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.
Wait For You
Talib Kweli Lyrics
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No hesitation ain't no time for playing games
Go head and take all you can and grab with both hands
Do it big or they won't even know your name
While the getting is good you do what you do
No hesitation ain't no time for playing games
Go head and take all you can and grab with both hands
Do it big or they won't even know your name
What are you doing with your life your time on earth is sacred
The time you spend at your plantation is it worth the paper
Its like you working for Nathan the money's circulating
Can't pay your mortgage but you buying bottles perpetrating
Chill with them threatening raps
You sound lame you a snake you made the plane with your venomous acts
They call me Gentleman Sav because I back Miss Congeniality like Benjamin Bratt
Attracting chicks like famine to fat
While you only deal with the bitches I deal with the realest women
And still how they feel the rhythm in they mid section
When they blessed with the child bearing hips
Softest pair of lips is when they hair get flipped
I love my culture and heritage keep me from being derelict
Invested in myself like this was Merrill Lynch
Been waiting for my second coming like I'm heaven sent
Even though I'm not your savior I grace you with my benevolence
Better get it while the getting is good you do what you do
No hesitation ain't no time for playing games
Go head and take all you can and grab with both hands
Do it big or they won't even know your name
While the getting is good you do what you do
No hesitation ain't no time for playing games
Go head and take all you can and grab with both hands
Do it big or they won't even know your name
My style is unfadeable and hater proof I'll slay the proof
I'm known to interrupt the program like late breaking news
Some say its only egg heads that I cater to
But wait a few in order to make an omelet I gotta break a few
My plate is full I wasn't suppose to be here but I made it through
My reputation grew I left blood on the stage for you
How dare you say that my commitment is debatable
I'm married to the music you rhythm then I'm a slave to you
Commercial artist so relatable consumer appetite is insatiable
I could do what they could do easily
But then they say Kweli be seeming fake to you
Record sales ain't making you money is motivating you
The artist gotta lead I hope the fan base stay with you
The products shoddy if you rush it for the paper true
D'Angelo and Sade they take a decade or two
Keep that good music coming and they'll wait for you
Better get it while the getting is good you do what you do
No hesitation ain't no time for playing games
Go head and take all you can and grab with both hands
Do it big or they won't even know your name
While the getting is good you do what you do
No hesitation ain't no time for playing games
Go head and take all you can and grab with both hands
Do it big or they won't even know your name
In Talib Kweli's "Wait for You," he is encouraging his listeners to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves in life. The lyrics advise that it's important to act quickly and seize the moment. Kweli emphasizes that there's no time for playing games, that you need to go all out and grab everything you can with both hands. He warns against wasting time at a dead-end job, implying that our time here on earth is too precious to squander in such a way. He encourages his listeners to invest in themselves, to value their heritage, and to stand by the choices they've made.
Line by Line Meaning
Better get it while the getting is good you do what you do
Make the most of opportunities that come your way.
No hesitation ain't no time for playing games
Don't waste any time on doubt or second-guessing yourself.
Go head and take all you can and grab with both hands
Be bold and go after what you want with everything you've got.
Do it big or they won't even know your name
Achieve greatness or remain unknown and unnoticed.
What are you doing with your life your time on earth is sacred
Reflect on the value and purpose of your life.
The time you spend at your plantation is it worth the paper
Consider if your work is truly fulfilling and worth your time.
Its like you working for Nathan the money's circulating
Your money is being controlled and circulated by those in power.
Can't pay your mortgage but you buying bottles perpetrating
Don't pretend to be something you're not, especially if you can't afford it.
Chill with them threatening raps
Avoid using aggressive language and instead focus on being positive and uplifting.
You sound lame you a snake you made the plane with your venomous acts
Your negative behavior is holding you back and turning others against you.
They call me Gentleman Sav because I back Miss Congeniality like Benjamin Bratt
I am known for supporting kind and honorable people, and am likened to a gentleman.
Attracting chicks like famine to fat
I have a magnetic personality that draws people to me.
While you only deal with the bitches I deal with the realest women
I choose to surround myself with respectable and genuine individuals.
And still how they feel the rhythm in they mid section
People enjoy and are moved by the music I create.
When they blessed with the child bearing hips
Women with curvy figures particularly enjoy my music.
Softest pair of lips is when they hair get flipped
There is an intimate and sensual connection between my music and my listeners.
I love my culture and heritage keep me from being derelict
My background and upbringing are important to me and help me stay grounded.
Invested in myself like this was Merrill Lynch
I have high self-worth and believe in investing in myself.
Been waiting for my second coming like I'm heaven sent
I am eagerly anticipating my own personal growth and development.
Even though I'm not your savior I grace you with my benevolence
I strive to be a positive influence on those around me.
My style is unfadeable and hater proof I'll slay the proof
I am confident in my musical style and am unaffected by criticism.
I'm known to interrupt the program like late breaking news
My music and persona stand out and have a strong impact on people.
Some say its only egg heads that I cater to
Some people believe that my music is only appreciated by intellectuals.
But wait a few in order to make an omelet I gotta break a few
Making progress and achieving success often requires taking calculated risks and making sacrifices.
My plate is full I wasn't suppose to be here but I made it through
I have been through difficult times but have persevered and achieved success.
My reputation grew I left blood on the stage for you
I have worked hard and given everything I have to my music.
How dare you say that my commitment is debatable
Don't question my dedication to my craft.
I'm married to the music you rhythm then I'm a slave to you
Music is my life and passion and I am fully committed to it.
Commercial artist so relatable consumer appetite is insatiable
As a popular musician, I strive to relate to and satisfy the demands of my fans.
I could do what they could do easily
I am highly skilled and capable in my craft.
But then they say Kweli be seeming fake to you
Some people believe that my popularity makes my music seem inauthentic.
Record sales ain't making you money is motivating you
Financial gain should not be the sole motivation for making music.
The artist gotta lead I hope the fan base stay with you
As a musician, I have a responsibility to set a positive example for my fans.
The products shoddy if you rush it for the paper true
It is important to prioritize quality over profit.
D'Angelo and Sade they take a decade or two
Some musicians take a long time between albums, but their fans remain loyal and patient.
Keep that good music coming and they'll wait for you
If I continue to create quality music, my fans will remain loyal and supportive.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FRED BRIDGES, RICARDO WILLIAMS, ROBERT EATON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind