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.
Definition
Talib Kweli Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Recording live from somewhere...
(Mos Def)
Lawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwd, lawd have mercy
All nice and peace and true, follow me now, we say
Say Hi-Tek yes you're ruling hip-hop
Say J. Rawls yes you're ruling hip-hop
Say Black Star come to rock it non...
Yo, from the first to the last of it, delivery is passionate
The whole and not the half of it, vocab and not the math of it
Projectile that them blasted with, accurate assassin shit
Me and Kweli close like, Bethlehem and Nazareth
After this you be pressing rewind on top your master disk
Shining like an asterisk for all those that be gatherin
Connectin like a roundhouse from the townhouse to the tenaments
Cause all my Brooklyn residents, are the heavy regiments
Don't believe, here the evidence, where Brooklyn WHAAAAAAAoohhhh
See that? Bound to take it all kid, believe that
From where they sellin tree at, to where the police be at
Talib Kweli e-Kweli-ty yo tell them where we be at
(Talib Kweli)
Brooklyn New York City where they paint murals of Biggie
In cash we trust cause it's ghetto fabulous, life look pretty
what a pity -- blunts is still fifty cents, it's intense
Tree scents is dominant can't be covered with incense
My presence felt my name is Kweli from the Eternal Reflection
People thinkin MC is short hand for Mis Conception
Let me meditate, set it straight, came to the conclusion
that most of these cats is featherweight, let me demonstrate
Walkin the streets is like battlin, be careful with your body
You must know karate or think your soul is bulletproof like Sade
Stop actin like a bitch already, be a visionary
And maybe you can see your name in the column of obituary
Third rate teacher readin and talkin about, "I knew he'd amount to nothin",
neighbors like, "He was the quiet type, who'd have thought they was frontin?"
Talkin +Loud+ like you in RCA, get carted away
with body parts and trays, what a way to start your day
Yo it's like
Chorus: Mos Def and Talib Kweli
One two three
Mos Def and Talib Kweli
We came to rock it on to the tip-top
Best alliance in hip-hop, wyahhhhh
I said one two three
It's kind of dangerous to be a emcee
They shot Tupac and Biggie
Too much violence in hip-hop, wyahhhhh
(Mos Def)
I said Manhattan keep on makin it (Bo!), Brooklyn keep on takin it (Bo!)
So relax we're takin it back, Redhook where we're livin at
Plenty cats be strugglin not hustlin and bubblin
It ain't about production and -- what else we discussin?
When the cock crows, my crop grows, enable me to rock flows
Strivin for perfection ever since I was a snot-nose
Colossal, true original b-boy apostle
Standin on the rooftop with the Zulu gestapo
(Talib Kweli)
You think you the shit somebody in the wings'll force you to quit
It could be your crew or click or some random kid you smoked buddha with
Consider me the entity within the industry without a history
of spittin the epitome of stupidity
livin my life expressin my liberty, it gotta be done properly
My name is in the middle of e-Kweli-ty
People follow me and other cats they hear him flow
And assume I'm the real one with lyrics like I'm Cyrano
(Mos Def)
Still sippin wishin well water, imported from Pluto
Three hundred and sixty milliliters for all our believers
In miles or kilometers, most cats cannot proceed us
in the jungle with the leaders we the lions you the cheetahs
A cypher will complete us if we come through your receivers
You can play us and repeat us and then take us home and read us
(line for line) Good Jesus, Mos Def and Kweli just
make a pussy freeze up, thinkin we will ease up
Chorus
...hold Your head when the beat drop...
The song “Definition” by Talib Kweli is a collaboration with Mos Def and Hi-Tek in which the artists criticize violence in hip hop music and showcase their skills as rappers. Throughout the song, they discuss their thoughts on the state of hip hop music, their origins as MCs, and the need to bring positivity back to the genre. Mos Def starts the song by acknowledging the influence and impact that Hi-Tek and J. Rawls have had on hip hop music. He then goes on to discuss his and Talib Kweli’s close relationship, comparing it to the biblical cities of Bethlehem and Nazareth. Talib Kweli follows Mos Def, discussing his childhood in Brooklyn and the prevalence of violence in the hip hop industry. He encourages fellow MCs to use their platform to inspire change and to be more visionary. The chorus echoes this sentiment, declaring that the duo came to “rock it on to the tip-top” and criticizing the violence in the industry that led to the deaths of Tupac and Biggie.
