Eardrum [Edited] by Talib Kweli

Pros: Lyrics, Flow, Variety, Guests, production

Cons: Kanye's verse on In The Mood, Hot Thing seems a little cheesy, Res isn't credited

The Bottom Line: Really deep lyrically, as usual, and that's what matters the most

Review: “ They couldn’t find the words to describe me so they resort to the shortcuts /Is he a backpacker? Is he a mad rapper?/An entertainer or the author of the last chapter “ With his third solo album (not counting Right About Now ...

Pros: Mature, soulful, not too preachy, not too frivolous. Right up my alley.

Cons: 20 tracks is a LOT to take in at one time.

The Bottom Line: After forcing it a little on "The Beautiful Struggle", Kweli refocuses (and relaxes) on "Ear Drum". The result is the most consistent LP of his solo career.

Review: Three years ago, I caught more than a little flak for giving Talib Kweli's "Beautiful Struggle" a 5-star rating (actually, I gave it 4 1/2, but until Epinions changes it's rating system *HINT*, I've gotta round up). In retrospect, I can defend my rating ...

Pros: The usual substantive raps delivered by a skillful flow; terrific mainstream beat sheen by heavyweights

Cons: Begins to fade by second half; bloated length

The Bottom Line: Talib Kweli continues the climb; and with Eardrum, he may not be too far off from complete mainstream acceptance

Review: To paraphrase Jay-Z, if skills sold, truth be told, Talib Kweli would be outselling T.I., or be more fawned over than Lil’ Wayne. But evidently, skills don’t sell. We’re supposed to look beyond the brimming substance of Kweli’s raps, his ...

Pros: Kweli and UGK have serious chemistry -- who'da thunk it?

Cons: Most of the album drifts on without ever really going anywhere.

The Bottom Line: I was gonna put something here 'bout my eardrums falling asleep, but then I realized that wouldn't make any sense.

Review: For Talib Kweli's latest, I almost wish there was something I could just run my review of C ommon's new album through, to make it say the opposite of what it does now. In fact, if ya just head over there and switch all ...