The union of Talib Kweli and Hi Tek equates to putting poetry in motion. This duo, known as Reflection Eternal, took time in developing this album 'Train Of Thought.' And it shows as the jazz-laden beats promote a soulful feel that complements the myriad of themes the group portrays in their songs. The lyrical potency exhibited by Talib Kweli might best be reflected by one of his lines from 'Memories Live': "Dominant in my psyche, I choose my direction like Spike Lee to speak my life thru mics and I never take it lightly." Never once does, Talib Kweli take the microphone lightly. The lyrics often sound more like poetry, as each line spoken embraces the beat yielding a fluid flow. This philosophy was complemented with a tirade of lyrical gurus including Mos Def, De La Soul, Kool G Rap, Les Nubians, Rah Digga and Xzibit.

The first single, "Move Somethin'" is not as deep as most tracks. However, it serves to entice cats to return to their roots, bop their heads and move something. The beat grew on me hardcore. The lyrics are kept me listening too. "Eternalists" has a simple beat highlighted by an ear-catching piano riff. It discusses wack emcees and how Reflection Eternal got the game locked down. "Too Late" has a catchy tribal Africa feel as the theme of wack emcees is discussed again. "For Women" is lyrically potent. The stories weaved discuss all kinds of obstacles facing today's adolescent woman; everything from sexual abuse, sexual diseases to prostitution. "Good Mourning" struck me with a great message. Live your life to the fullest without getting pulled into the big city lights, drugs and money. I especially like the chorus line "...Everybody's time comes to be embraced by the light. You're only scared to die when you ain't livin right." "Down For The Count" features Rah Digga & Xzibit, so you know its ill. "On My Way" deals with love and relationships.

This is headphone music. When you embrace the lyrics, you don't even notice the beat. The fact that the beats are, for the most part, soulfully jazz-laden, adds to the whole image of the 'Train Of Thought.' Rawkus records is quickly becoming renown for keeping its lyricist on point. Talib Kweli is no exception. If you're looking for an album with hot up-tempo, club-laden beats, then 'Train Of Thought' is not for you. However, if you're looking to expand your intellect or are feeling the styles of artists such as Common, Mos Def, De La Soul, Guru's Jazzmatazz, etc., then this is album will prove pleasing.

www.brockwayent.com

(Originally posted on HipHopCanada.com)

This review was written November 25, 2000