For some, this may be an anticipated release, but for us, this has snuck up on us in a good way. The future record we are talking about is the debut record from Igmar Thomas’ Revive Big Band. But before we get into that, who are they, and who are they led by? According to the group’s website, Mr. Thomas is a maestro, trumpeter, and composer, and he put this collection of talent together in 2010. Their first ever show was that same year at the George Wein’s CareFusion Jazz Festival. Since then, they have gone on to perform at some of most recognized venues across the U.S. that are synonymous with the genre. There efforts have been celebrated and awarded a whole bunch too, as they have a total of 27 GRAMMY nominations, with the 13 of them being wins.
However, they have never decided to release an album until now. According to a press release, their first LP, Like A Tree It Grows, will land on DSPs on October 25. This weekend, Igmar Thomas has recruited longtime lyricist Talib Kweli for the tape’s second single called “THELONIUS”. What makes the Revive Big Band unique is that they put their own twist on jazz, hip-hop, and soul classics in addition to their own compositions. In this case, this is a modern reimagining of Thelonious Monk’s most celebrated bebop (subset of jazz) pieces, “Thelonious”. It’s also a tweak of Common and Slum Village’s collab “Thelonius”, which is on the former’s Like Water For Chocolate. It’s a triumphant and uplifting track thanks to Igmar’s incredible band and we think this is one of the best releases of the month so far.
Today, Black Star announces the physical release of their 2022 sophomore album No Fear of Time, available on vinyl and CD for the first time ever, November 22nd via Rhymesayers Entertainment. Pre-order available at blackstarkeepshining.com.
“The initial release of this album in itself was an artistic statement,” stated Rhymesayers CEO Siddiq Sayers. “To be bold enough to bring this highly anticipated album to fans in a non-traditional way that centers the art and artist first is exactly what artistic independence is about. That spirit is at the core of what we’ve done at Rhymesayers for close to 30 years, and we’re proud to bring this album from a group so important to the culture into the world in the physical form.”
No Fear of Time finally reunites one of the greatest hip-hop duos of all-time nearly a quarter century after their debut. Group members yasiin bey and Talib Kweli, both enormously influential hip hop artists in their own right, first joined forces as Black Star to deliver their iconic 1998 breakout, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, which quickly became one of hip-hop’s most revered works and launched both already-rising stars into the stratosphere.
After years spent nurturing their respective solo careers, the duo returned with the Madlib-produced No Fear of Time in 2022, recorded guerrilla-style around the globe in hotels and in dressing rooms at Dave Chappelle’s shows over the course of four years and released exclusively via the podcast platform Luminary. Luminary is also the home of The Midnight Miracle podcast, which the duo hosted with Chappelle. An official video was produced for album highlight “So Be It,” which the duo also performed during their SNL debut, as well as a lyric video for “o.G.”
The album will be available on single-LP vinyl, CD, and cassette, along with a limited deluxe double-LP that includes both the main version and the instrumentals, each pressed on 180-gram vinyl in unique color treatments blending opaque white and opaque gold with translucent black ice and a metallic star effect. This deluxe vinyl edition is limited to 2000 units and features a foil stamped and numbered matte gatefold jacket, two full-color printed record sleeves, an 8-page matte lyric booklet, and an exclusive silver foil laminated heavyweight insert. Additionally, 300 units of the deluxe vinyl will be available as a premium bundle, which will include everything in the deluxe 2xLP vinyl package, with insert hand-signed by all three artists – yasiin bey, Talib Kweli and Madlib – along with a No Fear of Time t-shirt and a pair of Black Star slipmats.
Talib Kweli is a legend in the hip-hop game thanks to his wide range of talents and ability to work with so many different artists. The Black Star and Reflection Eternal affiliate has been pretty active over the last two years in terms of singles and projects and this weekend he’s continuing that trend. Talib Kweli has just dropped off The Confidence Of Knowing, which is being advertised as album number 10.
However, he’s not releasing this 13-song effort alone, though. Columbus, Ohio underground producer J. Rawls is here too. Here, he’s tasked with laying down East Coast beats on every cut and there’s a nice mixture of sounds to be had. Of course, on top of that, Talib is bringing some food for thought and clever bars like these on one of the lead singles, “Native Sons”. “Bragging about material objects with people starving, bruh / And that’s why the phrase “eat the rich” is so popular / Please, these elitists can never defeat the populace“. There’s also some solid guests on the docket. IDK, Rass Kass, Blu, Planet Asia, and Jimetta Rose are a few of the multi-talented sidekicks. Overall, there’s a lot to like and Talib is showing that he’s still got more than enough juice for the 2020’s decade.
