Summary

The Brooklyn-based rapper earned his stripes as one of the most lyrically-gifted, socially aware and politically insightful rappers to emerge in the last 20 years. His travels around the globe as one of rap's most in-demand performers combined with his conversations with political activists and his genre-straddling work with Idle Worship and others caused Kweli to realize that he was limited in a sense, a prisoner of sorts of his own success as one of the world's best rappers with something significant to say.

"My music has been associated with those types of causes, with positivity, spirituality, intelligence and being thought-provoking and such," he says. "I think sometimes people get caught up in that part of me as an artist and don't necessarily understand the musicality or fully appreciate the music and the entertainment value behind what I do. I tried to stretch my wings a little bit and bring something that was less beholden to the world of hip-hop and more existing in the world in general." The result of this artistic growth and exploration arrives with Kweli's dynamic Prisoner of Conscious aka P.O.C., an artistic tour de force that signals the start of the next chapter of Kweli's remarkable career. The BK MC spent more time working on Prisoner Of Conscious than any of his other albums, a three-year journey that found him exploring new vibes, joining in some unlikely collaborations and taking him to foreign lands. Prisoner Of Conscious arrives as an artistic triumph, a collection that embodies Talib Kweli's robust creative vision. "I wanted to put out an album that really can support the artist I've become," he says. "I'm a touring artist. I'm an artist that's internationally known. I'm not just a local artist at this point in my career. I'm cognizant of the fact that what i do is beyond where it started. I'm trying to reach the apex of where I am now, but without turning my back on or dismissing what I've done before."

Reviews and Comments

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Name:
Jmatic
(Posted:
11/17/2013 6:25:00 PM; Partial IP: .88.94.231)Location: fl
Comment: I'm feeling this album it has a good vibe and tracks 2 and 3 start it off nicely. Not sure where all these one star ratings are coming from, dude is still nice on the mic!

Name:
Tea
(Posted:
8/21/2013 9:55:00 PM; Partial IP: .168.91.60)Location: NY
Comment: Talib Kweli once again shows why he's been able to maintain his position in hip hop. Prisoner Of Conscious shows him pushing the limits of what he can sound like. There are many musical risks taken on this album as well as tracks that allow the music a chance to breathe. He always provides lyrics that fit into every category. Did the 9/11 reference go over y'alls heads? The beats are the perfect mix of traditional and new especially for Kweli. I believe that people love to keep Kweli as a prisoner of the conscious label and many of the comments shows. Kweli brought it home with this album. Salute!

Name:
AnaLyzt
(Posted:
7/27/2013 3:28:00 AM; Partial IP: 44.240.130)Location: SA
Comment: WHAT HAPPENED TO Kweli is jus a shame - lost me as a listener & continuing to do so - maybe its bout time u collar with lil wiener weezy

Name:
kool g rap
(Posted:
6/19/2013 1:22:00 AM; Partial IP: 41.197.147)Location: bkmc
Comment: did you listen to the lyrics? mutli-syllable sentences? like what do you want or expect from talib? every track sound the same with a hard beat and ferocious coming at you lyrics? he's an all around emcee and proves it time and time again listen to the radio if looking for hooks. you want lyrics listen kweli can't believe all the haters. this is album is straight heat! how could you compare past albums from a decade ago? are you the same in your life then? this is how true artist progress and my opinion this is definitely hottest album of year. tracks 1-7 are ridiculous 8-15 is kweli showing you why he's a real artist and emcee .

Name:
UFO
(Posted:
6/7/2013 7:18:00 PM; Partial IP: .90.161.49)Location: SF BAY area, CA
Comment: MY fav hip hop album of all time is Train of thought.
In no way shape or form is this comparable with that. Early in his career he was forcing the game to make new genres and new words to describe his style. You were an original innovator in the game, WTF happened??? For women, down for the count, the blast. Don't waste your time and listen to Ghostface

Name:
Zie
(Posted:
6/1/2013 8:18:00 AM; Partial IP: .78.44.194)Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Comment: Its definitely a different project with a new feel, its not all that bad. I bought it and I like it.

