Talib Kweli-Eardrum

Talib Kweli-Eardrum

Blacksmith

In the midst of Imus and the “Hip-Hop Is Dead”
hoopla that has surrounded hip-hop in 2007, a bevy
of ‘conscious’ emcees have seemingly taken it upon
themselves to ‘save’ hip-hop. A noble idea, but in the
case of Eardrum, the sixth effort from Brooklyn’s own
Talib Kweli, the reach exceeds the grasp. Kweli’s flow
is flawless throughout, and there are many highlights,
including the inspired “Country Cousins” with
UGK and the earnest “Hostile Gospel, Pt. 1,” but the
overall album sounds forced and a little preachy. A
solid listen, but it could’ve benefited from a little
more focus. -dusty culpepper