Grafh and 38 Spesh will release a collaborative project, God’s Timing, on 7.26.24. Today, they released the project’s first focus track, “Right Now,” which features Haile Supreme and Talib Kweli.
God’s Timing is produced in its entirety by 38 Spesh and he also adds vocals as well, and includes appearances from Jim Jones, Talib Kweli, Method Man, Vado, Freeway, Memphis Bleek and Peedi Crakk.
In a recent episode of Math Hoffa’s “My Expert Opinion” show, Brooklyn emcee Talib Kweli sat down with Math and his crew for an engaging discussion. The episode began with light-hearted banter, acknowledging the New York Knicks’ playoff success and cracking jokes about Ja Rule, before delving into more serious topics, including Kweli’s issues with battle rapper Aye Verb.
During the first part of the interview, Talib Kweli admitted that he didn’t know who Aye Verb was until seeing him on Math Hoffa’s show. When Math asked Kweli about his current stance on Aye Verb after their long interaction on X (formerly Twitter), Kweli stated, “I don’t have a relationship with him, I don’t have his contact info. Before he had my name in his mouth, I didn’t know anything about him.” Despite this, Kweli acknowledged Aye Verb’s success in battle rap and commented on the optics of Verb’s previous appearance on “My Expert Opinion.”
Math Hoffa responded to Aye Verb’s criticisms of his platform, saying, “You shouldn’t spit on a blessing and right now, I feel like that’s what he’s doing.” Kweli praised Hoffa for his handling of the situation, comparing it to how Joe Budden managed similar issues on The Joe Budden Podcast.
In the second part of the interview, Talib Kweli addressed being kicked off social media in the past and responded to additional claims by Aye Verb. He referenced an incident where he made a negative post about Donald Trump, which was criticized by one of Aye Verb’s friends. The friend commented, “the left and right wings are on the same bird,” criticizing Kweli’s political views. Kweli maintained his stance, calling Trump a white supremacist and explaining how the issues played out on social media. He also described Aye Verb as seeing himself as the “Kevin Samuels of the battle rap world,” criticizing his hypermasculine approach and derogatory comments towards women.
Two of some of the most well-respected names in all of hip-hop, Talib Kweli and Madlib, are here with a “new single” “One For Biz.” We say “new single” because this song was actually released last year for the rapper and producer’s sequel record Liberation 2. Talib Kweli and Madlib made “One For Biz” as a tribute to the late and great Biz Markie. Their way of paying homage to the legend was through Q-Tip’s chorus.
Q put a spin on “Nobody Beats the Biz,” and it has been a popular track off of Liberation 2 ever since. The album got a release on a platform called Luminary, which is a subscription-based podcast network, according to HipHopDX. Talib Kweli, and everyone else here does a great job. Madlib especially gets a nod for his terrific and irresistible piano beat.
Listen To “One For Biz” By Talib Kweli, Madlib, Wildchild, & Q-Tip
After the song’s release, it would go on to receive a music video a couple of months ago, which you can find above. The reason we wanted to cover this cut is because it finally got a mainstream streaming release. Nothing is different about the song, but for fans who were wanting more accessibility to it, you get it now. Be sure to support the standout collaboration.
What are your thoughts on this “brand-new single,” “One For Biz,” by Talib Kweli, Madlib, Wildchild, and Q-Tip? Have you had a chance to listen to Liberation 2? What is your favorite element of the song and why? Who had the best performance on the track? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Talib Kweli, Madlib, Wildchild, and Q-Tip. Finally, stay with us for everything the most informative song posts throughout the week.
Quotable Lyrics:
Otis make the music Dakota’s holding for ransom I’m out of my cocoon like I’m doomed, doing accordion bare feet stomping the ground like Zulu warriors Sound f*** around it’s your favorite MC It’s the original Talib Kweli I’m confident never cocky I promise I’m never running, forever clever and cunning Just here to let you know, you get punched in the face the Bismarck taught me how to rock a show, as long as you know
Art Official Intelligence Radio with De La Soul on Apple Music 1 is back with Episode 3, featuring Pharoahe Monch and Talib Kweli. Pharoahe Monch talks about his recent deal with Roc Nation, his early experiences with legendary hip-hop pioneer Paul C, and how having asthma affected his approach to rhyming and his overall views on health. Talib Kweli talks to Posdnuos and Maseo about the influence of De La Soul’s music, and the impact of technology, streaming and AI and its potential effects on the industry.