Name:
FAzeD Out
(Posted:
5/31/2013 7:44:00 PM; Partial IP: .0.164.176)Location: SF, CA
Comment: Good album but some songs are corny

Name:
A lyrical masterpiece
(Posted:
5/16/2013 2:06:00 PM; Partial IP: 41.197.147)Location: queens, ny
Comment: this is for anybody who understands and can relate to real hiphop! every track is dope if you actually "listen" to it. I don't see one skip through track. you see the growth as a man and lyricist through out each of his albums

Name:
M-boogie
(Posted:
5/15/2013 6:16:00 PM; Partial IP: 63.254.135)Location: Washington, DC
Comment: A grown album for grown folks. I loved Black Star and Reflection Eternal (the first album) when I was in high school, and I don't expect the same time of vibe/music a decade later. Talib,the world and his fans (at least me) have grown and this album reflects that. Like Jay said, you want his old sh*t, buy his old album. This LP has it all: rock solid production, top-notch lyrics, and compatible & balanced guest appearances. I was going to give the album 4 stars because of the 2 or 3 throw away tracks, but the 1-2 star haters compelled me to give it an extra star. Grown hip hop heads will dig this album.

Name:
keno
(Posted:
5/15/2013 4:50:00 PM; Partial IP: .41.65.235)Location: bronx, ny
Comment: two stars for the first two tracks which are really dope. the rest of it falls short. not impressed especially after raindows which I thought was amazing.

Name:
true lyricism
(Posted:
5/12/2013 2:46:00 AM; Partial IP: 41.197.147)Location: talibkweli,elzhi,phonte allday
Comment: this album is excellent,word play at it's finest. multi- syllable sentences with meaningful bars, head knocking ridiculous beats especially by oh no. this is the epitome of lyricism and hiphop.he switches up styles and generes throughout this journey. these one star and horrible reviews are just so called hiphop fans expressing their ignorance. every track is dope!! shit is sick!!1 been waiting for this gem! talib is one of the few rare artist left letting you into his life and mind through his music. a blessing and a present this album is the past future and present. one star?? disappointed ? should be disappointed in yourself. stick with madlib and hitek? why stay the same ? you would walk the same path over and over again ? proves you're not creative or innovative. did hitek twice and was crazy. respect the genius and living legend talib kweli who honestly is on the brink of his prime. can't wait until late 2013 big things are coming the revolution will not be televised

Name:
HIP2THABONE
(Posted:
5/11/2013 9:22:00 AM; Partial IP: 249.48.109)Location: U.K.
Comment: A big let down from one of the illest mc's in the game.

Name:
deathtoesau
(Posted:
5/9/2013 9:13:00 AM; Partial IP: .91.31.129)Location: Israel
Comment: Whenever you comment, on wack albums like this, some dickrider always accuses you of being a fan of radio shit. That's old now...Groupies bring something new to the table. BTW this album sucks. He should stick with madlib and hi-tek. His best albums were with them.

Name:
sickness7
(Posted:
5/6/2013 6:34:00 PM; Partial IP: 79.172.244)Location: MD
Comment: The beats on this album are horrible.....After listening to shyt from Oh No and Nameless I was expecting better.

Name:
rob
(Posted:
5/6/2013 1:12:00 PM; Partial IP: .26.37.133)Location: raleigh, norf cack
Comment: yo ima big fan of kweli but this shyt aint good mane the only dope joints are the rza one, the one with kendrick and like the first or second joint on the album the rest are either lackluster or just straight shyt... cmon kweli go back and get kanye or something!

