Eardrum (2007) We knew this indie rhymer was clever, but ambitious? Yes! Corralling production help from Kanye West and will.i.am, Talib Kweli delivers his most accessible CD… Talib Kweli Hip-Hop/Rap
Music Review

Eardrum (2007)

Talib Kweli
Reviewed by Josette Compton | Aug 20, 2007
HIP-HOPE Talib Kweli's Eardrum is his most accessible CD yet
HIP-HOPE Talib Kweli's Eardrum is his most accessible CD yet
EW's GRADE
A

Details Release Date: Aug 21, 2007; Lead Performance: Talib Kweli; Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

We knew this indie rhymer was clever, but ambitious? Yes! Corralling production help from Kanye West and will.i.am, Talib Kweli delivers his most accessible CD yet — his raspy cadence playing off vintage-soul samples, explosive horns, and trembling bass lines. It's a groovy jam session with thinky lyrics about decadence (''Soon the New Day,'' featuring Norah Jones) and empowerment (''More or Less''). A procession of sharp cuts, Eardrum is a glimmering example of what polished rap can be when it's endorsement-free. A
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Originally posted Aug 17, 2007 Published in issue #949-950 Aug 24, 2007 Order article reprints