His name is Arabic, meaning 'the seeker' or 'student of truth and knowledge'. His parents were both college professors: his mother an English professor, his father a sociology professor. As a youth, he was drawn to Afrocentric rappers, such as De La Soul and other members of the Native Tongues Posse and in 1995 began recording with producer Hi-Tek and rapper Mos Def who he met at central park, and later attended New York University with. With Mos Def (together the pair were known as Black Star), Kweli achieved some mainstream success with Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star (1998). Also noted are Kweli and Mos' central input on Rawkus Records' compilation album Soundbombing (1997). Soundbombing also include collaborations between Kweli and DJ Hi Tek as Reflection Eternal. Together they released Train of Thought in 2000, which sold better than most alternative hip hop albums at the time. He has since released a critically acclaimed solo debut, Quality in 2002. In 2004, he released his second solo album, The Beautiful Struggle. His third solo album Ear Drum was released on August 21st, 2007.
Kweli has created his own record label, Blacksmith Records and has recently signed acclaimed female rapper Jean Grae, with rumors continuing to grow that underground veteran MF Doom is the next artist to be picked up. He left Geffen Records and has signed with the Warner Music Group.
He has since broken through slightly more towards the mainstream, thanks in large part to several appearance on the comedy show Chappelle's Show, both solo and with long-time collaborator Mos Def, this is due to a friendship between the host and creator of the show, comedian Dave Chappelle and the rapper. He also had a guest spot on friend and frequent collaborator Kanye West's widely successful debut album The College Dropout on the track "Get 'Em High". West has also produced some of Kweli's songs, including his biggest commercial hit "Get By". Kweli can also be seen in a commercial for the NCAA's Big Ten Conference, rapping about the league's basketball teams. Talib Kweli provided the voice for the main character, Trane, in the video game Marc Ecko's Getting Up, released in 2006.
Chaos
Talib Kweli Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We your rhyme sayers, we lead you like a beacon
Of light, out of the chaos, cuttin down overzealous
Players who stare, when the winners of the game
Walk in well prepared, climbin the stairways
To heaven while you scared of the people livin under-
-ground heard the sound of the clap, made you wonder
If it was a gun, the crowd, or some thunder
Now I'm much older, lyrically clap MC's
If you don't know by now, let me acquaint you with my steez
(C'mon) I don't get on stage and waste your time
Niggaz got a lot to say but they just can't rhyme
They just babies, I snatch em out they incubators
Attach them to respirators, they breathin hard like Darth Vader
Hard as candy and suck like Now or Laters
After a while your style's tasteless and it GOT NO FLAVOR
[Bahamadia]
Projects my eyesights to the heavens like dead or wise sages
Release what I hold sacred through my book of rhyme pages
Scripts be ageless, like scrolls from dead sea
The cadence off and on like the motion of Tai Chi
Ba-ha-ma-D, wor-dy, to Reflect, Eternally
Science to a remedy to help and get my people free, but
Little support, got my thesis on freeze
My only option's doin bootlegs for the Japanese
Get about eight G's, a heavy buzz overseas
Sacrifice a pill to mainstream and do what I believe, cause
Down to the chromosomes I'm a purist to this artform
Enlighten who I touch and let the world catch on
[Talib Kweli + Bahamadia]
Yeah, we your rhyme sayers, who lead you like a beacon
Of light, out of the chaos, cuttin down overzealous
Players who stare, when the winners of the game
Walk in well prepared, climbin the stairways
To heaven while you scared of the people livin under-
-ground heard the sound of the clap, made you wonder
If it was a gun, the crowd, or some thunder
All of that was out my window when I was younger
[Bahamadia]
Oppose for the nine, how no content sections of the earth
Walkin vexed, out of my sticks, laced on every verse
My cells begin to peak at least a hundred thousand hertz
Meanin my joint's prevalent in Fat Beats and Footworks
I cater to these markets first, cause they gravitate to me
And appreciate the vision of what I do musically
[Talib Kweli]
Mmm, mmmm, mmmm, mmm!!
