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.
Prime Example
Talib Kweli Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am what you want to be but you can't though
Prime example
You cats can't flow but you get an "E" for effort
[from mah say till efforts we stay?] together reign forever
Please
You think I give a fuck about your Clown Posse? You insane!
Since I was tagging my name on the back of the train
Like my man in [Lahane?] packing the same
Little Gat that put me back in the frame of mind to say "Fuck the Five-O"
Let me explain the rhyme
Yo, cut the nice flow like Bob Marley
I'm the black star they probably follow my every move
Like I'm the son of John Gotti
Escape to Paris like a jazz man round midnight
[Queen?] banging like Josephine Baker raising the kids right
Attack the dreaming
Rap through the demons
See the situation and extract the meaning
Internationally known trees actually grown
Through the cracks in the sidewalk
See it in my walk
Hear it in my talk
Bet you cats feel it in my rap flow
You can throw me a spliff but you can keep your tobacco
[Chorus]
Are y'all with me tonight?
Et vou avec moi?
Y'all love the children and dance like a [labor?]
Say Ma where you goin' with that flavor
These cats ain't in my league, this here is major
Mind state of the art
Yeah I play my part with razor-sharp words
Shot straight for the heart
Beautiful like chords played on a harp with trumpets blaring
Angels preparing for the fate we all sharing at
One time or another through sunshine or thunder
Ain't got no time for the blunders
Then bond with one another to make the classical track
What? The battery in my back
I'm Eveready already plus magical [adapt?]
Like mushrooms from the plush womb of the sweet
The city workers pushing dust brooms in the street
We complete the cipher
Push up your lighter
Throw your vanity in the bonfire
[Chorus: x3]
Talib Kweli's "Prime Example" is a powerful song that brings together a mix of emotions, from anger to pride, and even hope. The song kicks off with the chorus, where Kweli declares himself to be what the others want to be but can't. He is a prime example of success, while others are struggling to keep up with their efforts. The verse that follows deals with a specific incident where a person belonging to the Clown Posse tried to undermine the rapper. Kweli goes on to address the situation, calling out the other person's behavior and reminding the listeners that he has been in the game for a long time, and he won't take shit from anyone.
The next section, "Are y'all with me tonight?" is Kweli's call to action for his audience to join him in making a difference. He sings about his love for children, dance, and flavor, calling out those who are not in his league. Kweli's mind state is described as "of the art," and he plays his part with razor-sharp words. A beautiful metaphor about chords played on a harp with trumpets blaring is used to describe the power of his art. Kweli emphasizes the importance of unity and urges the listeners to throw their vanity in the bonfire.
Overall, "Prime Example" is a powerful song that brings together a mix of emotions, from anger to pride and hope. The focus on unity and the importance of standing up for oneself and others is well established as Kweli uses his lyrics to inspire, motivate and bring people together.
Line by Line Meaning
I am what you want to be but you can't though
I represent greatness, a level of success and skill that many aspire to but cannot achieve.
Prime example
My success and skill make me a prime example of what many strive for.
You cats can't flow but you get an "E" for effort
Despite your lack of skill, you still try to succeed in the hip-hop industry.
Please
An expression showing that the previous line is not impressive.
You think I give a fuck about your Clown Posse? You insane!
I do not care about your music group, and it's ridiculous to assume that I would.
You acting like a journalist and racking my brain
You are asking me questions like a journalist, but you are not prepared for the insight that I can provide.
Since I was tagging my name on the back of the train
From a young age, I have been leaving my mark and building my reputation in the hip-hop world.
Like my man in [Lahane?] packing the same
Similar to my friend in Lahane who also gained success through hard work and diligence.
Little Gat that put me back in the frame of mind to say "Fuck the Five-O"
The gun that I carry as protection has reminded me that I do not need to rely on the police for assistance.
Let me explain the rhyme
I will provide insight into my creative process and the meaning behind my lyrics.
