“There ain’t no patience for the wack emcee/ This ain’t WorldStar homie/ This ain’t Vlad TV”
Fresh off a nice commercial drop for the NFL last weekend, Talib Kweli is now feeding his core fans with the Khrysis-produced “I’m On One.” This beat has a lot of thump and force behind it, and it turn strengthens the authority behind Kweli’s words. The vocal samples consist of street chants (think a more subdued version of the beginning ruckus on Main Source’s “Live at the BBQ”) and a Busta Rhymes “yeah!” They both add a triumphant theme to the proceedings, but don’t clash with Kweli or the hallowed out synths. In recent weeks, Kweli has seen his name run through the mud with tabloid journalism. He makes a point of naming WorldStarHipHop and Vlad TV as sites that are culpable in the promoting of wack emcees, and the ever-blurred line between reality and fantasy. Ed Lover makes an abrupt, ending appearance, giving a humorous “C’mon son” to an absent Mos Def. It’s cut off abruptly, so perhaps it’ll be a longer skit on the actual album.
Gutter Rainbows hits stores on January 25, and can be pre-ordered on iTunes.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 