Reflection Eternal [PA] - Talib Kweli/Hi Tek

Advantages: A few big tunes
Disadvantages: Inconsistent

...The Ohio producer, and DJ, Hi-Tek turned to MCing (briefly) for his debut album in 2001, although for the most part he allows guest singers as Hip Hop performers to take the main vocal role in the recordings. A yea prior to this the Hip Hop duo, Reflection Eternal, was formed, and with the combination of himself and Talib Kweli, and from this, you see a lot more between the pair on this record, ?Hi-Teknology?. 1. ?Scratch Rappin?? (Intro) 2. ?The Sun God? The kick this one off properly, you hear Common come through, showing that he needs a little more support from those in the Mid-West area as Chi-Town?s finest joins him, and fresh off ?Like Water For Chocolate? you have this one composed in light of the Jay De e collaborations (especially ?The Light?), does a gentle, and light-hearted track for this one to give a big boost to get... Read review

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Advantages: Lots of big tracks
Disadvantages: Nothing specific

...After a couple of collaborative albums, one with Hi-Tek (as Reflection Eternal) and one this Mos Def (as Black Star), the Brooklyn Hip Hopper Talib Kweli released his debut solo release in 2002. It finds that he breaks out alone, and shows how he can do the political, socially-aware Hip Hop to contrast form the main sounds of what comes from the genre. 1. ?Keynote Speaker? (Intro) 2. ?Rush? To get thing going in a big way you have a hardcore track which has him working with the West coast?s Xzibit. It is a rough track, and reflects the fact that he wishes to show new sides to his personally, and his music through this solo record, and so is able to use his conscious Hip Hop and direct it in a way which resembles Gangsta Rap. **Five Stars** 3. ?Get By? Here you find the artists key single, and the one which really got his solo... Read review

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Advantages: Compelling production, unbelievable rapping and lyrics
Disadvantages: More critically successful than commercially successful due to lack of worldwide known singles

...This is the second album from Brooklyn born Talib Kweli. It consists of 14 tracks and features guests on 6 of these tracks including Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, John Legend, Res, Common, Anthony Hamilton, Jean Grae and Mos Def. In my opinion this album is one of the best I have ever listened to, mainly because of Kweli's free flowing, quick style and his ability to string sequences of rhymes together without even stopping for a breath. The album features production from some of the best in the business including Hi-Tek, Charlemagne, The Neptunes, Supa Dave West, Amadeus, Midi Mafia, J.R., Tone Mason, Just Blaze and most notably Kanye West. The album has had two singles from it released, "I Try" and "Never Been In Love". 1 "Going Hard" - 4 * 2 "Back Up Offa Me" - 4 * 3 "Broken Glass" - 4 * 4 "We Know" ft. Faith Evans - 4* 5 "A Game... Read review

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