Jus' Good Music

Talib Kweli Green is now probably the figurehead of Conscious Rap, before also seasoned likes of Mos Def and Common. Simply everything he tackles to gold, whether in his debut "Black Star" or his latest work "Eardrum". Lyrically usual strong, so no trouble with Poser cars or stupid threats with weapons, but about the problems of everyday life Talib raps to the beats of Hi-Tek, Just Blaze, Madlib, will.i.am, Pete Rock, DJ Khalil and many , many more. The guest list reads not bad. In addition to people like Jean Grae and Kanye West who are already expected here, there are also some small surprises. Foremost among these are of course Norah Jones and Justin Timberlake, but also UGK, Raheem DeVaughn, Sizzla, Lyfe Jennings or Oldie KRS-One mix vigorously with and make "Eardrum" so very interesting and varied.
After the quiet, yet very exciting intro song "Everything Man" you get with the "NY Weather Report" a first small masterpiece offered. This song starts quietly, then increases but increasingly, is by acoustic instruments strings, but also by scratches from old master DJ Jazzy Jeff to emotional sound experience, what enlightens us Talib in great style of life in the Big Apple. Just Blaze's better known for smashing beats, but with "Hostile Gospel Pt. 1 (Deliver Us)", it provides a real surprise. Very melodic, with beautiful piano and a gospel choir, which exudes a lot of soul, to a Kweli at its best - is that is Hip Hop as in the book. The second part, so "Hostile Gospel Pt. 2 (Deliver Me)" is listed as a bonus track and can be found at the end. He, too, is very melodic, but goes a bit towards blues and jazz, including a dancehall artist Sizzla as fits well. Another true sound bomb you get with the hit "Country Cousins". The song is bursting of funky elements, is a real treat, the grooves without end. As guests Talib brought here to let Texas Veterans UGK and Newark soul singer Raheem DeVaughn arise on board that give them support this, this bomb. From here unfortunately follows a small downturn of three songs. Although Talib can convince at "Holy Moly", "Eat to Live" and "In The Mood" lyrical, make the songs due to the rather boring background music not too much fun. In particular, the Kanye West production "In The Mood" is very disappointing. Definitely better, there is the unusual collabo with pop singer Norah Jones. Their strength are indeed the quiet and soulful tracks and that is exactly, what you get with "Soon The New Day". Producer Madlib attacked here deep into their bag of tricks and conjured up a song that invites immediately to dream, through its many instruments is very pleasant and easy to use and is Norah Jones' beautiful singing one of the best songs on the album. Bit depressing, but also powerful and energetic acts "More Or Less," in which is set to hard bass beats and impressive background chants, including Talib times not loose and casual, but snappy and motivated with his verse turvy. "Hot Thing" revolves around the most beautiful theme of the World: Women! For this, Kweli secured the help of will.i.am, who took over both the production as well as a lyrical part. Because of its tight basslines and the whole merry elements that arise especially by wind, this is the only song from "Eardrum" really good for dancing. Probably the highlight for every rap lovers should "The Perfect Beat" represent. As the name suggests, you get it here with very dominatnen and TAFFEN® Beats to do, but also with two masters of their craft, namely Talib Kweli and KRS-One, meet here all expectations. After the rather soul-heavy "On My Stars" (feat. Musiq Soulchild) and the dynamic "Listen !!!" can be reached by "The Nature" the great end to a great album. The special feature here is probably mainly in Justin Timberlake, to be on such a album not really expected, but actually blends in very well with Talib Kweli and came out a very enjoyable track it.
Like his older works shows Talib Kweli on "Eardrum" that he is the old man still lives and his love for music again properly made. Unfortunately, there are some minor sagging, the cost of this album the title masterpiece, but the real music lovers will not let it interfere with and just enjoy. "Eardrum" is more than a simple hip hop, it is art and therefore really recommended for everyone.