When Talib Kweli set out on his own to form Blacksmith Music, he was already one of hip-hop's most unique artists. Always switching things up and staying creative in hip-hop is one of Talib's battle tactics. First coming out with Mos Def as Blackstar, he then switched it up with Hi-Tek to create Reflection Eternal. After striking a couple solo albums and two monster Beautiful Struggle mixtapes/street albums, Talib is taking it to another level again. With Stones Throw's finest boardsmen and equally creative Madlib, Talib Kweli releases LIBERATION as the first independent album from Blacksmith Music. Initially offered for free for the first week of 2007, this CD is now being released in physical format. Talib + Madlib = Liberation.

Track List

1. The Show
2. Funny Money
3. Time Is Right
4. Engine Runnin' (featuring Consequence)
5. Over the Counter
6. The Function (featuring Strong Arm Steady)
7. Happy Home (featuring Candice Anderson)
8. Soul Music (featuring Res)
9. What Can I Do

A WORD FROM TALIB KWELI:

Viva la Liberation!

Happy New Year! Liberation is here! Shout out to my brother Mad Lib, for being so creative and inspirational, and for giving me a canvas to paint on. This project was inspired by his consistency, it was something I wanted to be a part of. In this era of over produced and over marketed product, Mad Lib leads the pack of independent artists who could care less about all of that. I am a part of the music industry, and lord knows I'm needed, but for our own sanity we must step outside the system and create that which is not packaged for mass consumption. This is also a gift to the fans who stick by me whether some corporation is currently promoting me or not. Now, I love all music, and my albums so far, including eardrum, reflect those influences. This album is a straight ahead, sample driven hiphop record, from two of the best doing it. Some fans will say this is the sound they want to hear from me all the time. If so, congratulations, you got your wish. However, do not use this to speculate what eardrum will sound like. It is a different project with different influences. As a matter of fact, be on the lookout for the video for More or Less, dropping this week as well. I will continue to push the envelope creatively in the spirit of my ancestors. RIP James Brown, Gerald Levert, J Dilla. Shout out to C Smyth, Eothen, Dave Dar, SMT studios, Tyson, Consequence, Elzhi, Res, Candice Anderson, Strong Arm Steady, Chace Infinite. Blacksmith the Movement in stores now. The year of the Blacksmith has begun. Talib Kweli, BKMC.

LABEL: Blacksmith Music

"More Or Less" - Talib Kweli (off his upcoming album EAR DRUM)