impressive roster of collaborators including Blu, Georgia Anne Muldrow and Skyzoo, the album underscores the depth of rap culture. A celebration of roots, growth and timeless artistry, firmly rooted in the traditions that shaped the genre.

Review: Talib Kweli's latest album sees the veteran emcee diving into both familiar and challenging territory, making for an introspective and rewarding listen. The record is marked by his signature pro-Black themes, showcasing the depth of his knowledge and experiences. The production by J. Rawls i echoing the soulful textures of their classic Blackstar and Reflection Eternal collaborations i perfectly complements Kweli's lyrical approach, particularly in the album's second half, where his verses flow with renewed focus and sincerity. The album opens with Kweli addressing personal controversies, but soon pivots to more universal themes, emphasising resilience, love and the power of community. Tracks like 'Love For Life', featuring Georgia Anne Muldrow and Jimetta Rose, allow Kweli's thoughtful and hopeful side to shine, reminding listeners of the magnetism that has defined his career. Collaborations with emcees like Planet Asia and Phil Da Agony add vibrancy and energy, grounding the project in a rich sense of camaraderie. Ultimately, the album is a testament to Kweli's ability to navigate life's challenges while staying true to his craft. By balancing moments of introspection with uplifting messages, Kweli delivers one of his strongest albums in years i one that long-time fans will appreciate and new listeners will find compelling.

Review: Talib Kweli and Madlib, two hip-hop heavyweights, have reunited for the highly anticipated Liberation 2, an expansive album exploring themes of revolution, love, and pan-Africanism, all set against Madlib's jazz-infused productions. Featuring collaborations with Q-Tip, Westside Gunn, and Mac Miller, the album is a global call for unity. Its thought-provoking lyrics and raw soundscapes showcase Kweli's enduring influence and Madlib's production prowess, paying homage to the genre's roots while pushing its boundaries. This album has been on many people's list as a potential hip-hop album of the year and we won't be at all surprised if that's where it ends up.

Review: Talib Kweli and Madlib are two of the biggest names in hip-hop, one a mic man with exceptional skills the other a beat maker like no other. They first worked tother in 2006 on a joint project and thankfully they now reunite for the highly-anticipated follow-up, Liberation 2. This is an album that is as expansive lyrically and with its themes as it is musically. As you would expect form this pari of heavyweights, the album is defined by thought-provoking lyricism and raw soundscapes that explore revolution, love, pan-Africanism, music, spirituality, and more with plenty of jazz-tinged instrumentals and guest spots from Q-Tip, Westside Gunn, Roc Marciano, Roy Ayers, Goapele, Wildchild, Pink Siifu and more.