I walked in and they stared, see how they screwin me
Break you down, til you ain't the man you used to be
Domination of my jurisdiction, people's addiction to lies
It blurs the lines between the fact and fiction
Now we back omission, I fix your face for you, keep yappin
You start to hate the man in the mirror like Michael Jackson
[Bahamadia]
Majors they try to hold me captive but mine are figure factions
But the foundation of hip-hop hold my braincells for ransom
I chance none, fuck them spots on charts and number one
If it's meant, then I'll accept it gracious when the time comes
This grassrooted curriculum, got me sprung like twisted ankles
Experience is missable, so I approach it from all angles and
Inject some substance deep inside of rap's core
Takin emceein back to where it was before
[Talib Kweli]
Call us Liberty like the Bell of Philadelphia scenery
Me and Bahama-D, style free like Mumia need to be
Seein me, feelin me, we right here on the level
Turnin hardrocks to pebbles, exposin the devil
Lyrical olympian like John Carlos winnin gold medal
Take that bass out yyour voice you talk to me in treble
I'm "Serious" as Steady B so you know I ain't playin
I'm stimulatin, makin crowds MOVE like organizations in Philly
Keep it positive, my prerogative is exercise
See through the chaos with my third eye
Word I exhibit the exquitiness, since a child I was vivid
Throw your hands in the air if you with it, dig it
[Talib Kweli + Bahamadia]
Yeah, we your rhyme sayers, who lead you like a beacon
Of light, out of the chaos, cuttin down overzealous
Players who stare, when the winners of the game
Walk in well prepared, climbin the stairways
To heaven while you scared of the people livin under-
-ground heard the sound of the clap, made you wonder
If it was a gun, the crowd, or some thunder
All of that was out my window when I was younger
[Talib Kweli]
Seven-eighteen, to five-one-three
We meet at two-one-five
Reflection Eternal, Bahamadia, yes yes
[Xzibit]
Yo listen the fuck up y'all
It's Mr. X to the Z Xzibit
Broadcastin with the home grown
That's right, they straight out of my backyard
The Beat Junkies, on Rawkus Records understand me?
It's Soundbombing 2
The song "Chaos," performed by Talib Kweli featuring Bahamadia, is an ode to the power of hip-hop culture to uplift and inspire. The lyrics speak to the role of artists as leaders and beacons of light in difficult times. Talib's lyrics in the first verse describe the chaos of the streets he grew up on, and how he found a way out through music. He also asserts his dominance as an MC and dismisses other rappers as "babies" who can't match his skills. Bahamadia's verse touches on the struggle for recognition as a female rapper in the male-dominated industry and the importance of staying true to your vision despite the pressure to sell out.
The chorus of the song, which is repeated several times throughout, emphasizes the power of hip-hop as a force for positive change. "We your rhyme sayers, who lead you like a beacon of light, out of the chaos," they proclaim, positioning themselves as leaders not just of the rap game but of their communities as well. The song's title, "Chaos," can be read as both a description of the world around us and of the noise and confusion that often surrounds us as we search for meaning and purpose.
Overall, "Chaos" is an uplifting and inspirational song that celebrates the power of hip-hop to bring people together and offer hope in troubled times.
