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 when mass commercialization threatened the soul of the genre. Now more than two decades into a thrilling solo career, Kweli has evolved creatively whiling maintaining his artistic integrity. Known for classic albums with artists like J Dilla, MF DOOM, and Freddie Gibbs, celebrated producer Madlib is a sampling savant who has crafted beats for Erykah Badu, Anderson .Paak, Tyler The Creator, Logic, De La Soul, and more. After releasing a groundbreaking joint project back in 2006, Madlib and Talib Kweli recently reunited for the highly-anticipated follow-up Liberation 2. Initially released exclusively through podcast outlet Luminary, the album will now be available to a wider audience with an official physical release via Javotti Media and Madlib Invazion.
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Expansive in concept, Liberation 2 is a vivid exploration of revolution, love, pan-Africanism, music, spirituality, and more, with Madlib‘s jazz-inflected instrumentals providing the perfect soundtrack. “The materialism and debauchery that is stereotypically associated with hip hop has lost some of its luster,” Kweli explains. “Never has there been a better time for such honest, message driven music that pays tribute to the sounds that came before us.” A global call for unity through space and time, Liberation 2 features Q-Tip, Westside Gunn, Roc Maricano, Goapele, Roy Ayers, 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. With a standard LP and CD set to hit stores in September, two limited colored vinyl variants and a picture disc edition are available for pre-order, along with a deluxe set featuring a vinyl pressing of the album’s instrumentals. Check out the latest video “Nat Turner” now, featuring African artists Seun Kuti and Cassper Nyovest.