Line by Line Meaning
Lawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwd, lawd have mercy
Expressing admiration or appreciation of the music.
All nice and peace and true, follow me now, we say
Urging listeners to follow along and continue with the positive and peaceful vibe of the song.
Say Hi-Tek yes you're ruling hip-hop
Praising Hi-Tek for his contributions to the rap industry.
Say J. Rawls yes you're ruling hip-hop
Praising J. Rawls for his contributions to the rap industry.
Redefinition say you're ruling hip-hop
Praising the song Redefinition for its quality and impact in the rap industry.
Say Black Star come to rock it non...
Praising Black Star for their musical talent.
Yo, from the first to the last of it, delivery is passionate
The passion put into the delivery of rap lyrics is emphasized and praised from beginning to end.
The whole and not the half of it, vocab and not the math of it
Being a good rapper is not just about having half the skills, but the whole package, including an extensive vocabulary.
Projectile that them blasted with, accurate assassin shit
The delivery is like a projectile that hits its mark flawlessly and effectively.
Me and Kweli close like, Bethlehem and Nazareth
Describing the close personal relationship between Talib Kweli and the artist, Mos Def, as tight and symbolic of religious unity.
After this you be pressing rewind on top your master disk
The song is so good that people will want to listen to it again and again.
Shining like an asterisk for all those that be gatherin
Asterisks are used to denote significant accomplishments, and this song shines as one such accomplishment in the rap industry.
Connectin like a roundhouse from the townhouse to the tenements
The song connects with people from all walks of life, from the ritzy townhouse to the gritty tenements.
Cause all my Brooklyn residents, are the heavy regiments
Referring to Brooklyn residents as the heavy regiments suggests that they are tough and gritty, and the singer identifies with that persona.
Don't believe, here the evidence, where Brooklyn WHAAAAAAAoohhhh
The evidence of the heavy regiments is heard whenever Brooklyn is mentioned, and it is undeniable.
See that? Bound to take it all kid, believe that
The artists are confident that they will succeed and make it big in their careers.
From where they sellin tree at, to where the police be at
Using the sale of marijuana as a marker of location identifies where the artists are from and where they are going.
Talib Kweli e-Kweli-ty yo tell them where we be at
Asking Talib Kweli to affirm the location the artists are representing in the song.
Brooklyn New York City where they paint murals of Biggie
Describing Brooklyn as the birthplace of the famous rapper Biggie Smalls showcases its relevance and importance in the rap industry.
In cash we trust cause it's ghetto fabulous, life look pretty
Life in the ghetto may be difficult, but it can still be beautiful and luxurious.
what a pity -- blunts is still fifty cents, it's intense
Although the ghetto may be beautiful, there are still struggles that remain, such as the high price of blunts.
Tree scents is dominant can't be covered with incense
The smell of weed is pervasive and cannot be masked with incense.
My presence felt my name is Kweli from the Eternal Reflection
The name Kweli carries weight and significance wherever it is heard, and the singer identifies with his name's meaning.
People thinkin MC is short hand for Mis Conception
The artist thinks that people misunderstand what it means to be an MC.
Let me meditate, set it straight, came to the conclusion
Meditating will clarify the singer's thought process and lead him to a definitive conclusion.
that most of these cats is featherweight, let me demonstrate
Most rappers are not that good, and the singer wants to demonstrate how to do it better.
Walkin the streets is like battlin, be careful with your body
Walking around in public can be dangerous, and the singer wants to remind people to take care of themselves.
You must know karate or think your soul is bulletproof like Sade
Being able to defend oneself or having a false sense of safety is important for survival in dangerous situations.
Stop actin like a bitch already, be a visionary
Stop being weak and indecisive; start being bold and forward-thinking.
And maybe you can see your name in the column of obituary
If you stay weak and indecisive, you could die and be forgotten.
Third rate teacher readin and talkin about, "I knew he'd amount to nothin",
People who underestimate the singer will be surprised and proven wrong.
neighbors like, "He was the quiet type, who'd have thought they was frontin?"
Even the artist's neighbors don't understand the true depth of his character or talents.