Line by Line Meaning
We your rhyme sayers, we lead you like a beacon
We, as lyricists, guide and inspire you with our words and music
Of light, out of the chaos, cuttin down overzealous
Through our music, we bring clarity and order to the chaos of the world and criticize those who are too excessive or extreme
Players who stare, when the winners of the game
People who envy us and watch us closely, recognizing that we are successful in the music industry
Walk in well prepared, climbin the stairways
We enter confidently and with thorough preparation, progressing and ascending in our careers
To heaven while you scared of the people livin under-
While you are afraid to confront and understand the struggles of marginalized individuals
-ground heard the sound of the clap, made you wonder
You heard the sound of applause and wondered if it was a gunshot, the crowd's response, or thunder
If it was a gun, the crowd, or some thunder
Uncertain of the source of the loud noise, whether it was a weapon, audience reaction, or natural phenomenon
All of that was out my window when I was younger
As I have grown older, I have distanced myself from such distractions and focused on my music
Now I'm much older, lyrically clap MC's
As a more mature artist, I confidently defeat other rappers with my skillful lyrical ability
If you don't know by now, let me acquaint you with my steez
If you are not already familiar with my style, I will introduce and familiarize you with it
(C'mon) I don't get on stage and waste your time
I do not perform on stage to waste the audience's time, but rather to entertain and engage them
Niggaz got a lot to say but they just can't rhyme
Many individuals talk a big game, but lack the skill and talent to be successful rappers
They just babies, I snatch em out they incubators
These inexperienced rappers are like infants, and I easily surpass them
Attach them to respirators, they breathin hard like Darth Vader
I metaphorically suffocate their rap careers, leaving them struggling for air like Darth Vader
Hard as candy and suck like Now or Laters
Their performances lack substance and creativity, resembling hard candy that eventually loses its flavor
After a while your style's tasteless and it GOT NO FLAVOR
Over time, their repetitive and unoriginal style becomes dull and unappealing
Projects my eyesights to the heavens like dead or wise sages
I elevate my perspective to a higher level, seeking wisdom and guidance from deceased or wise individuals
Release what I hold sacred through my book of rhyme pages
I express and share my deeply held beliefs and values through my written lyrics
Scripts be ageless, like scrolls from dead sea
My lyrics are timeless and enduring, comparable to ancient scrolls from the Dead Sea
The cadence off and on like the motion of Tai Chi
The rhythm and flow of my lyrics vary and fluctuate, similar to the movements of Tai Chi
Ba-ha-ma-D, wor-dy, to Reflect, Eternally
My name is Bahamadia, and my words and message have a lasting impact and eternal significance
Science to a remedy to help and get my people free, but
Using knowledge and wisdom as a means to heal and empower my community, however
Little support, got my thesis on freeze
Despite lacking adequate support, my artistic and intellectual pursuits are hindered
My only option's doin bootlegs for the Japanese
I am left with no choice but to sell unauthorized copies of my music to the Japanese market
Get about eight G's, a heavy buzz overseas
By doing so, I am able to earn a decent income and gain significant popularity in foreign countries
Sacrifice a pill to mainstream and do what I believe, cause
I am willing to compromise parts of my artistic integrity in order to appeal to the mainstream, but not completely
Down to the chromosomes I'm a purist to this artform
At my core, I have a deep reverence and commitment to the art of hip-hop
Enlighten who I touch and let the world catch on
I aim to inspire and enlighten those I interact with, hoping that my message spreads and resonates globally
Oppose for the nine, how no content sections of the earth
I confront and challenge those who lack substance and meaningful content in their music, regardless of their location
Walkin vexed, out of my sticks, laced on every verse
I confidently emerge from my unconventional and unique background, exhibiting skillful wordplay in every line
My cells begin to peak at least a hundred thousand hertz
My artistic abilities and creativity reach their peak and resonate at a high frequency
Meanin my joint's prevalent in Fat Beats and Footworks
My music is popular and widely recognized in respected hip-hop record stores, reflecting its quality and appeal
I cater to these markets first, cause they gravitate to me
I prioritize and cater to these specific audiences because they naturally resonate with and appreciate my music
And appreciate the vision of what I do musically
They recognize and value the unique artistic vision and direction of my musical endeavors
I walked in and they stared, see how they screwin me
As I entered the room, people looked at me with envy and tried to undermine or deceive me
Break you down, til you ain't the man you used to be
They attempt to degrade and weaken me to the point where I no longer resemble my former self
Domination of my jurisdiction, people's addiction to lies
I assert my authority and control in my domain, while recognizing society's inclination towards accepting falsehoods
It blurs the lines between the fact and fiction
This addiction to lies creates confusion and obscures the distinction between reality and imagination
Now we back omission, I fix your face for you, keep yappin
Now that I have returned, I am here to correct and challenge those who spread falsehoods, dismissing their claims
You start to hate the man in the mirror like Michael Jackson
As I expose the truth, you become resentful and ashamed of your own actions, much like Michael Jackson's song 'Man in the Mirror'
