Podcast Summary: Talib Kweli - I Keep It Real

Podcast Information:

• Title: Toure Show
• Host/Author: DCP Entertainment
• Episode: Talib Kweli - I Keep It Real
• Release Date: December 22, 2024

Overview: In this enlightening episode of The Touré Show, host DCP Entertainment engages in a deep and insightful conversation with the legendary rapper Talib Kweli. The discussion traverses Talib’s extensive touring life, his evolution as an emcee, his collaboration dynamics within Blackstar, perspectives on the hip-hop industry, his experiences with social media, and his ongoing battle for ownership of his music. Additionally, Talib shares personal reflections on literature and his sense of identity.

1. Touring Life and Revenue Streams

Talib Kweli opens up about his life on the road, emphasizing his dedication to touring as his primary revenue stream.

• High Volume of Performances: At the peak of his touring career, Talib performed up to 250 dates a year. Post-pandemic, this number has reduced to approximately 100 dates annually.

  • Quote [03:43]: “At the height I was doing 250 dates a year. The pandemic decimated that. I think I'm back to maybe 100 dates a year.”

• Comparisons to Contemporary Artists: He highlights that unlike artists like Drake, who have extended tours with breaks, Talib maintains a consistent touring schedule.

  • Quote [04:15]: “Drake just got off this, what, two-year tour. Some guys go on tour when they have success and go on tour, but then there's breaks. For me, it's just a constant touring.”

• Primary Revenue Streams: Touring stands as his number one revenue stream, followed by various record deals that allow him to release albums.

  • Quote [67:57]: “Yeah. Yes. Touring is number one. Number two would be the various record deals. I get to put out albums.”

2. Evolution as an Emcee and New Album 'Confidence of Knowing'

Talib delves into his latest project, Confidence of Knowing, discussing how his approach to emceeing has evolved over the years.

• Impact of Touring on Music Creation: The constant travel and performing have influenced his songwriting, making him more attuned to writing with beats and considering audience reception.

  • Quote [08:26]: “Write in a studio. I write whenever I can. It's very rare that I write in the studio late immediately. I like to write before I get to the studio.”

• Shift in Lyrical Style: Initially known for his verbose and intricate rhymes, Talib now focuses more on fitting his lyrics to the beats, making his music more accessible without losing depth.

  • Quote [08:34]: “Less words... I started focusing more on writing to the beats. I haven't written without a beat in years.”

• Production and Collaborations: The album is produced by J. Rolls, known for his academic approach to hip-hop, underscoring Talib’s commitment to quality and intellectualism in his music.

  • Quote [74:49]: “J. Rolls, he produced Brown Skin Lady and Shout out to High Tech... he's in the hip hop academic space.”

3. Collaboration and Dynamics in Blackstar

Talib discusses his longstanding collaboration with Yasin Bey (formerly Mos Def) in the duo Blackstar, highlighting the seamless partnership and shared vision.

• Trust and Leadership: Talib praises Yasin Bey’s leadership and visionary approach, emphasizing their harmonious working relationship devoid of major conflicts.

  • Quote [22:21]: “I defer to him a lot when it comes to Blackstar. It's whatever Yasin wants to do. That's how it works.”

• Creative Decisions: They mutually agree to maintain the integrity of Blackstar’s sound, opting to work primarily with producers like Madlib to preserve their artistic vision.

  • Quote [33:25]: “Yassin started to only listen to Madlib, and I would play him beats from all types... it has to be over Madlib beats.”

• Group Identity: Talib reflects on the importance of Blackstar as a distinct entity within hip-hop, separate from solo endeavors.

  • Quote [32:13]: “Blackstar is special because it's Yassin Bey and it's Talib Kweli.”

4. Perspectives on Hip Hop Industry and Peers

The conversation shifts to Talib’s views on contemporary artists and the state of the hip-hop industry.

• Influence of Jay Z: Talib credits Jay Z for influencing his writing style, particularly Jay Z’s approach of crafting verses as hooks.

  • Quote [11:14]: “Jay Z is like, 'I write my verses as if they're hooks.'... that opened my... That's a hook from a Carl Thomas song.”

• Views on Drake: While Talib appreciates Drake’s craftsmanship and ability to create mainstream hits, he contrasts it with his emphasis on lyrical depth and authenticity.

  • Quote [35:51]: “Drake is the guy you hear in the Target when you're shopping... he's crafting songs that even if you can't sing, you feel like you can sing them.”

• Critique of Kendrick Lamar: Talib discusses Kendrick’s comments on Drake, interpreting them as missteps and highlighting the cultural disconnect.

