One of hip hop’s foremost lyricists Talib Kweli has been running his own race parallel to Roc-a-Fella Records and GOOD Music. Jay-Z and Kanye may be on the throne now, but Talib has been a long-time brother to both from years ago, utilizing West’s deft production on his early albums and earning a popular Jigga remix of his hit “Get By” (not to mention the Mighty Mos and Bus-a-Bus).
Talib might be making a run at that throne in 2011 when he releases his latest solo effort Gutter Rainbows due out Janurary 25th. The album will be released on Talib’s new imprint, Talibra. Below is “Cold Rain”, the first song released from the album which features production by Ski Beatz. If this is what’s in store for the rest of the album, Ye and Jay better watch the throne, indeed.
The PR for the album claims that “the album will be a digital-only release in North America and available in all formats in the rest of the world,” which implies that dropping the extra coin for an import might seem worth it/necessary.
Other producers on Glitter Rainbows include S-1, M-Phazes, Shuko, Blaqthoven, KHRYSIS!, Maurice Brown, E. Jones, Nick Speed & Ty Neg. Again, Talib is where Kanye got his start, so listen up to his ear.
Keep an eye out for the tracklist and for sure more leaks as they come. For now, turn it up: