What exactly is Hip-Hop? To many people, it means a lot of different things. Some may consider Hip-Hop, as a way of life. While others might be involved in it, just to be part if the in-crowd. But mostly, Hip-Hop has generally been described as every urban neighborhood's "informational highway." When you actually listen to Hip-Hop, in reality, you're really getting a news report. Whether its about the latest fashion trends, or who's bank account has more zeros; the music is still keeping you informed.

Now a lot of that can be the musical equivalent of tabloid gossip, and basically just nonsense that no one really cares to know about. The key is separating good news from the "run-of-mill" material that the industry tries to force into society's ear drums. So if you're searching for a refreshing and introspective take on current events from a Hip-Hop standpoint; look no further then Talib Kweli.

Talib Kweli easily considered the most recognizable activist in Hip-Hop, along with one of the genres top "Conscious MC's." Whether that's a title he wants to carry or not; it's been bestowed on him since his official induction into Hip-Hop back in 1998. With the group Black Star, which also featured Mos Def. Now after 10 years in Hip-Hop and four albums collectively to his credit, he releases his third solo offering, "Eardrum." A wise man once said; "if I sound too smart, then people will run away." Lets hope that's not the case for one of the most underrated MC's in the game today.

When did you first know you wanted a career in Hip-Hop?

Well, I think it was around the time when I was 14; I think. That's when I first knew it.

Does it bother you that sometimes you may generate more sales for lives shows, than albums sales?

Nah, I don't let things like that bother me at all. I don't even think about that stuff.

What do you look for when signing artists to your Blacksmith label?

Well, we signed Jean Grea and Strong Arm Steady because of their work ethic, and their dedication to the craft. Along with their ambition. Plus the fact that people have heard of them already. Whether they're signed to Blacksmith or not.

Profanity has been the norm in Hip-Hop. Why do you think people are now starting to make a big deal of it?

Because of a white radio jock to lose [his] job for saying something about black women; and black women aren't a group that has a lot of power in this country. Then he tried to put the blame on Hip-Hop, and the media was looking for a way to target Hip-Hop. So with the fall out of the whole Imus situation, Hip-Hop was a perfect scapegoat. Whenever a show like [his] has controversial subjects, their ratings go up. So it made perfect sense for them.

What's the biggest misconception about Talib Kweli?

There's so many misconceptions about me out there, I'm not even sure which one would be the biggest. Its pretty hard just to single one of them out.

Who did you work with on your new album; Eardrum?

I worked with pretty much the same people, like Kanye West and Just Blaze are on there. I also worked with Will.I.Am too.

What do you want fans to take away from your new project?

For the most part, I just want to really feel it, and get into it.

Are you ever concerned that your lyrical content might go over the heads of some listners?

No, I don't worry about that. But if it does go over the heads of some people; that just means it not for those certain individuals.

Do you think the recent gun charges against Ja Rule, Lil' Wayne, and Remy Ma are the reason a lot of people associate violence with Hip-Hop?

With Remy Ma, 'Lil Wayne, and Ja Rule getting caught up in gun charges is a reflection of gun violence in [our] neighborhoods. Its not a reflection of them being [rappers], know what I'm saying. I don't know [their] personal situations, and why they'd be caught up in that. But I do know that they all come from the 'hood. And for someone from the 'hood to walk around with a gun isn't abnormal.

What's your creative process like when you're writing new material?

Well each of my songs is its own beast. Something different goes into each and everyone of them.

In the past couple of years, you've been more of a recogniable figure in Hip-Hop. Are you comfortable dealing with the fame now, then when you first started?

Well the limelight is a platform, and at this stage we're not really selling music. CD sales are really down. Its just interesting to me that while I'm still respected for my work; and the fact that I've been doing this for so long, a lot of people only recognize my face and not my music. That's just like celebrity stuff. But there's nothing cool about
just being famous, and not using it to better yourself.

Do you mind when people label you as a political/conscious MC?

I don't think any artist wants to be pigeon-hold. I don't think it bothers me anymore than it might bother any other artist. Some artists run towards the stereotypes, and run towards those categories. They're like; "well I'm gangsta" or "I'm a positive artist", and that's cool for them. But in end, when [they] really think about it; all artists want to be more. They're not going to be like; "f**k everybody else, I'm only rhyming for these type of people."

Author: Serge Fleury