The special five-episode series hosted by Posdnuos and Maseo arrives just in time to celebrate the release of the 35th anniversary deluxe edition of the hip-hop group’s debut album 3 Feet High and Rising, available in Spatial Audio with four previously unreleased bonus tracks.
Throughout the series, Posdnuos, Maseo, and special guests retrace and reflect on the history, legacy, and impact of De La Soul, while honoring the memory of their late bandmate Dave, aka Trugoy the Dove.
Rock The Bells, the global platform dedicated to elevating Hip-Hop culture from its roots to the modern day, has announced the first wave of talent joining the second annual “Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience”, sailing on November 13-17, 2024 from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau, Bahamas for another five days of non-stop Hip-Hop. The initial wave of artists includes Jadakiss, E-40, Rakim, Talib Kweli, Digable Planets, and AZ, along with a cast of DJsthat set the tone for the inaugural cruise, including DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kid Capri, Mannie Fresh, and Rock The Bells Radio’s own The Finisher Mister Cee, DJ Scratch, and DJ Epps. Roxanne Shante and Torae will return as hosts.
“Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience” is in partnership with Sixthman, the industry leader in unforgettable music and lifestyle festivals at sea. Inspired by classic Hip-Hop for Hip-Hop heads, the experience is the first of its kind, offering an immersive five-day Hip-Hop experience aboard the Norwegian Gem. Hip-Hop will be taking over every corner of the ship with themed parties, meet & greet autograph sessions, rap karaoke, open mic nights, and much more.
“Keepin the heads ringing, Rock the Bells Cruise is back!,”said Sixthman CEO Jeff Cuellar,“Hip-Hop heads get ready for a bigger and more action-packed schedule that continues the tradition of celebrating the icons across all Hip-Hop culture while also looking ahead to the next 50 years.”
Rock The Bells proudly serves Hip-Hop’s legends and champions the culture by providing opportunities to spotlight its icons through content, commerce, and experiences. This partnership is the first time Sixthman has produced a classic Hip-Hop cruise.
The week-long cruise will sail from Miami and make two stops in the Bahamas at Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau. Pricing ranges from $1,180 to $7,191. Cabins are on sale to the public today, Tuesday, March 5th. More information can be found at rockthebellscruise.com. A full slate of performers, activities, and other details will be made available within the coming months.
Black Star is a prolific and influential rap duo born and bred in Brooklyn, New York, and consisting of Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli. The two MCs have made a massive mark on the hip hop soundscape, together, and in their solo catalogs, with a combined total of over a dozen LPs and mixtapes between them. Through their extensive catalog, Bey and Kweli have pushed the boundaries of the conscious rap sound. The duo first formed in 1996 with an unparalleled blend of intellect, lyrical prowess, and social consciousness, delivered over inventive instrumentation.
Their critically acclaimed 1998 debut album, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, resonated as a groundbreaking masterpiece, elevating the duo to cult status. While the pair continued to collaborate on film soundtracks, feature verses for other rap icons, and many appearances on The Chappelle’s Show in the years following the release of their debut, many fans wondered why they never produced a sophomore effort in the early aughts.
Though Talib Kweli reportedly expressed to media outlets that a second album was underway in 2002, no such effort would arise until the 2022 record No Fear Of Time. Here’s a look into what the MCs have been up to since the origins of Black Star nearly 20 years ago.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 15: Mos Def attends Black Star In Concert at Sony Hallon November 15, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Yasiin Bey recently made headlines due to his criticism of Drake, referring to the rapper’s prolific catalog as pop music, suitable to accompany day-time shopping at commercialized locations like Target. Long before he became known to the public as Yasiin Bey, the Brooklyn native headed Black Star under the stage name Mos Def. In fact, Bey abandoned the Mos Def moniker specifically because he felt that it was becoming more of a brand than an actual name. As a result, the known anti-corporate artist transitioned to publicly using his assumed name taken from the 36th surah of the Qur’an.
As a solo act, Yasiin Bey made waves with landmark releases such as Black On Both Sides, which touted such chart-topping records as “Ms. Fat Booty” and “Mathematics.” The rapper also holds an impressive career in television and film, having appeared in over 50 credited roles per IMDb. Bey most notably starred in films such as 2003’s The Italian Job, 2008’s Be Kind Rewind, and a 5-episode stint in the Showtime series Dexter. In 2016, Bey announced plans to retire from both acting and rapping, though he has continued to tour in the years since.
In 2021, Bey teamed with his Black Star compatriot Talib Kweli and comedian Dave Chappelle to launch The Midnight Miracle podcast. The series is available exclusively through the subscription-based podcasting app Luminary, which also hosts the long-awaited Black Star reunion album.
