The second full project offering from Talib Kweli and the elusive Madlib is a long awaited release considering the cult success of ‘Liberation.’ Kweli has been utilizing Madlib on albums dating back to 2007’s ‘Eardrum’ and a year prior to ‘Liberation 2,’ Madlib was the sole producer on the even more highly anticipated sophomore album from Black Star. ‘Liberation 2’ picks up right after that and continues a pattern of Talib Kweli records that seem to be annual releases from the M.C. Kweli will always delve into a subconscious and social awareness but there are a few new moments of awareness that address his online activity and instigators. Also this time around, Kweli’s progeny make an appearance, with his daughter Diani on ‘Air Quotes’ and son Amani on ‘After These Messages.’ Madlib provides his signature sound of dusty grooves with obscure audio clips as connecting interludes with songs. Even more satisfaction for HOP listeners is the pseudo-return of the Lootpack with Wildchild featured on ‘One For Biz.’ ‘Liberation 2’ is a solid record but does not seem to hold the same strength as the initial ‘Liberation’ album. Madlib’s album making seems to be best for rappers who are bit more simplistic in their rhymes. Madlib’s production is like free jazz and with Kweli’s more straightforward rhyming it often doesn’t seem to fit as well on this release. The first ‘Liberation’ felt more like a spur of the moment creation which is why it worked so well but this album might be a bit too calculated and ironically is why it doesn’t work as well as the first. ‘Liberation 2’ still is effective in providing another argument that age in Hip-Hop is not an “Achilles Heal” as neither Kweli or Madlib sound like they lost a step. What did you think of the album?
Singles include:
‘After These Messages,’ ‘Best Year Ever,’ ‘Air Quotes,’ ‘Nat Turner,’ ‘Richies Part Two,’ ‘One For Biz’ & ‘The Right To Love Us’
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