Description

Talib Kweli & Madlib – Liberation 2 (2LP/CD) [Nature Sounds NSD235]

Lyrically gifted, socially aware, and politically insightful, Talib Kweli is one of the most influential hip-hop artists of the last 25 years. His early collaborative albums with Mos Def and Hi-Tek were among the most important releases in the genesis of modern rap, forging a future for thought-provoking lyricism and raw soundscapes at a moment when mass commercialization threatened the soul of the genre. Now more than two decades into a thrilling solo career, Kweli has evolved creatively while maintaining his artistic integrity, working with top talent across
the musical spectrum in the process.

Known for classic collaborative albums with artists like J Dilla, MF DOOM, and Freddie Gibbs, widely celebrated producer Madlib is a sampling savant who has crafted beats for the likes of Erykah Badu, Anderson Paak, Tyler The Creator, Logic, De La Soul, and many more. After releasing a groundbreaking collaborative project back in 2006, Madlib and Talib Kweli are reuniting for the highly-anticipated follow-up Liberation 2. Expansive in concept, the album is a vivid exploration of revolution, love, pan-Africanism, music, spirituality, and more, with Madlib’s jazz-inflected instrumentals providing the perfect soundtrack.

Liberation 2 features appearances by Q-Tip, Westside Gunn, Roc Marciano, Roy Ayers, Goapele, Wildchild, Pink Siifu, and more, plus a posthumous verse by Mac Miller. Not on traditional digital outlets, the album is now available in physical form for the first time ever. Before going independent with his own label Javotti Media, Talib Kweli released albums through several major labels, including Geffen, Warner Bros., and Capitol. Talib Kweli’s previous albums have included guest appearances by the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Rick Ross, Norah Jones, Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, Jay Electronica, Miguel, Waka Flocka Flame, John Legend, Nelly, will.i.am, Bilal, Common, Busta Rhymes, Curren$y, Robert Glasper, Big K.R.I.T., and many more.

Talib Kweli and Madlib recently appeared on The Tonight Show to perform music from Liberation 2. The duo was also interviewed by Peter Rosenberg on Hot 97. Liberation 2 has already been covered by outlets like Okayplayer, HipHopDX, NME, HypeBeast, Stereogum, The Source, DJ Magazine, UPROXX, AllHipHop, and more. Talib Kweli and Mos Def recently recruited Madlib to produce the long-awaited Black Star reunion album. The project was widely celebrated, with the trio performing live on Saturday Night Live. Talib Kweli is
currently touring, with dates scheduled in cities across the U.S. and Europe, and more to be added soon.