Find "Rise Up" on Jon Connor's upcoming mixtape, Unconscious State, on June 4th. You can also find this in my rotation as the fast-paced flows and dope lyrics to match make for an instant *Tibs Fav.
With Prisoner Of Conscious one day away from release, Talib Kweli let Billboard release an official, full stream of the album to let longtime fans and new listeners alike get to hear how Kweli switches it up for this album.
I actually gave the album a listen already and came away with some very positive first impressions. The previously released "Come Here" f/ Miguel and "Push Thru" f/ Kendrick Lamar & Curren$y are both jams in their own right. The former a great listen with the lady around and "Push Thru" for the true hip hop heads (this one is growing on me still). The other single I like is the Melanie Fiona-featured "Ready Set Go" as she shines on the hook and bridge with Talib's rhymes on point for a complete listen. The RZA-produced, Busta Rhymes-featured "Rocket Ships" and "Upper Echelon" are perhaps Talib's two hardest tracks on the album, and both are *Tibs Favs.. And lastly, I dig the general mood of the concluding few tracks on the album, most notably the uplifting and knowledge-spreading "It Only Gets Better" — POC's last track. Overall, Prioner Of Conscious is not an album to sleep on... but you knew that already. After all, it's Talib Kweli.
Album in stores tomorrow!
UPDATE: Kweli just released a dope video describing the 18-page album booklet and all of its contents (i.e. what the cover means, how artists interpreted Prisoner Of Conscious, and of course: the lyrics!)
There's a lot to love about this new track off Prisoner Of Consciousness. Talib Kweli rips through two verses, kicking off the song with a stellar set of intelligent wordplay and a smooth flow to match. Busta's verse in between is equally poignant with his diction and flow, and last but not least, RZA puts down a grimy, yet soulful production, complete with subtle changes to add to the replay value of this one. An instant *Tibs Fav. and must-listen to get you fired up for Prisoner Of Consciousness due out May 7th.
Talib drops a freestyle over Drakes new single and it makes me remember why I have so much respect for Talib in the first place. This is more than enough of a reason to cop his new album, Prisoner of Conscious which hits stores on May 7th.
Talib Kweli becomes the first big artist to remix Chris Brown's "Fine China", making for an unusual mix between the deep lyricist and pop star. It definitely works when fused together though as Brown's original is a classy single that's been in my rotation heavy since its release and Kweli's intro verse is a fast-paced set of rhymes that matches. Instant *Tibs Fav.
