Liberation, the brainchild of rapper Talib Kweli and producer Madlib, was available as a free download from Rappcats.com and the artists’ MySpace pages for about a week starting December 31, 2006. When two such distinguished and critically acclaimed artists release a free album, it’s tough to be critical of it. It’s especially tough when the album is this good.
At this point in Talib’s career, the hip-hop initiate knows what to expect from him: intricate rhyme and rhythm, witty lyrics, and smooth delivery.
On Liberation, Talib opines on small but formative everyday experiences as readily as he does on international politics and contemporary events. This is a man with a well-developed worldview who pays attention, and he doesn’t balk at saying so. He also saves some time on this album for the obligatory smack-talking about other rappers, the rap game, and the music industry in general. Somehow Talib covers all of this ground with a unique combination of great beauty, tongue-in-cheek wit, and impressive dignity.
Madlib is less well known than Talib Kweli, but he is arguably the best producer of the last decade. Operating under a fistful of pseudonyms and generally shunning the spotlight, Madlib has still compiled one of the most critically acclaimed discographies in 21st century hip-hop.
Madlib’s work on Liberation is diverse. Many of these tracks epitomize his classic style: “The Show” and “Funny Money” are sample-heavy affairs incorporating thick layers of keyboard, organ, horns, woodwinds, and acoustic drums for a generally relaxed, jazzy tone. Others, like “Engine Runnin’” and “Over the Counter,” are clear departures from ‘lib’s norm, incorporating lots of bass and synth for an almost clubby sound. Madlib does clubby reasonably well, but tracks like these are unlikely to charm the purist - and they definitely sound a bit jarring alongside the rest of the album. Still, these tracks avoid the unpleasant banality of commercial hip-hop, and a stylistic shakeup like this isn’t enough to detract from the overall effect of the album.
Liberation is an excellent piece of work from two masters of the hip-hop genre. It was also a wonderful New Years surprise for dedicated fans worldwide.
© 2008 Evan Mix for Listen In. Some rights reserved.
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