Yo, cut the nice flow like Bob Marley
I have a smooth and rhythmic flow similar to Bob Marley's music.
I'm the black star they probably follow my every move
Through my success and influence, I am a role model to many and my actions are watched carefully.
Like I'm the son of John Gotti
I am regarded with respect and admiration similar to how people viewed John Gotti's son.
Escape to Paris like a jazz man round midnight
I can escape to a place of beauty and creativity, similar to how a jazz musician might feel when performing late at night.
[Queen?] banging like Josephine Baker raising the kids right
My partner is strong and influential like Josephine Baker, and together we are raising our children to be successful and well-rounded individuals.
Attack the dreaming
I will pursue my goals and aspirations with aggressive determination.
Rap through the demons
I will use my music as a way to express and exorcise personal demons.
See the situation and extract the meaning
I am able to view any situation and understand the deeper meaning behind it.
Internationally known trees actually grown
I have achieved worldwide success and fame, and my roots are firmly planted in my hometown.
Through the cracks in the sidewalk
My success has grown from humble beginnings, much like a plant growing through small spaces.
See it in my walk
My confidence and success are evident in the way that I present myself and carry myself.
Hear it in my talk
My success is evident in my music and the way that I speak.
Bet you cats feel it in my rap flow
My success and skill as a rapper are evident in my flow and style.
You can throw me a spliff but you can keep your tobacco
I am willing to share a joint with you, but I am not interested in the tobacco you have to offer.
Et vou avec moi?
Do you understand me?
Y'all love the children and dance like a [labor?]
You love children and enjoy dancing.
Say Ma where you goin' with that flavor
I am interested in where you are going and what you have to offer.
These cats ain't in my league, this here is major
I am on a higher level than my peers and this level of success is significant.
Mind state of the art
My state of mind is creative and innovative.
Yeah I play my part with razor-sharp words
I use my lyrics to deliver sharp and insightful commentary.
Shot straight for the heart
My words are designed to deeply impact and provoke reaction from listeners.
Beautiful like chords played on a harp with trumpets blaring
My music is a harmonious and beautiful blend of different sounds and elements.
Angels preparing for the fate we all sharing at
There is a divine plan that we are all a part of.
One time or another through sunshine or thunder
We will all experience times of joy and happiness, as well as times of struggle and hardship.
Ain't got no time for the blunders
I am focused on success and do not have time for mistakes or setbacks.
Then bond with one another to make the classical track
We will come together to create a timeless and classic piece of music.
What? The battery in my back
My energy and drive come from within me.
I'm Eveready already plus magical [adapt?]
I have boundless energy and am able to adapt to any situation with ease.
Like mushrooms from the plush womb of the sweet
I have grown and developed in a nurturing and supportive environment.
The city workers pushing dust brooms in the street
I have emerged from a humble and hardworking background.
We complete the cipher
Together, we create a complete and harmonious circle of hip-hop music and culture.
Push up your lighter
Encouraging the audience to raise their lighters and feel the energy and positivity of the music.
Throw your vanity in the bonfire
Let go of your ego and embrace the collective spirit and energy of the hip-hop community.
Chorus: x3
The chorus repeats the main message of the song, emphasizing the message of success and skill in the hip-hop industry.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Bruno Coulais, Philippe Tristan Fragione, Talib Kweli
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sylvie Stocco
Ya que moi qui écoute ça !!??
Sébastien Belintani
@AMINE HAROURATE ouais la periode fin 2000 est rude mais depuis 2015 on au un nouvel âge d'or
Maitre Zoba
mdr depuis 2003 t'inquetes pas
AMINE HAROURATE
@Xavier Ancarno T pas le seul. Je suis pratiquement écuré du niveau depuis fin 2000, je me suis reconvertie dans le black metal.
Xavier Ancarno
Non cet album en rotation dans ma librairie musicale... j’ai 36 ans et le rap actuel m’ emm*rde royalement.
Car Acceleration Channel
fais partie de ma playlist depuis la fin des 90 ;-)