The Cyclical Problem of Art Imitating Life

Talib Kweli has recently released Radio Silence via Javotti Media / 3D. It displays the life and times of a Brooklyn artist painting a verbal expression of life in New York City.

For decades Kweli has sought out the truth with his art, and made it possible for others to see the pros and cons of daily life. Radio Silence continues to mold the future for listeners to experience the world through his eyes.

The title track ‘Radio Silence’ showcases a thoughtful passage of art imitating life.

I feel I’m cursed, so I talk this way
Gotta write what I’m livin’ in graffiti
It’s the hood hieroglyphics
So I’m lookin’ for a wall to spray

The one critique that I have on this album is the reoccurring problem of gun violence in music, film and media that is happening more and more in real life. There is another side to the argument; if artists stop displaying violence in creative work, the problem will still continue, so why try and edit a reflection of reality.

To counter that, the track ‘Write at Home’ does an excellent job or wrapping up the album with this meaningful passage from Datcha.

Can the state of the world change?
Can the state of the world change?
If energy only seems to transform then why not?

Overall, the album is filled with gems such as ‘Chips’ featuring Waka Flocka and ‘Heads Up Eyes Open’ that provide big beats, and intelligent lyrical structure. Kweli also brought on Anderson .Paak for the song ‘Traveling Light’ to breakthrough the matrix of standard hiphop.

Stream and preview tracks to the album, and grab a copy from Talib Kweli’s main website.

Talib Kweli Tour Dates

12/08/2017 TALIB KWELI WITH THE SOUL REBELS NEW ORLEANS LA JOY THEATRE
01/05/2018 TALIB KWELI BOSTON MA BOSTON CITY WINERY
01/06/2018 TALIB KWELI CHICAGO IL CITY WINERY
01/25/2018 TALIB KWELI & BAND NY NY THE BLUE NOTE
01/26/2018 TALIB KWELI & BAND NY NY THE BLUE NOTE
01/27/2018 TALIB KWELI & BAND NY NY THE BLUE NOTE
01/28/2018 TALIB KWELI & BAND NY NY THE BLUE NOTE