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.
Two & Two
Talib Kweli Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They wanna know (All you have to do)
Know how I do
Maybe you don't (All you have to do is call me, call me)
Why you playing, why you playing?
I be going like two and two
With some hot shit ready to spit for you
With the songs that you love just to get you through
Back in effect
I'm back to collect
Got the respect
Which will turn into the cash or a check
You can, pay me in fear, you can pay me with love
You can, pay me in tears or you can pay me in blood
Spray me with slugs, and the revolution live, I never die in vain
The writer might be dead but the piece remain on the train (yea)
The music help you be true to yourself, accumulate wealth
So what I spit is the embodiment I do for self
As a teen it was kinda hard to find a job
I took over my writer's bloc and ran it like a spot
I'm Pimp see in this game nigga, I'm a hard
But I'm never feasting on it, keep speaking on it God
That's what they say when I'm building, I keep my dialogue street
But still spiritual like we deep inside a mosque
Or the sin of God that don't preach or go where the sinners are
And keep the fire burning like a slum lord in the Bronx
[Chorus]
Rhyme writer from nine to five
It's the 25 to lifers with the balance of the acrobatic high wires
The pain of the slave with his back feeling like fire
Cause the whip talking to his ass like Knight Rider
Most of these rappers now days be sounding like liars
Got visions of guns in they head like the Pied Piper
When I bust they start to disappear like my lighters
Cause they shit is faker than the dreads on Mikah Phifer
The industry is in trouble
Plus these industry niggaz is fake, so they tend to be in a bubble
So I hit the block where they're known to thicken the plot
Sticking up cops, kids be pocket-picking they Glocks (my man)
Balling outta control, don't be forgetting that niggaz is broker than dishes at a Greek wedding
They might try to run up on you, take your life quick
It's like this when you walk the strip up on the night shift
[Chorus]
This right here the bare essentials with no extras y'all
I kept it raw from the school of thought where less is more
Brooklyn is cooking and I blessed it with the special sauce
I got the soul of a prophet and never take a loss
Fresher than kicks out the box, the kids on the block
That is street hungry trying to get that sweet honey out the rock
Crack in the socks when they click the row thicker than sour sop
Listening to my black power rock
Music, of this hip hop we be rock to it
I'm a river, you a valley, watch me run right through it
You wanna learn how to do it, tell the truth in your single first
Lil' Kim went to jail for what you do in every single verse (free Lil' Kim)
Lyrics is perjury, your beats is more plastic than surgery
And we in the United States of emergency
One of the main reasons none of you lames worry me
Is I change lanes like I change planes and change currency
[Chorus]
The lyrics of Talib Kweli's "Two & Two" song deal with his approach to the music industry and how he gained respect for his work. He starts by saying that people always ask him how he does it, and his response is simple: all you have to do is call him, and he will deliver. He stresses that he puts himself first and that he is always in control of his art. He reminisces on how his teenage years were challenging, finding a job was tough, but he overcame that and took over his writer's bloc, which he ran like a spot. He describes himself as a pimp-like figure in the industry, but he is not overconfident about it. He is always speaking about it with God's presence and significance in his life, which makes him more spiritual.
In the second verse, he talks about how most rappers nowadays are liars and try to portray an unrealistic picture. He compares them to the Pied Piper because they often make the audience's image of guns in their heads. He also hits out at the industry people who are fake and pretentious, which leads to their making mistakes. In contrast, he prefers going back to the roots and sticking to what he knows best - real street sounds. He shares his experiences growing up in Brooklyn and creating music, and he believes that the soul of a prophet should be maintained in every performance. He encourages other artists to be true to themselves and speak the truth in their every single verse.
Fact 1: "Two & Two" is a song from Talib Kweli's 2002 album, Quality.
Fact 2: Talib Kweli is a rapper, activist, and entrepreneur from Brooklyn, New York.
Fact 3: The song's music video was directed by Brian Beletic.
Fact 4: The song features production by Hi-Tek, who has worked with other prominent artists such as Common and Mos Def.
Fact 5: The song features a sample from the song "Good Old Music" by Funkadelic.
Fact 6: The song was featured in the 2003 film The Fighting Temptations.
Fact 7: In 2016, Talib Kweli performed "Two & Two" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Fact 8: The song's chorus is sung by an uncredited female vocalist.
Fact 9: Talib Kweli is known for his socially conscious lyrics and has been vocal about issues such as police brutality and racial injustice.
Fact 10: Talib Kweli has collaborated with notable artists such as Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, and Jay-Z.
Chords: N/A
Line by Line Meaning
They wanna know (All you have to do)
They are curious about me and want to know more about me. If they want to know, they just have to call me.
Know how I do
They want to understand what I do and how I do it.
Maybe you don't (All you have to do is call me, call me)
Perhaps they do not know yet, but all they have to do is ask me and I'll tell them.
Why you playing, why you playing?
Why are they pretending to not know something?
I be going like two and two
I am moving forward and progressing quickly, smoothly, and confidently.
With some hot shit ready to spit for you
I have some amazing lyrics and music prepared to share with my audience.
With the songs that you love just to get you through
My music is for my listeners to enjoy and to help them through difficult times.
Back in effect
I am back and ready to perform.
I'm back to collect
I am here to collect what is owed to me for my hard work and talent.
Got the respect
People respect me and my accomplishments.
Which will turn into the cash or a check
My reputation and respect will result in financial success.
You can, pay me in fear, you can pay me with love
People can pay me with negative or positive emotions and actions towards me.
You can, pay me in tears or you can pay me in blood
People can also pay me with sadness or violence towards me.
