Talib Kweli Raps About Economy, Democracy, Activism
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 25, 2011) -- King of New York hip-hop and MC extraordinaire Talib Kweli will share an evening of dialogue about “Hip-Hop and Economic Recovery” with journalist/political analyst Bakari Kitwana on the University of Kentucky campus at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, in Memorial Hall.
The provocative, highly interactive one-on-one dialogue will challenge students to think more broadly about employment opportunities, global economics, democracy, diversity, community activism, entrepreneurship, innovation and new models of leadership. Drawing on Kweli’s experiences in the industry as an artist, entrepreneur and innovator, issues such as the state of the hip-hop industry, the future of hip-hop, hip-hop and electoral politics, and the role of art in activism will also be considered.
General admission is $7 to the 90-minute conversation with Kweli and Kitwana, which is co-sponsored by the Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Center; African American and Africana Studies; WRFL-FM; the Stuckert Career Center; the Writing, Rhetoric and Digital Media Program; and the National Association of Black Accountants.
One of the most politically astute and lyrically talented MCs in the music industry, Kweli is known for bringing incredible power to his live shows and feeds off the spontaneous energy of his audiences.
On Reflection Eternal’s 2000 album “Train of Thought,” Talib Kweli challenged fans, and himself, to “do what comes naturally.” After years of recording on mainstream labels, he now has the chance to produce exactly what he wants — and feels he needs — to produce: an album straight from his mouth to the ears of his fans. Invoking the true meaning of MC, master of ceremonies, and being able to interact directly with his audience and the musicians he most respects, he has created an album and a sound that best reproduces that ceremony for his fans. Finally, after serious urgency in the studio, Kweli presents ‘Gutter Rainbows,’ an album that takes a trip back to childhood while marking the newest stage in his long and dynamic career. This newest release, recorded on his time and with his talent as the driving force, proves Kweli is a complete and formidable musician — it presents the depth and breadth of his experience and ability, and sets a new bar for the cutting edge of hip-hop music.
Through Kweli’s various collaborations, he has been able to grow as an artist and create an expansive international audience. Kweli’s work with Mos Def on “Black Star” (1998) still stands as one of hip-hop’s premiere expressions of truth. On “Train of Thought,” Kweli teamed up with Hi Tek to form Reflection Eternal, a virtuoso hip-hop duo that continues to wow audiences and critics alike. In 2007, Kweli and DJ/producer/MC Madlib gave their fans “Liberation,” an album that was filled with their joint love of the music they make and the respect their fans give them.
Performing all over the world with unique style and an unequaled dedication to his music, Kweli has worked with artists as diverse as Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, MF Doom, Mary J. Blige, Fabolous, Common, Nelly, The Roots, Gucci Mane, Norah Jones, KRS-One and many more. “Gutter Rainbows,” which marks a new stage in Kweli’s long and ever-evolving career, was recorded with the help of musicians from across the country, including Eric Krasno, Jean Grae, Strong Arm Steady, Iron Solomon, Outasight, Kendra Ross, Sean Price, 88-Keys, Marco Polo, Ski Beatz, M-Phazes, S-1, E. Jones, Oh No and others.