In a career that has spanned ten years; Talib Kweli has accomplished what some may call the pantheon trials of an underground Hip-Hop legend. Now as CEO as Blacksmith Records, he hopes to achieve another type of status as the head of an independent label. To help these ends, he teams up with true school mixtape guru Mick Boogie and delivers the cleverly titled MCEO (Blacksmith). And while it isn’t the hottest thing in the streets this year, it does provide a solid ride all the way through.
Those who have experienced a Kweli mixtape should understand that the formula hasn’t changed. Thus, Blacksmith artists Jean Grae (“Love Thirst”), and Phil Da Agony (“Dat Piff”), Krondon (“Big Homie”) of Strong Arm Steady, make themselves known, and spit potent.
What also is featured on this mixtape are great guest spots from a wide caliber of artists, ranging from Busta Rhymes (“Follow the Leader”), Nina Sky and Joell Ortiz (“Hostile Gospel Remix”), Buckshot (“Hold it Down”), UGK and Raheem DaVaughn (“Real Women”); all of whom compliment this effort well. But the main draw is of course are Talib’s hundred word per bar patented flow on tracks like “D’Evils 2008” and “Independent “.
Fans and those who make it a habit to download Mick Boogie mixtapes should find this mixtape enjoyable for a couple rides in the car. The main fault with this is it feels a bit too long, clocking in at thirty two tracks, and also it doesn’t show that much artist progression.
However, in terms of getting a label of like minded artists and grabbing talent, this tape shows his skill in setting up the environment, at least musically, for himself and artists to succeed.
Talib Kweli Featuring Joell Ortiz and Nina Sky
“Hostile Gospel”