Talib Kweli Album: “Right About Now... [Edited]”

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.

Go back to the days of wholesome hip-hop that is not about rims, jewelry, killing people, and disrespecting women.Talib Kweli comes back from a lackluster Beautiful Struggle, with an album that proves he can rap as he did in his Reflection Eternal/Blackstar days.

In the intro, mixed into the song, is Dave Chappelle talking like the late Rick James.

Drugs, Basketball, and Rap (4/5): Talib Kweli tells whack rappers to step aside, because their days are over maybe.

Who Got It (4.3/5): A combination of underground and mainstream? I don't know anyway else to say it

Fly the Knot (4/5): Catchy as hell chorus. MF Doom and Kweli provide solid rhymes.

Ms. Hill (5/5): a dedication, which moved me, to Lauryn Hill of the Fugees, and how strong she is. (Future CD planned for the reunited Fugees!) Eminem thinks it is cool to trash talk her. The beat is very soothing. Kanye West?

Flash Gordon (4.9/5): I love how he changes his tone of voice accordingly to the beat, very reminiscent of his old school style.

Supreme Supreme (4.9/5): It is always magic when Mighty Mos and Talib get together. I hope they come out with another Blackstar album. Their chemistry is unprecedented.

The Beast (4.7/5): Papoose proves that he is coming to take the spotlight from his mix tape after impressive mix tape working with DJ Kay Slay. Him working with Kweli is icing on the cake. Kweli does not disappoint

Roll off Me (3.5/5): Chorus is repetitive. It seems that the beat drowns out the lyrics.

Rock On (4.5/5): Lyrics and beat are on point.

Where you Gonna Run (4/5): Jean Grae raps well with anyone from Immortal Technique to Talib Kweli.

Two & Two (5/5): soulful and takes a great stab at how hip-hop has become polluted with G-unit and Young Jeezy, among many other trash rap. Whole song is a great comparison to the line in Common's "BE" song, "Chi-City" [So many raps about rims; surprised n***as aint become tires in the street]

Do not get confused; this album will be a great addition to any hip-hop head's collection.

This CD is really a mixtape when you look at it. As with all mixtapes, the beats aren't as good as an actual CD( But what do I know about beats? I actually like Nas' new beats). Talib comes correct for the most part, but the guy can't avoid spitting a wack bar or two. That's alright, since there are MC's out there who would kill to say a weak bar than have a weak song(cough lloyd banks cough). Overall this is a good CD to tide you over until Talib's new CD comes out. When you pick up Kweli's new album, be sure to look out for Mos Def's new album and Nas' new album to hit in November( That's a heads up since Def Jam stopped promoting their best people. Method Man dropped and I've had people cuss me out for not telling them sooner.)

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.