Talib Kweli

Brooklyn MC Talib Kweli is celebrated for intricate lyricism and socially conscious storytelling, balancing sharp observation with an easy command of rhythm. He first reached a wide audience as one half of Black Star with Mos Def, whose 1998 debut brought songs like “Definition” and “Respiration” to the forefront of independent hip-hop. Kweli’s solo album Quality introduced “Get By,” while his work with producer Hi-Tek as Reflection Eternal yielded the acclaimed Train of Thought. His performances draw on that rich catalog, pairing thoughtful verses with the momentum and groove of classic East Coast rap.