Reflection Eternal - The Duo of Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek change Earth's "Train of Thought"

Version 2.0


Reflection Eternal is a group of two people. Using the age-old formula of DJ and Rapper, the two people in the group are Talib Kweli, the emcee of the duo, and DJ Hi-Tek, the beat maker. These guys have been together for a long time. I can remember first hearing them on the Rawkus Records' Lyricist Lounge Volume 1 compilation album in 1996 on a track entitled "Manifesto". I was obessed with this guy Kweli, and when i heard he teamed up with another incredible emcee named Mos Def to form Black Star, i knew i was hooked and had to buy whatever these guys put out. After listening to the purely classic debut album by Black Star in 1998, entitled Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star, i gained the highest amount of respect, and became a true fan, of the emcees known as Talib Kweli and Mos Def, and the underrated, yet respected producer known as DJ Hi-Tek. One year later, in 1999, Mos Def released Black on Both Sides, which i loved tremendously. So i figure if i picked up Def's solo, i NEED to pick up the reunited Reflection Eternal's debut album Train of Thought in 2000. The unmatched combination of Kweli's thought-provoking, well-written lyricism and Hi-Tek's infection soul beats make this an untouchable album. So grab your ticket, cause its all aboard the "Train of Thought"...




Track List & Rating

1. Experience Dedication (NOT RATED)
2. Move Something (5 Stars)
3. Some Kind of Wonderful (5 Stars)
4. The Blast (5 Stars)
5. This Means You f/ Mos Def (5 Stars)
6. Too Late (5 Stars)
7. Memories Live (5 Stars)
8. African Dream (5 Stars)
9. Down For The Count f/ Xzibit and Rah Digga (5 Stars)
10. Name of The Game (4 Stars)
11. Ghetto Afterlife f/ Kool G. Rap (5 Stars)
12. On My Way (NOT RATED)
13. Love Language (5 Stars)
14. Love Speakeasy (NOT RATED)
15. Soul Rebels f/ De La Soul (4 Stars)
16. Externalists (4 1/2 Stars)
17. Big Del From Da Natti (NOT RATED)
18. Touch You f/ Piakhan, Supa Dav West (4 1/2 Stars)
19. Good Mourning (5 Stars)
21. Expansion Outro (NOT RATED)
HIDDEN: For Women (5 Stars)




Train of Thought kicks off with a nice intro featuring comedian Dave Shappel doing his impression of Nelson Mandela. Its pretty funny, because i honestly thought it was the real Nelson Mandela doing it on "Experience Dedication", but i guess not, as he introduces the duo of Reflection Eternal. Kweli asks "Are you Ready" as he basically introduces himself and dedicates the album to everybody who was down since 1995 and the lyricist lounge era. This is "REAL HIP HOP" as KRS-One would say. This blends directly into the album's first highlight, the lead single "Move Somethin".

This track is a complete banger. This is the perfect opener for an album as classic as this one, with both members of the duo doing what they do best. Immediately, the headphones pullsate as Hi-Tek drops one of his famous memorable beats. The infectious beat pounds the eardrum as Hi-Tek truly shows the non-believers the extent of his skills. Featuring a hard slamming bassline, hard drum beat, and some very loud trumpets you can hear during the break, and an infectious drum snare. Besides the beat, Talib Kweli does his job lyrically, as he drops his ever-famous braggadiocio, rapping about the difference between "real" artists and "fake" artists. Throughout the album you'll find Kweli ripping into commercial rap with his intelligent lyrical mastery: "We gonna make y'all feel this, break y'all spirit, If y'all fake that realness, word we bringin it, Ringin it in from the new millenium to way after that, I call these cats "Reynolds" cuz they plastic 'wrap / rap'".

Talib Kweli gets vicious on "Some Kind Of Wonderful". Even though Kweli isn't exactly known for his competence on the microphone as a battle rapper, but he definitely shows that he can do it all on this track. Kweli spits some of the most amazing, clever, metaphoric, and well-written battle raps ive EVER heard. Kweli also sends a message out to all these idiotic commercial rappers, and says that HE is a true emcee and will destroy anybody who challenges him, and honestly sounds furious on the track. Check out this vocabulary: "What's next?, These chicken neck emcees get me vexed, My rhymes be blowin' up chat rooms all over the internet, And causin' collisions on the highway of information, And then I head back to my prior engagement, In the nation of Brooklyn, Land of Trinis, Haitians, Jamaicans and Bejans, It's amazin' how lickin' shots is the proper representation, Soon they gonna need wack emcee reservations, Cause I endanger the motherf*ckers, they needin' preservation". At the same time, Hi-Tek comes with one of the best beats on the album, featuring a hard bassline, some tambourines, synthesized high-key piano loops, and some pounding drums, providing an overall powerful feel. The mix of the pounding beat and the rapid-fire flow of Kweli sound perfect together as this is the second classic of the album, and we've only begun.

