http://harpmagazine.com/articles/detail.cfm?article_id=5103


Since first hitting widespread recognition with Black Star—his uber-critically lauded trio with Mos Def and DJ Hi-Tek—in 1998, Talib Kweli has married alluring production style with smart, dynamic lyricism. Albums like 2000’s Reflection Eternal and 2004’s The Beautiful Struggle have established him as a beatsmith with both brains and commercial savvy. His new record, Ear Drum, arrives in February, and includes guests Justin Timberlake, Norah Jones, and underground queen Jean Grae. We spoke to Talib on the streets of Los Angeles.

1)I’m from Brooklyn so I’m keen on Caribbean food—jerk chicken, curried snapper, plantains. I like trying out different things on my palate.

2)My father was a DJ. He had a huge record collection that was too big for the basement. There were records stacked all over the house. I used to listen to these records from the ‘50s and ‘60s. The genre didn’t matter. He was into Junior Walker & the All Stars and Bob Dylan, Little Anthony & the Imperials and Bloodstone.

3)I don’t like flies, especially flies in my ears.

4)If I wasn’t doing what I do I’d probably be teaching at a high school. That’s the age the kids need the most work. Both my parents are educators. I don’t think I could have a regular job. I need something that’s rewarding.

5)I like to hike. I’m down here in L.A. and there’s trails all over the place.

6)My best gig was in a train station in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was like Grand Central Station. I went with this activist group, Malcolm X Grassroots Movement. I don’t know how they secured a government-controlled train station for us to perform in but they did. It was me, Jeru the Damaja, Black Thought, and Dead Prez, and it was just phenomenal.

7)I’m not really a fan of country music, though I appreciate the sentiment. Country is very similar to hip-hop. Both are very folksy. The stories are similar. But, I’m not a fan of how it hits my ear. And I definitely don’t like heavy metal. Other than that I can appreciate anything.

8)I gotta get off the Red Bull. I’ve been drinking just before I perform and that’s not really a good habit (laughs). I also jump rope before I perform. I did a little bit of boxing training last year and one of the first things you learn is how to jump rope.

9)My first crush on a famous person was either Vanessa Williams or Pebbles.

10)I’d like to do something about AIDS in Africa. That’s where the worst problems with the disease are. There’s a real lack of education or resources even if people know what’s going on.

also so album is due in February I didnt think january was going to happen. Nice if we see it in FEB.

I don't like flies either.

Prolly my biggest pet peeve about the outdoors especially during picnics and cookouts.

i mean, gnats i can see... but flies are big as hell...

and I just kinda drank wine every day and was a slob and didnt take the trash out...and there were flies...and they got in my ear..and I did not like it.

WTF?

nm

but that's not the point.

The thing is, that I don't understand why most Hip Hop artists tryin' to make collabos with popstars like Justin.

I'm Justin askin myself - why Justin? Ain't there at least 1000singers who have the same talent and professionism like justin has?

I know that development in Life is important, especially in Hip Hop.
Talib does not want to make another RE or Quality, he needs to proceed.
But to me it's a mystery that some/most rappers at any time tryin' work with scott storch, timbaland...

Don't get me wrong, I love Talibs Music and I have each of his albums and I accept his decision in doin a song with justin.
I trust Talib.

PS: check http://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=3&topic_id=137317&mesg_id=137317&page=

I'd prefer Dion.

lmao at "we spoke to talib in the streets of los angeles"

that sure does paint a picture.

>Ear Drum, arrives in February

I'll believe it when I see it.

#3 is my problem. I hate it when those damn flies buzz in my ear too.

since i can't rap/produce, that's basically what i'm doing

I rap and produce, but since no one likes it, I teach! LOL

www.myspace.com/sublimenoize

Thanks, this info is dope and gives me more insight into the life of a REAL MC. Talib is the best cat doing it and I hope gets all the props and respect he deserves. Peace, B-BoyRasta

i don't know if "beatsmith" was the word they wanted


http://www.myspace.com/mphenix

...amazing show...
my 1st time on the continent...1st hip hop show...
had a blast!!!!...
was back in 2001....around 9/11