Talib Kweli New Track

When I listen to Talib Kweli, I am pulled in two different directions. On one hand, I am faithful fan waiting for new material because I respect his lyricism. But I am equally frustrated in the inconsistency of his albums and his ability to put out a cohesive body of work. I can't say that I have sat down and listened to a recent album all the way through without skipping a track. Kweli is dropping Gutter Rainbows this month and I just watched the video for the single and it seems we're back to the same okey doke. I like the energy and confidence but the beat just doesn't flow with the content. That frustrates even the most dedicated fan of lyrical content.

And it got me thinking......

There are a lot of artists that befall the fate of poor production drowning out their music. Common has had problems with this too. He hasn't had a great album over all since Be. I only listened to Universal Mind Control through once and I bought it! And don't get me started on Finding Forever. There was nothing to look for. I will never waste money on another one of his albums....ever again.

I think he is still trying to find that balance between commercial success and maintaining his underground appeal. I am sure a lot artists face this. You work on an album and when putting it together it sounds great but, it doesn't translate well to the fans. It's part of the creative process I suppose. I know there are plenty more I could give examples of but I wanna hear from you. Are there any artists you listen to with the same problem? Maybe an incredible beat is just that important to a good song. Do you listen past the beat when switching the radio station or that CD? I mean, I love 6 foot 7 foot and I have never listened to whole Lil Wayne album (I'll explain that another day) I think a lot of hip hop today is based on that very principle. Is there anything wrong with that?