Talib Kweli is a 48 12 months previous MC, songwriter, entrepreneur & activist from Brooklyn, New York notable for being 1/2 of the duos Black Star & Reflection Everlasting with Yasiin Bey & Hello-Tek respectively. His solo debut High quality was launched within the fall of 2002 to vital acclaim by Rawkus Data following Black Star’s eponymous debut & Reflection Everlasting’s debut album Prepare of Thought, the sophomore effort The Lovely Battle acquired extra average reception though songs like “Damaged Glass” & “I Strive” all the time stood out & Eardrum must be my 2nd favourite album from Kweli’s behind the debut. Gutter Rainbows in addition to Prisoner of Aware & Gravitas had been all acquired positively albeit not a lot as High quality & Eardrum, however Fuck the Cash left the general public divided & Indie 500 produced by The Soul Council was a substantial enchancment as was Radio Silence. Final we heard Talib on his personal excluding Gotham’s eponymous debut & after all Black Star & Liberation’s sophomore efforts no concern of time* & Liberation 2 was final Christmas when the Holy Daze EP which was okay, so I used to be intrigued in listening to that J. Rawls was totally producing Kweli’s tenth album.

“Breath, Eyes, Reminiscence” is a laidback opener explaining the distinction between European artwork & African artwork whereas the title monitor that includes Blu warmly talks about having to be courageous sufficient to be your self. “Native Sons” goes full-fledged increase bap paying homage to the Native Tongues collective simply earlier than the jazzy, drumless “We Exterior” that includes TriState himself finds the two speaking about by no means being divided.

As for “To the Ghetto”, now we have Kweli over synths blended with kicks & snares telling us he actually doesn’t have any associates on this enterprise solely trusting a choose few whereas “SWAT” by Coast Kweli will get on the hardcore tip letting y’all know who be up in the home tonight. “Turnstyle” that includes Buckshot & Skyzoo retains issues within the basement taking y’all again to ‘92, however then “Shalamar” that includes Ras Kass getting in a bag much like the titular soul trio.

“Pay Homage” that includes IDK, Phil Da Agony & Planet Asia soulfully advises to respect the muse whereas “Love for Life” attracts from neo-soul discussing the magic in comforting each other. “Steve Austin” that includes Diani finds the daddy/daughter duo slickly boasting whereas “Sing into the Sky” that includes Niko Is returns to the increase bap doing merely that till they fall. “It’s Workin’” ends on a jazzy notice speaking about what you’re doing is understanding.

All 3 of the duo albums that Kweli has been concerned with on this present decade thus far all been near-perfect in their very own rights & I don’t assume The Confidence of Realizing is a basic per se, however I do assume that’s considerably higher than the vacation EP we obtained from him nearly 9 months in the past. Even placing Talib’s social media conduct to the aspect, he’s nonetheless a remarkably proficient lyricist & J. Rawls’ manufacturing bounces between increase bap & naked jazz loops fluidly.

Rating: 8/10