Talib Kweli Addresses Boston Bombing

Brooklyn Talib Kweli shared his feelings in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing that took place two days ago. In a statement to SOHH, Kweli explained that Americans should recognize the violent reality that most of the world faces daily.

"First off, it's a tragedy. There was an eight-year-old boy who was one of the two people killed amongst the 150 or so injured and it's just a shame to see something like that.

The Howard Zinn quote [I posted on Twitter] speaks to the loss of innocent life and how much of a shame it is. It's important to note that the quote I quoted from Howard Zinn was not in criticizing some Middle East terrorism situation, it was him criticizing our own government, the United States government.

We bomb innocent people, we kill innocent people all the time. As a matter of fact, just yesterday the United States, we had a bomb that killed 20 people at a wedding in Afghanistan. This wasn't a military thing. This was a mistake and we killed 20 innocent people. You never see stories like that on the news. 37 innocent people were killed in Iraq yesterday. We can't place the blame directly on the United States but we certainly got involved in Iraqi conflict.

So it's important to remember that we live in a world that innocent people die from stuff like this all the time. American life is not worth more than anyone's lives. So violence begets violence. If we want to see the end of violence now, we have to stop being so violent in other people's countries.

What we're seeing are the consequences of these situations. The world is now catching up to us. We now have to live in a world that everyone else has to live in. So because everyone else has to worry about suicide bombers and bombings on home soil, because we choose to participate in that for our own interests, we now have to deal with the same atrocities.

I'm not down with war at all. I'm not a pacifist but war and that type of behavior, whoever did that in Boston, that is like the worse in human humanity. That's like the most uncivilized we can be. To use violence on that level proves that we're still barbarians. We're not civilized."

Black Star Planning To Record In Africa

Talib Kweli and Mos Def (now known as Yasiin Bey), also known as Black Star, have revealed that they are prepping to record a follow-up to their 1998 classic self-titled album. The duo hopes to record the project in Africa.

"It's in the ether," said Black smith Records CEO Corey Smyth. "We've had a few false starts in the past, but it just feels right this time."

The Black Star album helped solidify Kweli and Mos as two of the most gifted and insightful emcees in hip hop. After its release, they both focused on their burgeoning solo careers. While they still would perform as Black Star on occasion, there was no official 'Black Star' music recorded.

Talib Kweli Praises Tyler Perry?

Brooklyn rapper Talib Kweli voiced his support for Tyler Perry's films and Tyler's decision to cast Kim Kardashian in his upcoming film The Wedding Planner. Kweli says people are being ridiculous is some of their criticisms of the controversial-but-very-successful director. "That’s the dumbest thing I’ve heard all day. I don’t know what the film is about, but she may be perfect for the role," Kweli said. "Maybe she’s not perfect for the role, but he cast her because when you put her in a movie, people are going to come see her. Either way, it’s a win-win for him; either way, it’s a good decision on his part. I’ve got respect for any businessman who employs some of my favorite artists, from Cicely Tyson to Taraji P. Henson, all of these women have gotten checks from Tyler Perry. Tyler Perry has been supporting the Black actress more than anyone in Hollywood. Whether you agree with him or not, whether you like his movies or not." "But we’re not talking about quality plots or storylines and this and that. But the idea that you boycott? First of all, if you’re the type of person who cares about race issues, then you need to respect that man for what he’s done for Black actors," he added. "I’m talking as a working artist, not as a community leader. Personally, I’m not a fan per se of his films, but I damn sure know why they work. And if you are a fan of his films, you don’t have any business worried about if he casts Kim Kardashian, that’s a great idea."

Brooklyn rapper Talib Kweli voiced his support for Tyler Perry's films and Tyler's decision to cast Kim Kardashian in his upcoming film The Wedding Planner. Kweli says people are being ridiculous is some of their criticisms of the controversial-but-very-successful director.

"That’s the dumbest thing I’ve heard all day. I don’t know what the film is about, but she may be perfect for the role," Kweli said. "Maybe she’s not perfect for the role, but he cast her because when you put her in a movie, people are going to come see her. Either way, it’s a win-win for him; either way, it’s a good decision on his part. I’ve got respect for any businessman who employs some of my favorite artists, from Cicely Tyson to Taraji P. Henson, all of these women have gotten checks from Tyler Perry. Tyler Perry has been supporting the Black actress more than anyone in Hollywood. Whether you agree with him or not, whether you like his movies or not."

"But we’re not talking about quality plots or storylines and this and that. But the idea that you boycott? First of all, if you’re the type of person who cares about race issues, then you need to respect that man for what he’s done for Black actors," he added. "I’m talking as a working artist, not as a community leader. Personally, I’m not a fan per se of his films, but I damn sure know why they work. And if you are a fan of his films, you don’t have any business worried about if he casts Kim Kardashian, that’s a great idea."

