Talib Kweli

Talib Kweli often serves as a lightning rod for critics disenchanted by the unfulfilled promise of the late-Nineties indie hip-hop movement. Much of The Beautiful Struggleprobably won't satisfy them, thanks to fluffy cuts such as "Around My Way," where guest John Legend sings over a smooth jazz interpolation of the Police's "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic." Other songs, however, prove that Kweli can still bring it, as he addresses everything from squashing beef in the black community ("Work It Out") to the challenges of raising a young daughter ("Black Girl Pain"). Musically uneven and lyrically on point, The Beautiful Struggle isn't bad. Still, one suspects that he can do better than this.

Related Content

• Forever Alone Mixtape: Eight Songs for Singles On Valentine's Day
  February 10, 2012
• Rock the Bells presents Black Star at the Fillmore Miami Beach September 27
  September 22, 2011
• Black Star's Mos Def and Talib Kweli Reup the Rap Revolution September 27
  September 19, 2011
• Black Star's Mos Def and Talib Kweli at the Fillmore Miami Beach, September 27
  September 28, 2011
• Rock the Bells Brings Black Star's Mos Def and Talib Kweli to the Fillmore September 27
  July 19, 2011

More About

• Talib Kweli
• John Legend
• Hip-Hop and Rap
• Racial Issues

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Music Newsletter: Keep your thumb on the local music scene with music features, additional online music listings and show picks. We'll also send special ticket offers and music promotions available only to our Music Newsletter subscribers.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue