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.
Like That
Talib Kweli Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Question for the ages
What's going on with my back pages?
Rappers wanna be down, but listen listen
You got to feel it within your body and your spirit
When you listen to the rhythm (come on)
It's the abstract Will's on the beat
Women all around the globe, the world
Change your history, categories
Different people in the same territories
Hip-hop in here for my Black Eyed Peas
So watch it watch it be marveled on the speakers please
'Cause they gonna marvel and shake the ground
Break atoms, break a sound
Thunder and bass full pound
Treat all the things profound
If you wanna dude to help you out
Make it cool around your friends without smoking now
Play the song kinda loud, it could help you out
And you could work it out, yeah, you could work it out
It's like that, and a
And we got it like that (like that)
You know we got it like that (like that)
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
It's like that like that (like that)
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
You know we got it like that (like that)
Yeah, we got it like that (like that)
It's like that 'Cause I got it like that
And I got it like that also
Got a style that's way out like Bosto
You know I'm a crook a nigga like Chocko
Steady jumpin' around like it's heavy cargo
(Can I kick it?) yup, really far though
From El Segundo to Toronto
I once hit a girl up in Chicago
But I'd never say who unless my name was Tanto
Yup, you know how the date rape go
'Cause we show the classic example
Now they know the Peas collect the dough
So they knocking on our door like we was Fargo
Yup, they see me in a Will.I.Am suit
But I wasn't that cute when I didn't have the loot
And I don't smoke birds but I'm still real nice with the birds
So fuck (hey!) what you heard
'Cause we got it like that
And we got it like that (like that)
You know we got it like that (like that)
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
It's like that, like that (like that)
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
You know we got it like that (like that)
Yeah, we got it like that (like that)
Talib, just hit 'em like that
I'm from the jungle, brother, and I got it like that
Yo, my life got me running through a maze like a white rat
I need a shot at ramming like my rap
It's like the yak is the fights that got me spillin' on the right track
And I like this Will so I might get ill
On the mics somebody might get killed
So many damn rappers there's a stifle in heaven
My tongue is a weapon and plus when I bust all this stuff with Legend
When this Brooklyn MC come after you
You be running like I herd a carrel at Murdell Avenue
There we yattin' that ain't pretty that's the attitude
To be at Fight Club, even Brad had to crack a tooth
Stare into the sun, they try to copy
Let your eyes get used to the light because you gotta watch me
Sneak up on you like sake
My lyrics get out a split atom like Hiroshima and Nagasaki
It's the Apl.De.Ap in the lab with the rap
Demonstrate how we act, we attack any track
It's the Black Eyed Peas and we back with the facts
Start with the fat skills that rose in the past
We got it like how you know how to beast rocks
Entertain you, see you soon at the next spot
The crew got you bouncing and dropping your eye
Making you
Tss tsss tsss, I'm a roll with the hot
I'm a flow from the soul when you can't hold me back
Ke-ke-keep on keep on rolling the track
I'm a simply simply always attach
Jeepney Music by Apl.De.Ap
From L.A to Philippines we bridging the gap
We got it like that you know we got it like that
Like we got it like that y'all
And we got it like that (like that)
You know we got it like that (like that)
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
It's like that, like that (like that)
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
You know we got it like that (like that)
Yeah we got it like that (like that)
It's like that and a
It's like that and a
My man Q-Tip in the house
Cee-lo you know he's in the house
My man John Legend's in the house
Talib Kwali will work it out
My man Apl.De is in the house
Will.I.Am is definitely in the house
Fergie Ferg is in the house
Whadup to De La, shout 'em out
Drew hip-hop music now
Positive vibes, no doubt
My man Ali Muhammed's in the house
My man Shahid's in the house
You know I'm in the house
Black Eyed Peas represent sellin' out
Black Eyed Peas represent sellin' out
Black Eyed Peas represent sellin' out
It's like that and a, it's like that and a, it's like that or th-that
It's like that and a, it's like that and a, it's like that or th-that
It's like that and a, it's like that and a, it's like that or th-that
It's like that and a, it's like that and a, it's like that or th-that
It's like that and a
Because I got it like that
The song "It's Like That" by Talib Kweli features The Game Ludacris and is a hip hop classic. The song is quite lyrical and has several hidden meanings that require insightful interpretation. The lyrics begin with a question for the ages - what's going on with my back pages? This refers to the rapper's past and what they have experienced so far in their lives. The chorus then follows with the statement that they have it "like that" and they "know we got it like that". This is a clear statement of confidence and assurance that they have everything under control.
The verse from Talib Kweli has several references to his past and how he has worked hard to get to the top. He talks about life being like a maze that he has to navigate through, and how he uses his rap skills to bust out of it. He also references the Fight Club movie and even Brad Pitt cracking his tooth on the set. This is a metaphor for struggles and how one can still triumph even when faced with obstacles. There is also a reference to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which is a clear reference to the destruction caused by atomic bombs. This is a statement about how powerful his lyrics are and their ability to impact people.
The overall message of the song is that they have achieved success through their hard work and persistence, and they want to inspire others to follow in their footsteps. They have strong confidence in their abilities and know that with determination, anyone can achieve their dreams. The song is also a tribute to hip hop culture and the artists who have paved the way for them to succeed.
Line by Line Meaning
Question for the ages
Asking a timeless and important question
What's going on with my back pages?
Wondering about the current state of things in the past
Rappers wanna be down, but listen listen
Many rappers want to join, but they need to pay attention
You got to feel it within your body and your spirit
To truly become a part of it, you need to feel it in your soul and body
When you listen to the rhythm (come on)
Encouraging the listener to really pay attention to the music
It's the abstract Will's on the beat
Will's unique style is reflected in the music
Women all around the globe, the world
The music has a global appeal for both men and women
You got to follow me
The artist is leading the way, encouraging others to join in
Change your history, categories
Encouraging people to break free from traditional labels and expectations
Different people in the same territories
People may be from different backgrounds or cultures, but they can still come together through music
Hip-hop in here for my Black Eyed Peas
Hip-hop music is represented and celebrated by the Black Eyed Peas
So watch it watch it be marveled on the speakers please
The music will amaze and captivate listeners
'Cause they gonna marvel and shake the ground
The music will have a powerful impact on listeners, moving them to dance
Break addles break the sound
The music has a strong beat that will inspire people to move
Fill the embraceful pound
The beat of the music fills the listener's soul and body
Treat all the things profound
The artist wants listeners to deeply consider the meaning of the music
If you wanna dude to help you out
If you need some encouragement or inspiration
Make it cool around your friends without smoking now
Showing that you can have fun and enjoy the music without resorting to negative behaviors like smoking
Play the song kinda loud, it could help you out
Encouraging people to turn up the volume and really get into the music
And you could work it out, yeah you could work it out
The music can inspire and motivate people to overcome challenges
It's like that, and a
An expression of affirmation and excitement
And we got it like that (like that)
The artist is confident and proud of their skill and talent
You know we got it like that (like that)
Repeat of the previous line for emphasis
Y'all we got it like that (like that)
The group as a whole has talent and skill
My man Q-Tip in the house
Acknowledging the presence of another respected rapper
Cee-lo you know he's in the house
Acknowledging the presence of another respected musician
My man John Legend's in the house
Acknowledging the presence of another respected musician
Talib Kwali will work it out
Acknowledging the presence of another rapper who is skilled and respected
My man Apl.De is in the house
Acknowledging the presence of another member of the Black Eyed Peas
Will.I.Am is definitely in the house
Acknowledging the presence of one of the leaders of the Black Eyed Peas
Fergie Ferg is in the house
Acknowledging the presence of another member of the Black Eyed Peas
Whadup to De La, shout 'em out
Giving a shout-out to another group of respected rappers
Drew hip-hop music now
Drawing inspiration and influence from the history of hip-hop music
Positive vibes, no doubt
The music and message is positive and uplifting
Black Eyed Peas represent sellin' out
The group is successful and respected in the music industry
It's like that da-da
A final expression of excitement and affirmation
Lyrics © CTM Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Cloud9
Written by: Allan Apll Pineda, Anthony Newley, Jimmy Luis Gomez, Kamaal Ibn John Fareed, Michael Small, Nathaniel Phillip Hall, Talib Kweli Greene
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@IAMZiontheZodiacWolfREAL
To everyone who has returned to this song, welcome back😊❤
@kaywillz7720
I will never stop loving this song.
@Krum-Cola
Sounds so fresh everytime
@cassidyferdinand6435
It's like that man🙂
@godswiph
Imagine if an artist came out today with a whole album of tracks like this. Hip hop doesn’t have to be a war zone with bodies laid out all over the streets, does it? Just thinking out loud.
@KK-gn8nm
I keep thinking the same. Their music from Elephunk and Monkey Business that wasn't in mainstream was totally slept on, but it's soooo good. Today they'd be the coolest, like Anderson .Paak
@sp123
They weren't that type of rap group to talk about violent activity
@ig8083
Agreed. This was a fantastic band.
@bee8589
are yall forgetting how violent rap was between 1990-2010??? it never changed 💀
@silewis9396
@@bee8589 No more violent than the neighbourhoods