Talib Kweli Working On Book, Album

Talib Kweli is working on a new book while touring and working on his upcoming album. The Brooklyn rapper isn't giving too many details about the album, Prisoner of Conscious; but revealed that he has a full slate of activity for the remainder of the year.

“This is how I make my money. On the road, having Blacksmith music, making music, working on my book, and other things that I am working on. I enjoy being on the road and writing this book and other things I am involved in,” Talib Kweli told AllHipHop. “I enjoy being on the road and the essence of MCing is the Master of Ceremony. In order to master the ceremony, you have to be at the ceremony."

Talib also spoke about his relationship with Mos Def and the status of the long-awaited Black Star reunion.

“I think what it is with him is really trying to explore ownership and really trying to explore the best way for us to put out an album that is based on the creative love for the music, rather than based on the demand from the fans," Talib said. "As much as this is a business, music is not made because of supply and demand. Music is made from your heart, and we just got to do it because its right and not just because there is a demand for it. But I want to hear it too.” Talib Kweli expects to release Prisoner of Conscious later this summer.

Rock the Bells Lineup Announced

The Rock the Bells 2011 Festival lineup has been announced. Series. This year's event, presented by Boost Mobile, will feature the usual bevy of stars, including Ms. Lauryn Hill, Nas, Cypress Hill, Mos Def & Talib Kweli, Raekwon & Ghostface Killah.

The stars will be performing their most beloved classic albums in their entirety; a relatively new tradition that began last year. Lauryn Hill will perform The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, while Cypress Hill will perform Black Sunday, Mobb Deep will perform The Infamous, Black Star will perform Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star, and Nas will treat the crowd to a performance of his masterpiece, 1994's Illmatic, alongside DJ Premier, Pete Rock and AZ.

“For years people have been asking me to do Illmatic in so many ways, from stage plays to movies to books, but the time wasn't right. Where music is going now, the time is right,” said Nas in a statement. "This will be my biggest production and it only makes sense to do it on the best rap tour which also happens to be a brand I've built and am a partner in. Can't wait to kill it with my comrades AZ, Premo & Pete Rock!"

The 8th annual RTB festival will also feature the Paid Dues Stage, curated by Murs, the GrindTime Now Stage (showcasing battles), and the 36 Chambers Stage, featuring Wu-Tang Clan members and affiliates. “I am excited that I once again have the privilege of hosting the Paid Dues Stage,” he said. “We will have the honor of showcasing some of the best talent in independent hip hop as part of the worlds largest and longest running hip hop festival... the Paid Dues stage is gonna be the one to watch this year.”

Rock the Bells 2011 will be hitting San Bernadino and Mountainview, CA, Boston and New York City.

Talib Kweli Announces Tour Dates

Talib Kweli has announced official tour dates for his "Gutter Rainbows" Tour. The tour is in support of the album, which was released in January to acclaim.

Kweli will be touring across country, making stops all over California and the Pacific Northwest before traveling through the Midwest and South and finally heading up the east coast.

Kweli will be making stops in Reno, NV, Portland, OR, Los Angeles, Phoenix, AZ, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Philadelphia and New York among many other cities. California rhymer Fashawn has been announced as an opening act on part of the tour--presumably the beginning west coast swing, though no confirmations have been released.

Soulja Boy Receives Support

Soulja Boy's younger brother's death shocked the young rapper and several fans and other hip hop notables reached out offering their condolences. Soulja Boy's little brother died in a car accident on Monday (March 21), and the rapper shared his grief via Twitter. Talib Kweli, Sean Kingston and Young Buck were among those offering support in the wake of the tragedy.

"@SouljaBoy Hold ya head homie. God got him now. Stay Strong!!," Young Buck tweeted Monday. "RT @CEOMiamiMike: R.I.P. to @Souljaboy little brother who passed-way in a auto crash last nite :-( (sending prayers to Soulja Boy family)," Kweli also tweeted. "Smh life is really short man," shared Kingston. "Why do the good die young smh @SouljaBoy keep your head up stay strong..Ima keep u in my prayers bro realtalk."

Talib Kweli On Wyclef Incident

After news broke that Wyclef Jean had been involved in a violent incident in Haiti while campaigning for Haitian presidential hopeful Michael Martelly, fellow hip hop star Talib Kweli offered words of support and solidarity for the former Fugee star.

"WTF? We NEED Wyclef," he tweeted. "All yall talking about calm down its only his hand would change yall tune if someone was trying to murder you. They wasnt goin for his hand. We love Wyclef. Glad he's ok. The man sacrifices for his people."

NEW MUSIC Red Cafe Ft. Talib Kweli - I Luv (Produced by Pete Rock)