Majors they try to hold me captive but mine are figure factions
Major record labels attempt to control and restrain me, but my actions and decisions are independent and calculated
But the foundation of hip-hop hold my braincells for ransom
The core principles and values of hip-hop culture strongly influence and drive my creative thoughts and ideas
I chance none, fuck them spots on charts and number one
I take no risks or compromises for the sake of achieving high chart positions or being number one
If it's meant, then I'll accept it gracious when the time comes
If success comes to me naturally and as a result of my talent and effort, I will accept it with gratitude when the time is right
This grassrooted curriculum, got me sprung like twisted ankles
My grassroots approach and dedication to educating and uplifting others through my music excites me, just like unexpected sprained ankles
Experience is missable, so I approach it from all angles and
I recognize that experience is valuable and should not be missed, so I tackle it from various perspectives
Inject some substance deep inside of rap's core
I aim to infuse meaningful and thought-provoking content into the essence of rap music
Takin emceein back to where it was before
I strive to return the art of emceeing to its roots and origins, emphasizing skill and creativity
Call us Liberty like the Bell of Philadelphia scenery
Refer to us as a symbol of freedom and liberation, much like the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia
Me and Bahama-D, style free like Mumia need to be
Both Bahamadia and I possess a free and unrestricted artistic style, reminiscent of the political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal's need for freedom
Seein me, feelin me, we right here on the level
When you encounter and listen to us, you can sense and connect with our authenticity and genuine nature
Turnin hardrocks to pebbles, exposin the devil
We have the power to intimidate and weaken tough individuals, unveiling their true nature and exposing their negativity
Lyrical olympian like John Carlos winnin gold medal
I am a skilled and exceptional lyricist, comparable to John Carlos, who won a gold medal in the Olympics
Take that bass out yyour voice you talk to me in treble
Speak to me without aggression or arrogance, lowering your tone from bass to treble
I'm 'Serious' as Steady B so you know I ain't playin
I am as serious and committed to my craft as Steady B, asserting that I am not joking or treating it lightly
I'm stimulatin, makin crowds MOVE like organizations in Philly
I energize and excite audiences, prompting them to get up and dance like the influential organizations in Philadelphia
Keep it positive, my prerogative is exercise
I prioritize maintaining a positive and uplifting atmosphere, and my duty is to express and promote that through my music
See through the chaos with my third eye
Using my intuition and wisdom, I am able to perceive and understand the underlying truth amidst chaos
Word I exhibit the exquitiness, since a child I was vivid
I showcase and display the beauty and excellence of my craft, as I have been gifted with vivid and imaginative abilities since childhood
Throw your hands in the air if you with it, dig it
If you are in agreement and enjoy what I am presenting, enthusiastically raise your hands and show your support
Seven-eighteen, to five-one-three
Referring to different area codes, representing the regions and communities we come from
We meet at two-one-five
We come together in the area code 215, symbolizing our collaboration and unity
Contributed by Gianna N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@EyaoPantah
[Hook: Talib Kweli + Bahamadia]
We are rhyme sayers, we lead you like a beacon
Of light, out of the chaos, cuttin down overzealous
Players who stare, when the winners of the game
Walk in well prepared, climbin the stairways
To heaven while you scared of the people livin under-
-ground heard the sound of the clap, made you wonder
If it was a gun, the crowd, or some thunder
All of that was out my window when I was younger
[Talib Kweli]
Now I'm much older, lyrically clap MC's
If you don't know by now, let me acquaint you with my steez
(C'mon) I don't get on stage and waste your time
Niggas got a lot to say but they just can't rhyme
They just babies, I snatch em out they incubators
Attach them to respirators, they breathin hard like Darth Vader
Hard as candy and suck like Now or Laters
After a while your style's tasteless and it GOT NO FLAVOR
[Bahamadia]
Projects my eyesights to the heavens like dead or wise sages
Release what I hold sacred through my book of rhyme pages
Scripts be ageless, like scrolls from dead sea
The cadence off and on like the motion of Tai Chi
Ba-ha-ma-D, wor-dy, to Reflect, Eternally
Science to a remedy to help and get my people free, but
Little support, got my thesis on freeze
My only option's doin bootlegs for the Japanese
Get about eight G's, a heavy buzz overseas
Sacrifice a pill to mainstream and do what I believe, cause
Down to the chromosomes I'm a purist to this artform
Enlighten who I touch and let the world catch on
[Talib Kweli + Bahamadia]
Yeah, we your rhyme sayers, who lead you like a beacon
Of light, out of the chaos, cuttin down overzealous
Players who stare, when the winners of the game
Walk in well prepared, climbin the stairways
To heaven while you scared of the people livin under-
-ground heard the sound of the clap, made you wonder
If it was a gun, the crowd, or some thunder
All of that was out my window when I was younger
[Bahamadia]
Oppose for the nine, how no content sections of the earth
Walkin vexed, out of my sticks, laced on every verse
My cells begin to peak at least a hundred thousand hertz
Meanin my joint's prevalent in Fat Beats and Footworks
I cater to these markets first, cause they gravitate to me
And appreciate the vision of what I do musically
[Talib Kweli]
Mmm, mmmm, mmmm, mmm!!