The second single soon busts through the speakers as we the incredibly memorable classic "The Blast". A Mixture between a soft party joint, and a soulful, backback classic is formed here as Kweli and Tek bring us yet another banger, and are joined by Vinia Mojica on this one. Even though the song could very well be an up-tempo joint, it can be viewed as a retrospective, thoughtful song too. Kweli dedicates his verse to his son, while surprisingly, the second verse is actually handled by Hi-Tek, as he shows that he can rap too. Its amazing, as Hi-Tek ACTUALLY does rap and drops a more-than-decent verse (this is first time ive heard him rap). Production-wise, dont expect Hi-Tek to slowdown whatsoever. A mixture of simple drum-clap effects, low-key synthesized waves, and hard bass is what sets up the very soulful atmosphere, and the hooks and R&B background arrangements by Vinia Mojica are very nice and only add to this classic. Gil Scott Heron provides a truly great outro on this musical treat, as it appears every single African American has got Kweli's back, and thats a great thing.

A Black Star reunion is something that has been long-awaited. Well, we dont have one yet, but at least on Train of Thought there is a nice collaboration which will thirst tons of fans to come. Black Star reunite once again on "This Means You".

Mos Def and Talib Kweli give the Black Star fans what they want here. They spit nothing but barbequed flames of lyricism here, as they rap a mixture of commentary and street poetry about New York and the essense of city-life there. A tiny bit of braggadiocio and party-vibes are thrown in there for more of a balance of appeal, and it sounds perfect for lack of a better term. The nice scaling synthesizer, drum loop, and high-key violins are fitting on this song, as Hi-Tek proves that he can get the job done on any collabo. Both Kweli and Mos drop flames, and here is a piece of Mos' work: "Yo, I am the world renowned, verb adjective adverb, pronoun preposition suffix prefix, Original or remix, sunburst and eclipse, Me and Kwe' combine like strands on a double-helix, My speech seasoned, with dialect of my region, Booga-nam Brooklyn Bed-Stuy Eastern, Where youth and policemen, they nah reach agreement, Pressure in the mornin, pressure in the evenin'".

On "Too Late", Kweli gets deep with his lyrics giving us another banging track with loads of underground appeal. Kweli raps about hip-hop's current state of death, stating that the dark hand of commercialism is creeping over the land, and the older days of "yes yes ya'll" are practically dead and that clubbish beats and materialistic lyrics have taken over and ruined a once precious art form. The well-written lyrics and concern in Kweli's voice is a plus, as well as his similes and vocabulary are top-notch. Production-wise, the song does not let up. Featuring a VERY carribean-esque instrumental, featuring ominous soul vocals, Hi-Tek's beat is very dark and haunting and on the hook, he turns it up with some creepy flutes and more haunting vocals. This beat is one of Hi-Tek's best beats in my book, to be quite honest, and the song is a classic in the Reflection Eternal repertoire.

The battle rapping and braggadiocio switches away for a second as we get to a more socially conscious hip-hop style. "Memories Live" is a retrospective song where Talib Kweli travels far back into his youth, growing up rapping about the several inspirations and artforms that he was raised with. In doing this, he goes as far as possible as he gives us some personal views of his own life, as well as paying his respects to such idols as emcees KRS-One, Common Sense, and director Spike Lee. Lyrically, Kweli is untouchable here as he builds a song remarkably similar to Nas' classic "Memory Lane". The soothing bass-driven instrumental, along with soft violins and soul-ful claps helps Kweli flow through the track like water. This song sort of blends in with the next song when it comes to subject matter.

Reflection Eternal bring us yet another classic on "Africa Dream". Hi-Tek comes on here with an african music inspired track, bringing both artists back the roots of their home continent of Africa. Using a bongo drum, along with a catchy low-key piano loop, trumpets, and some other sounds, this instrumental is one of the best on the album (then again, i say that about all of them, but thats just how good this CD really is!). The beat sort of changes after about a minute, then it fades off into an amazing jazz influenced instrumental, but keeping the African-influence still in there. The beat is very up-tempo, and fitting for Talib's flow. Speaking of which, Kweli's war against commercial rap continues here as he annihilates the track with an infectious battle rap, and says that these guys have had their moment enough, and that their time is UP! Kweli says that they WILL be replaced by Kweli. Its basically, one verse, but one DAMN good one. A very enjoyable song.

"Down for the Count" finds Hi-Tek focusing more on a pounding bassline and trumpets for Kweli and his guests Xzibit and Rah Digga to rap over. Its pretty dope that both Xzibit and Rah Digga, who aren't mindblowing lyricists, both drop some above average lyrics to keep up with Kweli, and all three drop some ill battle raps. Yet another highlight.

Legendary Mafiosio Rapper Kool G Rap comes on the mic with Kweli on "Ghetto Afterlife".

