Talib Kweli

Brooklyn-born Talib Kweli got his start as a hip-hop recording artist when he collaborated with DJ Hi-Tek. After numerous guest appearances and compilation tracks, the intelligent and thoughtful lyricist teamed up with his long-time friend Mos Def in 1998 and formed Black Star, the vehicle that brought success and acclaim to both rappers. Kweli went on to release REFLECTION ETERNAL with Hi-Tek in 2000 and his solo follow-up in 2002. In addition to his musical endeavours, Kweli, along with Mos Def, owns Brooklyn's Nkiru centre for Education & Culture.

• pop
• hip hop/rap