  • Quote [37:28]: “I think Kendrick's colonizer argument, cosplay argument is a very strong argument.”

5. Social Media and Public Perception

Talib addresses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding his interactions on social media platforms.

• Labelled as a Bully: Despite accusations, Talib maintains that he has never attacked or trolled anyone on social media. He emphasizes engaging in discourse rather than targeting individuals.

  • Quote [45:05]: “Why is he so mean? And what they're not telling you is that never in my history of time... I've never gone to someone's page that I don't like...”

• Defending against Accusations: He clarifies instances where misunderstandings led to bans on platforms like Twitter, attributing them to orchestrated smear campaigns rather than personal vendettas.

  • Quote [58:00]: “I was banned from Twitter three, four times before... because the young lady... had people calling my phone.”

• Philosophy on Engagement: Talib believes in standing up against bullies and combating dangerous ideas, viewing his online interactions as necessary engagements rather than provocations.

  • Quote [46:10]: “These nameless faces accounts are still promoting and pushing ideas that are dangerous...”

6. Ownership of Music and Legal Battles

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Talib’s struggle to reclaim ownership of his early works from major record labels.

• Battle with Universal: Talib outlines his ongoing fight to gain ownership of classic albums such as Black Dirt, Beautiful Struggle, and Reflection Eternal.

  • Quote [68:29]: “These record labels are gonna... get by on it. You can't tell me that's not recouped.”

• Challenges Faced: He describes the obstacles in accessing accurate sales data and finding legal representation capable of challenging industry giants.

  • Quote [67:58]: “Soundscan changed their name to Luminate... it's definitely stacked against the artist.”

• Hope for Resolution: Despite the uphill battle, Talib remains optimistic about eventually winning back his rights.

  • Quote [68:49]: “I think we're gonna come up roses on it, though. I think we're gonna win this one.”

7. Personal Growth and Influences

Talib shares his intellectual pursuits and how they shape his worldview and artistry.

• Literary Interests: He discusses his recent engagement with the Quran and classic literature, highlighting the profound impact of books like The Autobiography of Malcolm X and works by Octavia Butler.

  • Quote [65:11]: “Malcolm X, Autobiography of Malcolm X. The Alchemist... Breath, Eyes, Memory.”

• Identity and Race: Talib reflects on the concept of blackness, viewing it as a cultural and diasporic connection rather than a biological classification.

  • Quote [72:25]: “Blackness connects us, and it's inconvenient. It's not perfect, it's not optimal, but it's what we got.”

• Vision for Humanity: Emphasizing inclusivity, Talib extends his advocacy beyond racial lines to support all marginalized communities.

  • Quote [74:03]: “I'm pro black because it's the most human thing I can do. I'm pro women, pro gay people, pro disabled people, pro poor people, pro all marginalized people.”

8. Conclusion

The episode concludes with Talib expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share his experiences and insights. He hints at upcoming projects and collaborations, reinforcing his commitment to both his craft and his principles.

• Future Projects: Talib mentions working on albums with artists like Bun B and Large Professor, indicating a return to deeply rooted hip-hop collaborations.

  • Quote [75:39]: “Large professor is man... integral to the hip hop culture... making beats for working with Tropical Quest.”

• Closing Thoughts: Reiterating his dedication to authenticity and resilience, Talib underscores the importance of staying true to oneself amidst industry pressures.

  • Quote [72:07]: “Being a recording artist is like, your boss gets your paycheck and you don't get to see it, and they give you the amount of money out of your paycheck that they think they can get away with giving you.”

Notable Quotes:

• On Touring: “I'm a working-class touring artist that has to go out and show up in the flesh in order for me to earn my coins.” [04:38]

• Jay Z’s Influence: “I write my verses as if they're hooks.” [11:14]

• On Blackstar Dynamics: “I have faith in him. And when it comes to art, his track record is he's almost 100% correct.” [22:21]

• Social Media Engagement: “I enjoy the discourse. I enjoy the endorphins you get from... coming back as someone who thought that you weren't gonna say nothing.” [46:28]

• Ownership Battle: “These record labels are gonna... get by on it. You can't tell me that's not recouped.” [68:29]

• On Blackness: “Blackness connects us, and it's inconvenient. It's not perfect, it's not optimal, but it's what we got.” [72:25]

• Inclusivity: “I'm pro black because it's the most human thing I can do. I'm pro women, pro gay people, pro disabled people, pro poor people, pro all marginalized people.” [74:03]

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Talib Kweli’s multifaceted life as an artist, activist, and intellectual. His candid revelations provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that shape his enduring legacy in the hip-hop community.