Talib Kweli was born Talib Kweli Greene in New York in 1975. He is a leading light in the alternative hip-hop scene which provides a different approach to mainstream gangsta rap and pop rap and its pre-occupations with 'nines' and bling.
Kweli and schoolfriend Mos Def formed Black Star, along with producer and DJ Hi Tek, in 1998. Black Star, along with bands including De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest are one of the Native Tongues Posse who promote Afro-centrism through their lyrics and the causes they support. The first Black Star release 1998's Black Star album was hailed an alternative hip-hop classic.
In 2000 Kweli and HiTek formed the band Reflection Eternal for the release of the album Train of Thought. He then went on to his debut solo album in 2002 with Quality which, with the help of the Kanye West-produced single "Get By" went on to gold sales.
In addition to his recording career he also started the Blacksmith Records Label with Corey Smyth, the label was set up to provide a home for alternative hip-hop acts. Kweli and Mos Def established the Nkiru Center for Education and Culture which promotes multi-cultural awareness.
A follow up Black Star album is in the pipeline.
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