Name:
bigcrollz
(Posted:
5/6/2013 12:39:00 PM; Partial IP: .69.49.200)Location: RI
Comment: To say this album is a disappointment...would be a vast understatement. I can see why he's trying some different shit, with how slept on he usually is...but I feel like now he's just alienating his long-time fans..and won't be picking up many new ones. This album man...smh

Name:
J-Mart
(Posted:
5/1/2013 7:29:00 AM; Partial IP: 71.129.211)Location: Boulder
Comment: I used to really think Talib was one of the greatest back in the Reflection Eternal days, but he has dropped a string of disappointing and boring albums. Not gonna buy.

Name:
suavebrotha
(Posted:
4/25/2013 6:16:00 AM; Partial IP: 68.7.12.40)Location: so cali
Comment: im glad Talib Kweli took his time get it right for this album too many rappers rush just put something out and theres no focus or many hits he put in work @ this point in his career doesn't need too many collabs but im gonna cop w/o listening first cause true fan must support real artists plus feels like this can be a classic

Name:
Kevin
(Posted:
10/28/2012 9:30:00 PM; Partial IP: 28.201.159)Location: Philadelpia
Comment: Truly one of my favorites. I agree with mjg and if skills sold. Character assassinate the dude for a feature? Come on. I was critical of the Blaq Poet album. Maybe too critical. Poet is nice to listen to. But, what confuses me is that someone can get 5 stars for an album like EBK and dudes hate on Kweli for his beautiful music, intelligent wordplay and spectacular lyricism with a positive message. It just leaves me baffled how due recognition can be denied to such an awesome emcee. Please, Kweli, keep up the good work.

Name:
kazzam
(Posted:
10/24/2012 2:05:00 PM; Partial IP: 186.16.234)Location: south africa
Comment: I just hope and pray that the lyrics and beats are good or else I'm closising this kweli chapter for good.

Name:
kazzam
(Posted:
10/24/2012 6:56:00 AM; Partial IP: 186.16.236)Location: south africa
Comment: I just hope and pray that the lyrics and beats are good or else I'm closising this kweli chapter for good.

Name:
mjg
(Posted:
10/19/2012 10:11:00 AM; Partial IP: .33.251.64)Location: BMORE
Comment: Exactly "if skills sold truth be told i'd probably be". I appreciate your comment. Kweli has so much quality music if you've only heard it on one album, you really need to listen to his catalogue because Talib has put out good music for a long time now. Excited to hear what he brings this time.

Name:
GÜRCKSON
(Posted:
10/18/2012 5:27:00 PM; Partial IP: 8.25.17.27)Location: Germany
Comment: don't expect much from kweli anymore... Liked "Quality" after that it was kind of hit an miss... nelly & busta are the eptitome of sell-out without a conschience as far as their love of Rap goes...

Name:
bk emcee
(Posted:
10/16/2012 2:28:00 AM; Partial IP: 46.145.209)Location: qboro
Comment: truest artistic poetic artist left not afraid to speak his mind and do what's inside. the presence of greatness and the essence of perfection.

Name:
if skills sold truth be
(Posted:
10/16/2012 2:11:00 AM; Partial IP: 46.145.209)Location: told i'd probably be
Comment: lyrically talib kweli….. One of the greatest emcees/ lyricist to bless the mic. First off steve smith aka shapeless kweli meant he crushes for! Fun like co flow. Meaning he crushes the fun for fun. You're just to ignorant and simple minded to understand hidden messages, multi syllable sentences, hidden bars and true lyricism at it's finest. Shapeless huh? Meaning having no definite shape or form and lacking a symmetrical or aesthetically pleasing shape. Unstructured like your comment. Nice moniker.. Real recognize real track record speaks for itself.
Quality (2002)
The Beautiful Struggle (2004)
Right About Now (2005)
Eardrum (2007)
Gutter Rainbows (2011)
Prisoner of Conscious (2012)
With Mos Def as Black Star
Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star (1998)
TBA (2012)
With Hi-Tek as Reflection Eternal
Train of Thought (2000)
Revolutions Per Minute (2010)
With Madlib
Liberation (2007)
Liberation 2 (TBR)
With Res as Idle Warship
Habits of the Heart (2011) plus countless mixtapes and collabos. Nelly probably rips it on that track ( not even a fan of nelly ) but kweli brings out the best just like being featured on a rakim,kane,g rap, foxxx or masta ace track. Mediocre artists step it up with greatness. Album is his best yet with more to come. Sleep is the cousin of death and haters snoozing like stepsons. Seriously the single is a ridiclous. Respect to the real death to fake…….. One1! Hiphop 4life