Spray me with slugs, and the revolution live, I never die in vain
Even if people try to harm or kill me, the revolution I stand for will still persist and I will not die in vain.
The writer might be dead but the piece remain on the train (yea)
Even if I were to die, my music and message will live on through my work and impact.
The music help you be true to yourself, accumulate wealth
My music can inspire people to be genuine with themselves and their values, which can lead to financial success.
So what I spit is the embodiment I do for self
What I write and perform represents my true self and values.
As a teen it was kinda hard to find a job
It was difficult for me to find work when I was younger.
I took over my writer's bloc and ran it like a spot
I took control of my creativity and worked on it as if it were a business.
I'm Pimp see in this game nigga, I'm a hard
I am a successful and respected figure in the music industry, and I work hard to maintain my position.
But I'm never feasting on it, keep speaking on it God
I am not content with my success and continue to work hard and speak about my values.
That's what they say when I'm building, I keep my dialogue street
People recognize my hard work and dedication, and I keep my communication and message relatable and authentic.
But still spiritual like we deep inside a mosque
I am still passionate and connected to my spirituality and heritage, despite my success in the industry.
Or the sin of God that don't preach or go where the sinners are
I am not afraid to address taboo or controversial topics, even if it may not be popular.
And keep the fire burning like a slum lord in the Bronx
My passion and drive to succeed is like the determination of a slum lord in a rough neighborhood to succeed and thrive.
Rhyme writer from nine to five
I spend most of my time writing and performing music to make a living.
It's the 25 to lifers with the balance of the acrobatic high wires
I am among the few talented and dedicated artists who have a lifelong passion for music and the skills to succeed in the industry.
The pain of the slave with his back feeling like fire
My music reflects the pain and struggle of those who have faced oppression and injustice.
Cause the whip talking to his ass like Knight Rider
The violence and abuse inflicted by oppressors and the forces of injustice are reminiscent of the talking car from the TV show Knight Rider.
Most of these rappers now days be sounding like liars
Many current rappers are not authentic and are not honest in their lyrics.
Got visions of guns in they head like the Pied Piper
Their lyrics and mentality are influenced by the idea of violence and power, like the character of the Pied Piper who led rats away with music.
When I bust they start to disappear like my lighters
When I start performing and showcasing my talent, these fake rappers disappear and lose attention like a lost lighter.
Cause they shit is faker than the dreads on Mikah Phifer
Their music and image are not authentic, like the fake dreadlocks worn by actor Mekhi Phifer.
The industry is in trouble
The music industry is in a difficult state and is facing challenges with talent and authenticity.
Plus these industry niggaz is fake, so they tend to be in a bubble
Many industry people are not genuine and surround themselves with others who are fake, creating a false reality.
So I hit the block where they're known to thicken the plot
I go to the streets where people are authentic and real to find inspiration for my music.
Sticking up cops, kids be pocket-picking they Glocks (my man)
People in the streets engage in illegal or violent behavior, such as robbing police officers or stealing guns.
Balling outta control, don't be forgetting that niggaz is broker than dishes at a Greek wedding
People may appear successful or rich, but in reality, they are struggling financially.
They might try to run up on you, take your life quick
People in the streets may resort to violence and try to harm or kill others.
It's like this when you walk the strip up on the night shift
People in the streets are particularly dangerous and unpredictable during the night shift.
This right here the bare essentials with no extras y'all
My music and lyrics are simple and straightforward, with no unnecessary elements or gimmicks.
I kept it raw from the school of thought where less is more
My music is inspired by the idea that simple, raw, and authentic expression is more powerful and effective than complex or polished work.
Brooklyn is cooking and I blessed it with the special sauce
My music and talent are part of the flourishing and unique cultural scene of Brooklyn, which I contribute to with my special style and authenticity.
I got the soul of a prophet and never take a loss
I have the spirit and passion of a prophet, who is dedicated to their message and will never give up or be defeated.
Fresher than kicks out the box, the kids on the block
My style and talent are innovative and refreshing, and are popular among young people in the streets.
That is street hungry trying to get that sweet honey out the rock
People in the streets are ambitious and determined to achieve success and wealth, even if it is challenging or risky.
Crack in the socks when they click the row thicker than sour sop
People in the streets have dangerous and illegal methods for hiding their money or drugs, such as hiding them in their socks.
Listening to my black power rock
My music is influenced by and promotes black power and activism.
Music, of this hip hop we be rock to it
My music is part of the hip hop genre and is appreciated and enjoyed by fans of the genre.
I'm a river, you a valley, watch me run right through it
I am a powerful and dynamic artist who can overcome any obstacle or challenge.
You wanna learn how to do it, tell the truth in your single first
If new artists want to be successful and respected, they should start by being honest and genuine in their music.
Lil' Kim went to jail for what you do in every single verse (free Lil' Kim)
Other artists may portray themselves as sexual or provocative, but Lil' Kim faced legal consequences for her actions in her music.
Lyrics is perjury, your beats is more plastic than surgery
Many current artists use fake or dishonest lyrics, and their music lacks authenticity or substance.
And we in the United States of emergency
The United States is in a state of crisis or emergency, which is reflected in the struggles and challenges of the music industry and society as a whole.
One of the main reasons none of you lames worry me
I am not afraid of or intimidated by any other artists who lack authenticity or originality.
Is I change lanes like I change planes and change currency
I am versatile and adaptable, and can quickly switch my style, location, or financial situation as needed.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: K ABDUL-RAHMAN, TALIB KWELI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind