I don't think that early hip hop stood out to be a social critique. A lot of fans of mine think that hip hop's ultimate responsibility is to critique social structures. Talib Kweli critiqueearlyfan Change image and share on social
Skip the religion and politics, head straight to the compassion. Everything else is a distraction. Talib Kweli compassiondistractionhead Change image and share on social
The materialism, the brashness, the misogyny - everything in hip-hop is amplified. Misogyny is a good example of something that is completely amplified in hip-hop. I do think there is more than enough of a balance, though, for fans who are willing to search it out. Talib Kweli amplifybalancebrashness share on social
But it becomes disrespectful when the artist's process is not respected. Talib Kweli artistdisrespectfulprocess Change image and share on social
People can be inspired the way I've been inspired by music. Talib Kweli haveinspiremusic Change image and share on social
The way I see it, if people truly love my music, they will support me in some way down the road. Talib Kweli lovemusicpeople Change image and share on social
I like collaboration because, first of all, I'm good at writing lyrics. I don't know how to make beats. I don't play instruments. I'm not a good singer. So even when you see a solo album of mine, it's still a collaboration. Talib Kweli albumbeatcollaboration share on social
Artists look at the environment, and the best artists correctly diagnose the problem. I'm not saying artists can't be leaders, but that's not the job of art, to lead. Bob Marley, Nina Simone, Harry Belafonte - there are artists all through history who have become leaders, but that was already in them, nothing to do with their art. Talib Kweli artartistbelafonte share on social
When I look at the arc of my career, my focus is on lyricism, right? I own that. Talib Kweli arccareerfocus Change image and share on social