Talib Kweli's first proper solo album from 2002. As with the Black Star album, Talib lets his mind spray on a wide range of topics, this time with an equally wide range of producers and guests. Quality has a strong, capable vibe and while it doesn't always flow smoothly track to track, there is a large number of above average songs. Most of the clubbish friendly ones have appeared on single releases, like the Kanye produced "Get By," the Al Green sampled "Good To You" (also Kanye), "Waitin For The DJ" with Bilal, "Guerilla Monsoon Rap" with Black Thought and Pharoahe, and the DJ Quik produced "Put It In The Air," but if you are interested in personal, political moments there's also plenty of those on here too. My sleeper pick is "Gun Music" (yes, another Kanye track), a BK dancehall flavored affair with the Cocoa Brovaz. 15 tracks total.

• music label: Rawkus 2002

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2005