Talib Kweli proceeds to destroy more commercial rap, yet at the same time claims that the "real" thugs are the government. So he spits both brag and battle raps, and blends it smoothly with some pretty conscious subject matter. Hi-Tek delivers an amazing low-key piano loop which grows on you as you hear it, as well as trumpets. This sounds a lot like it should be a single. Kool G Rap and his mafiosio lyrical style joins Kweli here, proving that even a relatively new face like Kweli can compete with an age-old veteran like Kool G Rap, specially with conscious lines like this: "These n*ggaz ain't thugs, the real thugs is the government, Don't matter if you independent, democrat or republican, N*ggaz poli"tick"in the street, get into beef, Start blastin, now a new cat is executive chief, With a, passion for heat you get, blast in yo' seat, Die before you crash in yo' Jeep, never passin in your sleep, like an old man, you ain't a fool you got a whole plan to conquer territories like Europeans who stole land". To tell you the truth, the Train of Thought has seemingly not stopped yet.

Talib Kweli touches on the many faces of love on the excellent "Love Language", the next classic from Train of Thought.

On this track, Talib Kweli comes on the mic and basically breaks down a relationship, softly and smoothly. His clever lyrics, incredible metaphors, and creativity are shown here, as he points at every single aspect of a relationship, educating the listener in case he doesn't know. Talib Kweli is a great rapper in that he uses various past experiences and throws them together perfectly to craft great songs out of them. Honestly, it seems that all he speaks is very well thought-out and intelligent. The hook itself is also pretty creative, as it showcases the word "love" in a variety of languages, implementing that love has no language. Due to the variety found here, I am pretty sure even non-hip hop fans will enjoy this one. Hi-Tek delivers as well with a very soulful-styled instrumental and the R&B vocals give the song an easy-to-listen-to feel.

As if anything can top what Reflection Eternal has already accomplished on this album, Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek outdo each other once again on "Good Mourning". This is without a doubt, the most socially-conscious song on this entire album. Talib Kweli basically comes on the song to sum up every single thing that he has spoken of thusfar into one complete song. This track has it all: Braggadiocio, Street Poetry, and Social Commentary. Kweli truly outdoes himself, giving us some well thought-out, well-written lyrics, with perfect lines, delivering nothing but magic. Production-wise, Hi-Tek gives us a minimalistic, yet very fitting beat with some nice keyboard arrangements, soft violins, and thumping drum/clap combos. Besides that, he decides to include a nice Inspectah Deck sample which is fitting for the subject matter.

However, its the power of Talib Kweli's words that truly make this song a blessing to listen to: "In case you die in your sleep you ask the Lord for a blessin, Sometimes they sneak up so quiet that the silence is deafenin, You'll never know who the assassin is until it's your time to go, Your life is flashin, askin for forgiveness but you move too slow, Now the people that you love bear the pain that you once harbored, You was livin for yourself so you could never be a martyr, Life is hard, death is harder; you somebody baby father, Someone's lover, son of your mother, somebody brother, Somebody n*gga, now your spirit in the air like a whisper, Hearin your name mentioned when we pourin out some liquor, The days go by quicker and the nights don't seem to differ, It's gettin cold, so I shivered and asked my soul to be delivered". Some beautiful words...

Do yourself a favor and don't push the stop button after listening to "Expansion Outro", and head right into the hidden track entitled "For Women". Talib Kweli basically shows off his creativity here, as he makes a dedication to women by telling four distinctly different tales about them, each one depressing and sad, as well as filled with commentary and intelligent, positive messages for them. The brilliance in the sheer storytelling remains the forefront as Hi-Tek's beat is excellent, but nothing to ever outmatch the lyrics themselves. In my humble opinion, this is pure musical art and one of the best songs ever written. The first story is about a woman who is at the ripe old age of 107, and has lived quite a painful life, however perserviered and lived on, looking past her problems. The second tale is about a younger girl who comes from a raped mother, and has had to reflect on her past and her "accidental" conception. She knocks sense into herself, saying that she is indeed a person, and must find herself. The third story is a true tear-jerker, as Kweli raps about a woman who lost her parents to drugs and AIDS, and has had to resort to prostitution as her means of survival. The fourth tale is about a woman who has felt like slave all of her life, working for another just to free her children. The sheer content of the story reeks of brilliance, and i believe that its a must-have for people who even aren't hip-hop fans.

To conclude, Train of Thought is the best album of 2000, and one of the most untouchable pieces of sheer MUSIC to ever enter a human being's ear. Both Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek come strong themselves, but also bring some dope guests along. Kweli recruits everybody from legendary emcees, to newer generation rappers, to soul music and R&B singers, to even a reunion with Mos Def. There are even some spoken word tributes by tons of Reflection Eternal's many supporters on here. It was this album that put Reflection Eternal at the TOP of the underground and are truly, some of the BEST artists to grace music's presense. This album is MUCH better than Quality and is still a hip-hop classic to this day and gets heavy rotation. Look, all im asking is that you give it one listen, and i GUARANTEE that you will be hooked... eternally...

5 Stars









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