The Brooklyn-based MC earned his stripes as one of the most lyrically gifted, socially aware and politically insightful rappers to emerge in the last 20 years. Whether working with Yasiin Bey as one-half of Black Star, partnering with producer Hi-Tek for Reflection Eternal, releasing landmark solo material or collaborating with Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Just Blaze, J Dilla, or Madlib, Kweli commands attention by delivering top-tier lyricism, crafting captivating stories, and showing the ability to rhyme over virtually any type of instrumental. (MSR)