When it comes to wholesome heartfelt rap, it doesn't get any more idealistic or sincere than the work of Talib Kweli and his producer/partner, Hi-Tek. The duo has secured a place in New York's underground scene as hip-hop's quiet conscience. After a string of successful singles, like "Fortified Live" and "The Manifesto," and Kweli's collaborative LP with Mos Def, Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star, Kweli and Hi-Tek have finally finished their thorough debut platter, Reflection Eternal. Produced mainly by Hi-Tek, the album oscillates between the sublime neo-soul sounds popularized by Jay Dee and his Soulquarian brethren and faster, more dynamic neck snappers. "Too Late" exemplifies the former with its syrupy guitar licks, pleasing record hits, and complex percussion. Hi-Tek ups the ante on "Down for the Count," which cracks with marching-band intensity. Aided by strong performances from Xzibit and Rah Digga, Kweli slaps sucka MCs with his clever battle rhymes. The LP peaks with "Soul Rebels," a surprisingly funky, up-tempo collaboration with De La Soul that showcases some awesome wordplay. Reflection Eternal's great weakness is Kweli's excessive preaching about the state of hip-hop, but at least he cares. Perhaps he'll be able to make a few others care too. - Vibe (December, 2000). The LP was released on 10/17/00, revisit it below...
A copy of the album review in Vibe Magazine (12/00) is below...
