"There's something wonderful about an MC who can make you think. Unfortunately, at times, they seem to be part of a dying breed. But Talib Kweli, the other half of Black Star is such an MC. After being in the shadow of the charismatic Mos Def, Talib defines himself as an artist in his own right with his debut, Reflection Eternal. Talib has an invaluable gift; a rapid-fire flow that's extremely audible and easy to follow. His rhymes seem conversational, filled with anecdotal instances, like a friend setting up a great story. His grade school teachers would be proud. Unlike some marble-mouth MCs, Talib learned how to e-nun-ci-ate. So although some of Reflection''s subjects may seem heavy (Black history, activism, politics), the words are smoothly digestible." Listen to "The Blast" ...
"Hi-Tek proves the dramatic musical backdrop to Talib's honest and revealing rhymes. Horn blasts set off the album on "Experience Dedication," while thumping, larger-than-life production dominates throughout ("Move Something" and "This Means You"). Even the tracks that deviate most from Hi-Tek's signature crisp, grandiose beats give this set its depth. A few such standouts are "Too Late," with its unusual world-music vibe and multi-layered instrumentation, and the ethereal, organic bumps of "The Blast" and "Love Language." The latter contains Talib's exploration of the fundamental emotional differences between men and women, and observations about romantic frustrations that seem more first person than third..." Cont'd below, and check the 2-page advert from Rawkus...
"Much of Talib's lyrical content revolves around attacking and mentally intimidating wack MCs, of whom he's particularly wary ... Ghostwriting requests aside, Talib might as well get used to the jealousy and envy. After all, who wouldn't want to be a thinking-person's MC?" - The Source 12/00
