On Reflection Eternal’s 2000 album “Train of Thought,” Talib Kweli challenged fans, and himself, to “do what comes naturally.” After years of recording on mainstream labels, he now has the chance to produce exactly what he wants—and feels he needs—to produce: an album straight from his mouth to the ears of his fans. Invoking the true meaning of MC, Master of Ceremonies, Kweli brings incredible power to his live shows and feeds off the spontaneous energy of his audiences. Being able to interact directly with his audience and the musicians he most respects, he has created an album and a sound that best reproduces that ceremony for his fans. Finally, after serious urgency in the studio, Kweli presents “Gutter Rainbows,” an album that takes a trip back to childhood while marking the newest stage in his long and dynamic career. This newest release, recorded on his time and with his talent as the driving force, proves Kweli is a complete and formidable musician—it presents the depth and breadth of his experience and ability, and sets a new bar for the cutting edge of hip-hop music.
Through Kweli’s various collaborations, he has been able to grow as an artist and expand his fan base. For over 15 years, Kweli has been a king of New York hip-hop who has an expansive international audience. Kweli’s work with Mos Def on “Black Star” (1998) still stands as one of hip-hop’s premier expressions of truth. On “Train of Thought,” Kweli teamed up with Hi Tek to form Reflection Eternal, a virtuoso hip-hop duo that continues to wow audiences and critics alike. In 2007, Kweli and DJ/Producer/MC Madlib gave their fans “Liberation”—originally released free on the internet—an album that was filled with their joint love of the music they make and the respect their fans give them. Performing all over the world with unique style and an unequaled dedication to his music, Kweli has worked with artists as diverse as Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, MF Doom, Mary J. Blige, Fabolous, Common, Nelly, The Roots, Gucci Mane, Norah Jones, KRS-One and many more. With a career filled with success and innovation, it comes as no surprise that both Jay-Z and 50 Cent, at the height of their stardom, both counted Kweli among their favorite rappers. On his “solo” albums, there is no question that his lyrical talent and unique musical drive rank up there with the best in the business. Recording with other world famous musicians or alone on the mic, Kweli gives both the long-time fan and the uninitiated an unforgettable experience.

“Gutter Rainbows” was recorded with the help of incredibly talented musicians from across the country. Eric Krasno, Jean Grae, Strong Arm Steady, Iron Solomon, Outasight, Kendra Ross and others make appearances. Drawing on their previous work together, Madlib produced many of the tracks on this new album. With this record, Kweli is able to make the music he knows and loves, play with the best musicians around, and bring it straight to his fans.

As a boy growing up in Brooklyn, Kweli saw gutters that ran with dirt, oil and water, revealing a shimmering rainbow to his child’s eyes. Drawing its title from this memory, this album puts at the raw center what his music has been doing for years: finding and preserving the beautiful in the hideous; the rainbows in the gutter. Weaving the lyrical and the gritty, the autobiographical with an honest, no-holds-barred hip-hop spirit, Kweli sticks fiercely to what feels true to him in creating the sound of this album. Without being tied to any particular label’s conception of what his sound should be or when his work should hit his fans, Kweli is free to build his most personal album yet in both content and motivation. Kweli’s true solo career has only just begun, and although the future certainly holds more collaboration, “Gutter Rainbows” marks a new stage in the long and ever-evolving career of Talib Kweli.

34 Comments

chadshabazz September 27, 2011 at 8:08 pm29

u da man talib straight up.http://soundcloud.com/chad-shabazz/12-01-it-dont-stop-feat-supa#utm_campaign=autoshare&utm_content=http%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fchad-shabazz%2F12-01-it-dont-stop-feat-supa&utm_medium=facebookprofile&utm_source=soundcloud&utm_term=20110827



Gabriel Robledo September 28, 2011 at 8:34 pm29

Talib,
Been listening to your music for over a decade now and i got nothing but positives comin out my mouth about your work, and the dedication you’ve showed towards the world of Hip Hop. I was at the Filmore last night when you and Mos Def put up an outstanding show. Luckily i got to be in the front row to experience the inspiration. Waiting for the blessings to be able to actually meet my favorite MC one on one and have a quick convo.

Appreciate your talent, realness and originality, and PLEASE keep it coming.

Gabriel.



major1 September 29, 2011 at 4:50 pm29

Talib, is there any other online outlets (other than iTunes) that i can purchase Gutter Rainbows?



Dave November 4, 2011 at 3:19 pm27

Talib – where can I buy a shirt or other merchandise where the money will go to you? I was thinking of just making a custom shirt but then you don’t get a penny for it.



Eric December 21, 2011 at 6:00 pm28

I’m a promoter from Brooklyn, NY, Flatbush. Been trying to get in touch with Dave Chappelle for a show in Brooklyn in the Spring. It’s been 3 months already and no luck. I know Talib is good friends with him. Was wondering if you can pass my email to him and maybe we can bring something nice to BK again since the stadium is coming soon. I graduated from Medgar Evers in 2004 also. Peace. Eric



Amanda February 23, 2012 at 3:37 pm28

Talib-I think you are amazing and was SO dissapointed to see that your trip to Lake Tahoe with Soul Live was cancelled. Please make a trip out here, you will not be let down by the people and enviroment of Tahoe.



boyana March 10, 2012 at 11:07 am26

Talib,thank you for the amazing show in Cologne, Germany!! It was GREAT!! So happy about the picture with you!!!!



Kapital K April 5, 2012 at 3:19 am24

I missed you and Yasiin Bey in Houston, Tx. When are you coming back



travelnlight May 9, 2012 at 8:24 pm22

SugarMill, right on, right on, Beautiful! So impressed, dancin’ like a freak stage left, feelling it and sending it. I love the energy transfer, you give it away, so nice! saw beasties in 87 w/dmc, met flav and the boys, haven’t had so much fun since. Thank you! (let’s golf sometime)