Talib Kweli Album: “Right About Now [Japan Bonus Track]”

Whether it was with Black Star or Reflection Eternal, Talib Kweli represented to the fullest. Getting praise as high as Jay-Z on The Black Album, Kweli is more than just your "favorite rapper's favorite rapper." He has a pretty solid underground and mainstream career despite the amount of album sales any of his projects have sold. His first solo effort Quality was satisfactory, but didn't match the success he had as a member of Black Star or Reflection Eternal. He revamped his approach entirely on The Beautiful Struggle by capturing a few A-listers in the industry to give his album a more commercial appeal. That move probably hurt a lot of his underground fans that he has held onto over the course of his career. Now Talib returns with Right About Now, an album deemed as a official "mixtape" but is really his attempts at recapturing his wayward fans who had reservations about his vision.

The standout track is easily "Ms. Hill," an ode to Lauryn Hill and her skills as an emcee as well as a strong Black Woman (fortunately she has recently decided to rejoin The Fugees and begin doing music again). "Drugs, Basketball, And Rap" featuring Plantet Asia and Phil The Agony is a self-analysis of the Black community and affirmation that we as a people can do so much more. "Supreme Supreme" aligns Talib with his former partner Mos Def for a long-awaited Black Star reunion. Underground phemon Jean Grae showcases her unrivaled talents on "Where You Gonna Run," despite the fact that the song basically uses the same sample as Little Brother's "Hiding Place." Other independents like Papoose and MF Doom show and prove on the songs "The Beast" and "Fly That Knot," respectively.

I gotta shout out Talib for showing love and dropping the Mil-town's name on the song "Roll Off Me." Overall, there is no reason why any Talib Kweli fan (past or present) wouldn't cop this record. The beats are on point, even though it would have been nice to have a Hi-Tek beat to complete the circle. Nevertheless, Right About Now is a superb collection for those that are looking for the real follow-up to Quality.

well i seen this cd in the store and thought i would try it out. so i spent my 15 dollors on him and i would have to say its good. the first two songs i really like are ms. hill and drugs, basketball, rap. those are good songs. so i would have to say go and get this cd.

Ever since Black Star, I have been a fan of this brother. Bumping this on the train this morning made me realize just how much the rap game is missing out on some excellent music and lyrics by not promoting artists such as Talib. I am a 44 year old hip hop fan and I will continue to check for the next Black Star Album. This joint is absolute fire and very original and full of lyrics that not only make u think but put the beat in your boogie too...

Derrick

Peace To Da Gods for letting use still be able to get some substance in our music. Talib is helping us with that on this one. Drugs, Basketball, Sex is one of my favorites, Ms. Hill, Supreme Supreme, and of course the callabo's with two of my favorite MC's Doom & Jean Grae (who are finally getting some recognition in the mainstream arena). I think this one is his best being less abstract in concept. "The Beautiful Struggle" stretched beyond what some could digest, but personally I loved it. If you liked this CD you should definately pick up the new J-Live,(The Hereafter)please support this underground artist because he is raising some poignant issues,get all his joints as a matter of fact, it has the same level of consciousness, beats, flow and greatness. Peace Yall.

Ok, now I know that some of you are looking at me like I am crazy, and I probably am, but read on first:

Lyrics: Talib Kweli is nice on the mic!! You can't deny it, especially when Shawn Carter wants to be like him. With this album it's good that he got it out before the bootleggers. With songs like "Ms. Hill" and the "Rock On," you get that style that he is known for and you know you love. Rugged and raw with no complaints. And what is nice about this album is that his guests don't outshine him, but they balance each other out. You got to give props to Jean Grae, check out that joint!

Beats: This is why it didn't get a five. Yea, I know that there are some that say I am wrong, but I want a CD that I can get the balance of both, lyrics and beats. He has some that has the Lyricist Lounge feel, and some that you wonder "Who did this?!" See, sometimes in hip-hop you need both lyrics and beats, which Kweli did nice in "The Beautiful Struggle" CD and mixtape (well, the first I think).

Overall, Talib Kweli never fails in making a good CD, just as long as you don't expect something that you can bump at home and at the club. The way he delivers is a many reason why their are not that many that he can be compared with, and of course, will make him go down in hip-hop history.