Like Yasiin Bey, Talib Kweli has held a prominent position as one of the most thoughtful and introspective rappers of his generation. In the years since Black Star’s debut, Kweli has gone on to release 8 solo albums, as well as 9 collaborative projects, showcasing his unyielding commitment to hip hop as an art form. Despite releasing most of his chart-topping singles in the early years of his career, Talib Kweli has continued to inspire generations of rap listeners with hard-hitting lyrics, poignant social commentary, and a distinct sound that defies replication.
In 2019, Talib Kweli launched his first podcasting venture, The People’s Party, alongside his co-host Jasmin Leigh. The show has aired over 100 episodes, each taking on a different recognizable guest with a deep dive into what rap means to them. The show has enjoyed the privilege of featuring guest appearances from notable figures such as Ice Cube, Kxng Crooked, Styles P, Black Thought, and others. Kweli’s second venture in podcasting came in the form of the aforementioned Luminary-exclusive Midnight Miracle.
Talib Kweli partnered with Luminary to bring a host of new music to the podcasting app, including the long-awaited Black Star reunion album No Fear Of Time, which released in 2022. Unfortunately, the album has still never been released outside of the Luminary app, leaving many fans without access to the duo’s latest work.
In addition to linking with Yasiin Bey, Kweli also released a memoir in 2021, titled Vibrate Higher: A Rap Story. The following year, the book won a PEN Oakland award. Most recently, Talib Kweli has been engaged in an ongoing feud with Consequence, resulting in the pair throwing near-daily shots at one another on social media, and occasionally dissing each other on wax.
For over a year, Consequence and Talib Kweli have been entangled in an on-again, off-again beef. The feud originated from a 2022 incident when Consequence revealed his continued support for Kanye West, even after the rap superstar engaged in a months-long tirade of anti-Semitic comments. Kweli responded by sharing images of his Black Star cohort Yasiin Bey in an altered version of Kanye’s “White Lives Matter” shirt, instead reading “White Lies Matter.” From there, the pair continued to exchange words on social media, eventually leading to Consequence airing out his frustrations on wax.
Consequence Released A Track Titled “Beef Forever”
The beef between Consequence and Talib Kweli seemed to reach a boiling point last week when the Queens-born lyricist took to a record to flame his opponent. The song, titled “Beef Forever,” clocks in at just over 90 seconds and features a host of jabs directed at Kweli. On the track, Cons name-checks Kweli’s ex-wife and references sexual harassment claims made against Kweli by rapper Res in 2018. The track features lyrics such as “You probably so afraid of that left from Eque, and that’s the reason why them other girls got MeToo’d. You never been more than a Mr. Me Too.”
After hearing the record, and, crucially, seeing that media personality DJ Akademiks had platformed the diss, Kweli responded via Instagram, accusing both parties of being right-wingers with a questionable history of sexual misconduct.
Talib Kweli Claims Consequence & DJ Akademiks Have Formed An Alliance Against Him
Kweli’s Instagram post included a video of DJ Akademiks agreeing with comments made by former president Trump, as well as a screenshot of Akademiks’ support of the diss record. After humorously nicknaming the duo “DJ Wackademiks” and “Dexter,” Kweli continued to call the new song trash and imply that the pair stand on an alliance with amoral figures such as nazis and rapists.
Kweli continued dissing the pair in additional posts, including one that establishes a bizarre and disturbing pattern of behavior from both Ak and Cons, again maligning them as part of a boys club rife with sexual impropriety. In these posts, Kweli actively exposes photos of the pair hanging out with Tekashi 6ix9ine, who has faced accusations of sexually assaulting a child.
Talib Kweli Exposes DJ Akademiks For An Alleged Sexual Assault
In the midst of this beef, a woman has stepped forward to accuse DJ Akademiks of sexual assault, lending further credence to Talib Kweli’s claims. After sharing several posts targeted at Consequence and the media personality, Kweli blocked the pair in an effort to end the discourse. Consequence saw this move as an act of retreat and shared a screenshot with the caption, “HE TAPPED OUT @talibkweli Blocking Pages Like A [B****].”
In the days since the release of “Beef Forever,” the pair have actively exchanged words on social media, with no new ground covered. Both Consequence and Talib Kweli have continued to throw shots at each other, including each rapper claiming that the other has failed at their music career. Further, they argued that the other relies on this beef to maintain relevance. While some prominent rap figures have weighed in to mediate, it doesn’t seem like either party is interested in squashing this war of words any time soon.