Name:
adriano
(Posted:
10/14/2012 11:28:00 PM; Partial IP: .226.7.180)Location: toronto
Comment: hmmm...nellys pretty hurting but we been sayn that for a decade now, its time for u amatuer critics to get somthn new to do, let the music speak 4 itself,as for talib, hes still one of those artists where I go to the store and just buy it, even if its shit, if ur a true fan of talib u will support 4 ever, even if he is a racist, he'll suffer the karma from that, but that has nothing to do with how amazing he is, let god punish him, not punish him on reviews for one prety insignificant album

Name:
Mohau
(Posted:
10/4/2012 4:25:00 AM; Partial IP: .181.17.81)Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Comment: Nelly? Seriously? The guy's not even doing well on the mainstream, what are you climbing on here Talib?

Name:
CEE
(Posted:
10/1/2012 8:42:00 PM; Partial IP: 26.187.189)Location: N.CAKALAK
Comment: TALIB WHATS UP WIT NELLY? THATS NOT GOOD FAM....HIPHOP REALLY IS BULSHIT NOW!! I WON'T BUY THIS SHIT!! JUST CAUSE OF THAT NELLY SHIT!! THEN U GOT A TRACK FROM RZA? COM ON MAN U AND RZA ARE NOT A MATCH!! LOL....TRUST ME I RESPECT TALIB KWELI WIT LYRICS BUT DAMN! ANOTHER LET DOWN WIT A REAL 'MC'

Name:
MJG IS RIGHT
(Posted:
10/1/2012 10:50:00 AM; Partial IP: .129.187.2)Location: EVERYWHERE
Comment: MJG IS RIGHT ALOTTA COMMENTS ARE WAY OFF WITH NO BASIS .. ALSO JUST GEEKY HATERS THAT HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO DO BUT HATE ON DOPE ARTISTS N HIP HOP CULTURE.. EVEN HATE ON LEGENDS! WHAT PART OF THE GAME IS THAT????????

Name:
mjg
(Posted:
9/30/2012 12:01:00 AM; Partial IP: .33.251.64)Location: BMORE
Comment: Honestly, I have followed this site and bought cds since the company began. The comments on this site has turned into a joke.

Name:
Steve Smith aka Shapeless
(Posted:
9/28/2012 12:19:00 AM; Partial IP: 126.170.61)Location: Califbayfornia
Comment: Talib Kweli is a racist. His intelligence isn't that impressive. After followin him on black star which was excellent a littler further study exposed him as weak and just off. He said he crushes for fun like co flow in a lyric....idiot....Co flow was saying that they crush the fun....meaning serious....not fun. Kweli is stupid. Like most of you. bigger idiots with a not quite as stupid fake boss....Talib is racist

Name:
cool72
(Posted:
9/25/2012 9:13:00 AM; Partial IP: 136.177.93)Location: Indpls
Comment: I agree with the two comments before this with nelly and trying to play both sides should have seen that shit didnt work from that beautiful struggle album

Name:
Real Hip Hop Fan
(Posted:
9/22/2012 4:29:00 PM; Partial IP: 60.170.210)Location: Planet Earth
Comment: I give up on this dude. He is like nas and trying to play both sides of the fence. Do yourself a favor and buy the new Craig G album instead...

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