In Today's Rap game Lyricism is about as outdated as beepers and big Zach Morris cell phones. The game today is all about simple lyrics and catchy hooks; like anything else once a business gets recognized on an international level it naturally becomes commercial. The two biggest examples of that are wrestling and Hip-Hop. Like wrestling emcees try to flex there muscle by bragging about cars, jewelry, and women. Subject matter was like that in the early stages of Hip-Hop but in today's Industry one ingredient is missing, and that ingredient is skill!

Lyrical heavy weights Like LL cool J, Kool Moe Dee, Kool G Rap and Krs-one built careers off of their lyrical skills. In today's fickle industry there are few rappers from the true school left that embodied the skills of a true emcee. Hip Hop has taken a turn that is empowering yet disillusioning a fantasy world has always been created; but where's the music that flows to your soul and lifts the people?
I got the chance to sit down with Talib Kweili who is arguably one of the best lyricists in the game today. As a journalist it is refreshing to see a rapper that is still dedicated to the craft.  He took time out of his busy schedule to sit down with Hip Hop swag the state of Hip Hop and his Future Projects and the Blacksmith Movement,

I want to start my saying the reflection Eternal is arguably one of the best Albums ever made. The others are Dope too but the first joint got me through college and that's real talk!
 Thank you

I notice that you don't rush albums like other artist you take your time and craft Solid albums. How important is patience and consistency when recording albums?
  I don't rush but trust if I could get them out quicker I would. It just takes me time to get the ingredients right.

I admire artist like you Mos Def, Nas, common and Lupe because you all have achieved a great deal of success without compromising your talent or beliefs for commercial success. How important is it for you to stay true?
 I have no choice, for me to come any other way than I am would seem forced and phony.

 I notice that you rep Brooklyn to the fullest. How important is it to live up to the high standards that come with being a BK mc?b> Brooklyn NY is one of my main inspirations for music so I have to rep the borough

Please let people know about the Blacksmith movement and what it represents?
Blacksmith Music represents how music is a part of our daily lives. The artists are Jean Grae, Strong Arm Steady, Idle Warship and myself and we make music that exist in and out of night clubs, on and off radio. We provide music for every space.

 Early in your career did you imagine that you would be this successful and have a great deal of fans world wide? My career becomes more fully realized as I get older.

I know that you tour the world. What is the difference in energy when you tour the states versus the other countries? In the states we are a bit spoiled by hip hop. Because other countries import the culture in there is more respect for the root of it.

When can we get another Black star album? You and Mos have crazy Chemistry!
I don't know but in the meantime look for Liberation 2 with Mad Lib and Reflection Eternal with Hi Tek

How did you feel when Jay-z compared your styles in the song Moment Of clarity?
It felt good that I was even on his radar. It felt like I was on the right path

 How do you feel with the current state of Hip Hop?
Hip hop, like any good art, is wherever the people are. Art follows life, not vice versa
 
What artist are you feeling right now?
Jean Grae Strong Arm Steady..I also like Blu, Kid Cudi, Wale, Game Rebellion, Skyzoo

What is your ultimate goal with the music? Are you looking to develop talent and get your Mogul on?
I'm already doing that!
 
How do you feel about the term back pack rapper?
 All of those terms are distractions. The new rappers are fighting off hipster the same way we fought off backpacker.

What was the first record you bought as a kid?
Public Enemy It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back

What is the definition of Hip Hop to you?
Hip Hop is high definition

What is the definition of a true Mc?
Hip Hop is high definition

What can we expect from you in years to come from a music stand point?
Reflection Eternal, Idle Warship, Liberation 2.

What advice would you give to young Mc's , DJ'S, or Producers?
The industry is like the wild Wild West right now. Technology gives you the ability to create your own legend so get started.
 
How can Fans reach out to you?
 Myspace, facebook, or talibkweli.com

Story Written By Jason 'Prince of the City' Prince