Talkin +Loud+ like you in RCA, get carted away
Being loud and aggressive like a rapper in a music studio could get you arrested or hurt in real life.
with body parts and trays, what a way to start your day
Starting your day by getting arrested or injured is not the best way to begin a successful life.
Manhattan keep on makin it (Bo!), Brooklyn keep on takin it (Bo!)
Manhattan keeps innovating in the rap industry, while Brooklyn keeps dominating and taking over.
So relax we're takin it back, Redhook where we're livin at
The artists are taking back the rap industry and representing their home, the Brooklyn neighborhood of Redhook.
Plenty cats be strugglin not hustlin and bubblin
Many rappers are struggling to make it, not achieving real success or wealth.
It ain't about production and -- what else we discussin?
The singers are not interested in discussing mediocre rappers; they want to focus on quality music.
When the cock crows, my crop grows, enable me to rock flows
The singer's talent and opportunity grow hand-in-hand, with the reward being the ability to create great rap music.
Strivin for perfection ever since I was a snot-nose
The artist has been honing their rap skills since they were young and striving for perfection.
Colossal, true original b-boy apostle
The artist is a rap giant, an original and influential personality in the genre.
Standin on the rooftop with the Zulu gestapo
The singer is on top, with the power and authority of the Zulu Nation behind him.
You think you the shit somebody in the wings'll force you to quit
Even if you think you're amazing at rapping, there will always be someone better to take you down.
It could be your crew or click or some random kid you smoked buddha with
The person who takes you down could be your friends, acquaintances, or even strangers you got high with.
Consider me the entity within the industry without a history
The artist is a new and noteworthy player in the rap industry.
of spittin the epitome of stupidity
The artist is not interested in perpetuating stupid rap lyrics and instead wants to bring intelligence and depth to the genre.
livin my life expressin my liberty, it gotta be done properly
The singer wants to live their life freely and expressively, but they want to do it the right way, with respect and quality work.
My name is in the middle of e-Kweli-ty
The artist's name is part of the essential quality that they bring to their music and their life.
People follow me and other cats they hear him flow
People are drawn to the singer's music and the rappers they collaborate with because of their talent and style.
And assume I'm the real one with lyrics like I'm Cyrano
People assume the singer is the real rap deal, a modern-day Cyrano with skillful lyrics.
Still sippin wishin well water, imported from Pluto
The singer is enjoying an imaginary magical drink from an impossible source, which suggests indulgence in fantasy and escapism.
Three hundred and sixty milliliters for all our believers
The magical drink is in limited supply but meant for the fans of the artists, who are true believers in their work.
In miles or kilometers, most cats cannot proceed us
The artists are on a level that most other rappers cannot reach, no matter how you measure it.
in the jungle with the leaders we the lions you the cheetahs
The artists are leaders in the rap industry, while other rappers are just followers or lesser beings in comparison.
A cypher will complete us if we come through your receivers
If the artists connect with their fans through music, it will bring them full circle and make them whole.
You can play us and repeat us and then take us home and read us
The artists' music is meant to be savored, played repeatedly and studied in-depth like a book.
Good Jesus, Mos Def and Kweli just make a pussy freeze up, thinkin we will ease up
The quality and power of the artists' music is so intense that it will stun and silence even the most confident and vulgar individuals.
Contributed by Alexis P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@djfedezaza
Fucking jaw dropping song. Even after all these years it sounds so fresh and dope
@jarvasedundy1
Facts
@andreamorgan6578
💯
@Slamdog500
hey uhm, I made a Top 10 Mos Def Verses video and just uploaded it. I bet ya you gonna enjoy this! Definition is in it. But which place? check it out :D (it turned out more like a Mos Def Tribute video than a hard fact Top 10 Verses) ❤ and of course with special guest Talib Kweli cause Def and Kweli close like Bethlehem and Nazareth ❤❤
@mountcomfort740
Absolutly
@MYNEWMOKE
indeed
@alexeikuznetsov1450
Mos Def is one of those once in a lifetime artists.
@simonking5381
actually hes twice inna lifetime :D
@LoganThomasSnyder
I'll give that the hundredth like, hell yeah.
@barriereid9244
I carried this on a Sony MP3 player in the Sahara Desert for ten years...did not meet a nomad or traveller who did not like the album. This has brought back many happy memories....and now I get to see those who made this magic happen. Stay safe and my regards from Scotland.