Talib Kweli - Right About Now

Arabic for “the seeker” or “student of truth and knowledge,” Talib Kweli’s name has been prophetic as his brand of hip-hop historically utilizes an intense, literate style of wordplay seeking resolution to social ills. While Kweli’s latest album contains flashes of brilliance, nobly following in the vein of previous efforts, Right About Now (subtitled "The Official Sucka Free Mix CD") is a frequently uneven portrait of the uncompromising MC from Brooklyn. The scope of Kweli’s lyrical strength is best realized on tracks where his topic is focused and his challenge to the listener clear. For example, “Drugs, Basketball and Rap” seeks to elevate the status of blacks in the U.S. by reminding the listener there is more to African Americans than the song’s title. The album’s highlight, “Ms. Hill” (in reference to former Fugee Lauryn) is a heartfelt, brutally honest commentary on the singer’s achievements and tribulations set to a sample of Ben Kweller’s “In Other Words.” When Kweli pulls focus from others and puts the spotlight on himself, his art suffers. The title track is a rant on Kweli’s conflicts within the music business. While the song gives an oral history of Kweli’s recent career maneuvers, the track smacks of bitterness and self-importance. Kweli also displays irregularity in enhancing his powerful lyrics with the right supply of beats and hooks. Where tracks like “Two and Two” (with its soulful groove) and “Roll off Me” (with its simple, sorrowful piano intro) are enabled by their arrangements, cuts like “Supreme Supreme” and “Who Got It” falter from lack of invention. Contributions from Dave Chappelle, MF Doom, Mos Def, Jay Dilla and Jean Grae stimulate some of the record’s inspired moments. Ultimately, Right About Now’s success waxes and wanes with Kweli, whose brilliance is unquestioned but whose consistency, in this case, leaves something to be desired. [www.talibkweli.com]