I walked in and they stared, see how they screwin me
Break you down, til you ain't the man you used to be
Domination of my jurisdiction, people's addiction to lies
It blurs the lines between the fact and fiction
Now we back omission, I fix your face for you, keep yappin
You start to hate the man in the mirror like Michael Jackson
[Bahamadia]
Majors they try to hold me captive but mine are figure factions
But the foundation of hip-hop hold my braincells for ransom
I chance none, fuck them spots on charts and number one
If it's meant, then I'll accept it gracious when the time comes
This grassrooted curriculum, got me sprung like twisted ankles
Experience is missable, so I approach it from all angles and
Inject some substance deep inside of rap's core
Takin emceein back to where it was before
[Talib Kweli]
Call us Liberty like the Bell of Philadelphia scenery
Me and Bahama-D, style free like Mumia need to be
Seein me, feelin me, we right here on the level
Turnin hardrocks to pebbles, exposin the devil
Lyrical olympian like John Carlos winnin gold medal
Take that bass out your voice you talk to me in treble
I'm "Serious" as Steady B so you know I ain't playin
I'm stimulatin, makin crowds MOVE like organizations in Philly
Keep it positive, my prerogative is exercise
See through the chaos with my third eye
Word I exhibit the exquitiness, since a child I was vivid
Throw your hands in the air if you with it, dig it
[Talib Kweli + Bahamadia]
Yeah, we your rhyme sayers, who lead you like a beacon
Of light, out of the chaos, cuttin down overzealous
Players who stare, when the winners of the game
Walk in well prepared, climbin the stairways
To heaven while you scared of the people livin under-
-ground heard the sound of the clap, made you wonder
If it was a gun, the crowd, or some thunder
All of that was out my window when I was younger
[Talib Kweli]
Seven-eighteen, to five-one-three
We meet at two-one-five
Reflection Eternal, Bahamadia, yes yes
[Xzibit]
Yo listen the fuck up y'all
It's Mr. X to the Z Xzibit
Broadcastin with the home grown
That's right, they straight out of my backyard
The Beat Junkies, on Rawkus Records understand me?
It's Soundbombing 2!
@Dutch3k5
Arguable one of the greatest Hiphop album covers of all time
@Smegma_pirate
And probably one of the best hip hop albums of all time
@tarikkapetanovic2959
Bahamadia the greatest female MC of all time, hands down!!
@liMaPrincChannel
+Tarik Kapetanovic u pravu si
@Reetlegna
+Tarik Kapetanovic Yes!
@CokerSkater
Yeeeeeeeeeeeesssss!!!
@miamiwax5504
Noooo Lauryn got it. Bahamadia is up there tho.
@JesusWonAlready4Sure
Nope, Lauryn Hill, but Bahamadia is very talented!
@DisturbedJuggalo420
Bahamadia will take any track over the top She's one sick emcee
@edwardhegeman8983
top shelf