Talib Kweli is delivering some soulful intimacy for the lovers this Christmas season.
After changing the title of his forthcoming LP from Prisoner of Conscious to Gutter Rainbows, many wondered if that also signaled a significant change in the direction of the album. This song is catchy, but not in the cheesy way that hurt some of Kweli’s earlier radio work. The bass thumps, and the singing chorus is accessible. It’s not a home run in the vein of “Hot Thang,” but much, much better than what passes as Hip-Hop love songs on the radio today.
At times this year, Talib’s flow has seemed exasperated, as if he’s struggling to maintain breath control over faster beats. The rhythm’s pace here is moderate, and Talib’s enunciation is clear and vibrant. And as expected, the lyrics are relatable, a mature reflection of the courting process of late 20s and early 30 somethings. This is a good leak considering the time of year, and will do well in getting everyone ready for the full course next month.
Gutter Rainbows hits stores on January 25.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 