Talib Kweli belongs to an epoch of hip-hop that established the cultural foundation on which so many modern talents now rest. His approach reflects a classical treatment of hip-hop music, one that embraces legacy and reverence for the art form. As a founding father of conscious rap and Afrocentric hip-hop, Kweli’s influence is profound, especially as half of the duo Black Star alongside Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def). He is an architect of the genre and a provocateur, delivering lyrical content as deliberate as the flow of his bars.
Recently, CLASH had the privilege of sitting down with this hip-hop royalty ahead of the much-anticipated reunion tour with Yasiin Bey. The duo is set to perform their iconic albums, ‘Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star’ (1998) and ‘No Fear of Time’ (2022), a celebration of their musical journey and a prayer for the future.
Kweli’s reflections delve deep into themes of consciousness, the cathartic power of rap, and the enduring partnership with Yasiin Bey that has solidified their unshakable bond. From the bustling, vibrant streets of New York—the birthplace of hip-hop—Kweli’s words resonate with the city’s legacy, its secrets rippling through its five boroughs. The intro to Black Star’s song ‘Respiration’ epitomizes the essence of New York as a living, breathing entity:
“Escúchela, la ciudad respirando. Escúchela…”
“New York life type trife, the Roman Empire state”
(‘Respiration’, Black Star, 1998)
—
How does New York continue to inspire you as an artist after all these years?
Kweli expresses a deep love for New York, acknowledging it as the greatest city on earth. He grew up in its vibrant culture, but as the years pass, he finds himself spending less time there. “New York is a hard place to live,” he admits. While he once thought he would always call it home, he now sees it as a place to visit family rather than the focal point of his life. Despite the challenges, his pride in the city is unwavering, especially with recent milestones, such as its election of its first Muslim mayor.
Black Star emerged during a time when Afrocentricity and consciousness were at the forefront of hip-hop. What impact do you believe this wave had, and what lessons does it still offer?
Kweli believes that Afrocentricity and consciousness never truly vanished from hip-hop. Citing Kendrick Lamar as a prime example, he highlights how contemporary artists still draw from the rich well of influence that Black Star and others laid down. “Consciousness is with hip-hop,” he insists. Rather than being an alternative, it is integral to understanding the culture. He recalls a time when the conscious community welcomed narratives from all corners, including those that might be seen as negative, promoting a more inclusive understanding of the music and its contexts.
In recent years, have you observed a trend of separation within hip-hop, where artists are being cast out rather than brought in?
Kweli notes a troubling tendency to isolate certain strains of hip-hop, particularly conscious art. “We’re too quick to separate what we discuss about hip-hop from the conscious strain,” he states. This separation often sidelines artists who prioritize consciousness, relegating them to an “alternative” category rather than recognizing them as core components of the genre’s fabric. For Kweli, this misinterpretation risks losing the true essence of hip-hop, which encompasses a broad spectrum of experiences and narratives.
Do you believe that artists are reflecting society, or are they glorifying it? This topic often sparks debate within the genre.
Kweli firmly stands on the side of protecting the artist. He views artists as essential commentators on society, akin to journalists who craft narratives through the lens of creativity. “The artist paints the most accurate portrayal of what’s going on,” he asserts, drawing parallels between the storytelling abilities of comedians and those of musicians. Both serve as vital mediums for truth in a complex world.
What does Black Star represent to you personally?
“Black Star is my home,” Kweli states, emphasizing the strong bond he shares with Yasiin. The duo has shaped his legacy in significant ways, often overshadowing their individual commercial successes. He sees Black Star as a cultural beacon—a timeless project that continues to resonate deeply despite the passage of years.
Your chemistry in collaboration with Yasiin is often cited as one of the most seamless in hip-hop. What does that creative language look like?
Kweli describes a dynamic interplay where both he and Yasiin inspire each other. “I follow his lead creatively,” he admits, recognizing how Yasiin’s approach enriches his artistry. He sees their partnership as a symbiotic relationship, where ideas flow freely, and mutual respect serves as the foundation for their creative endeavors.
With the release of ‘No Fear of Time’ in 2022, you emphasized liberation from the conventional industry timelines. What significance does this hold for you?
Kweli explains that ‘No Fear of Time’ embodies a philosophy of patience and organic growth. He and Yasiin chose to prioritize their friendship over the pressure of producing new music. By letting go of rigid deadlines, they fostered a creative environment that allowed their bond to flourish, resulting in an authentic album created without the constraints of industry expectations.
If ‘Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star’ was the beginning, and ‘No Fear of Time’ represents reflection, what might the next chapter hold?
Looking ahead, Kweli maintains an open mind regarding future projects. While he refrains from making definitive plans, he expresses optimism about Yasiin’s creative space and the potential for new collaborative works.
On your solo album ‘Quality,’ you shifted from working with Yasiin and Hi-Tek to more independent artistry. How did this transition shift your songwriting approach?
Kweli reflects on the pressure he felt to prove himself as a solo artist, a competitive drive that was largely self-imposed. “I had a point to prove,” he admits, expressing how the expectations and comparisons with Yasiin pushed him to push boundaries in his artistry. He aimed to demonstrate that success could be achieved without compromising his message.
What internal dialogues helped you to overcome these pressures and find comfort in your artistry?
For Kweli, growth was a natural evolution rather than a conscious decision. He acknowledges that hip-hop’s competitive nature often drove him to overachieve. Ultimately, he learned that he could embrace his consciousness while still achieving respect and recognition within the industry.
What imprint do you hope to leave on hip-hop culture?
Kweli sees himself as a connector in the hip-hop community, emphasizing collaboration and partnership over individual accolades. With a commitment to fostering artistic relationships, he views his role as helping to create a rich tapestry of interconnected voices within the industry.
As you reflect on your journey alongside Yasiin, how has your perspective shifted with the passage of time?
With years of wisdom and shared experiences, Kweli acknowledges that both he and Yasiin have grown into the roles of mentors and elders within the community. Their friendship has evolved, and those years apart from Black Star never diminished their bond, allowing their artistry to flourish in new and exciting ways.
Catch Black Star at the following shows:
November
11 London O2 Academy Brixton
15 Manchester O2 Victoria Warehouse
16 Birmingham O2 Academy
Words: Djita Cisse
