Those who respect lyricists understand that Talib Kweli is one of the great ones, especially when you factor in his Black Star work with Mos Def. And though the pair only connected for a single album, 1998’s Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, the album has endured as a classic, a fan favorite, and a testament to the pen game of both parties.

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To this day, there are those holding out hope that Black Star will drop off another album, as has been teased throughout the past few years. Now, Talib himself has confirmed that the pieces are coming together, and possibly rather soon. Speaking with Jimmy Fallon, with whom he actually shared a tent in Africa (“I learned a lot about white people living in a tent with you, Jimmy”), Kweli confirms that an upcoming Black Star album is actually in the final stages. He also reveals that it will be heavy on themes of racial inequality and black power, produced in its entirety by Madlib.

 “I got a new album with Diamond D,” says Talib. “Shout out legendary hip-hop producer Diamond D, but in the spirit of what we’re talking about, a lot of people have been hitting me up like ‘we need that Black Star album, we need that Black Star album.’ Me and Mos Def are in the final stages of the Black Star album. It’s produced completely by Madlib, so shoutout to Madlib and everybody at Oxnard. The new Black Star album is dealing with a lot of this subject matter. I’m working hard to get it out to the people.” 

Beat battles have been dominating Instagram Live feeds over the last week since everyone has been stuck inside. We recently saw Hit-Boy and Boi-1da go head-to-head which resulted in several the previews of unreleased song snippets from Nipsey Hussle, Big Sean, Drake, and Roddy Ricch. The-Dream and Sean Garrett hosted a live where things got tense and personal as they competed to see who had more hit singles.

The requests for match-ups have been running rampant on social media but the heads have really been wanting to see Madlib and Alchemist go head-to-head. Both producers have extensive catalogs filled with certified classic records with legendary rappers. Unfortunately, Alc doesn't want to step into the ring with Madlib. 

"Madlib would absolutely destroy me," Alchemist admitted to Elliot Wilson. "You crazy, man? I ain't going up against that man."

He added, "Madlib is like my idol, man. That's my brother, too. He's on another planet on his own. He's his own genre."

Though Alchemist doesn't want to face Madlib in a beat battle, he said that the current match-ups have been incredible for the culture. "I like what’s going on. Obviously, it’s entertainment for us all to see everybody flexing like that. And it’s really a celebration at the end of the day," he said before he was asked about going against Madlib.

Peep the clip below. 

Freddie Gibbs is the latest artist to bless his fans with a Vevo’s Ctrl performance. Gibbs took to the stage to perform “Soul Right” and “Cataracts” off his latest collaboration album with Madlib, Bandana. 

The Vevo’s Ctrl series has become very popular over the last year, with every artist bodying live renditions of their favourite songs. The performances are similar in intimacy and vibe, but are still different. The backdrop to these performances has been consistent: the corner of a warehouse, with a stage and incredible mood lighting. The atmosphere is perfect for artists to get comfortable and is perfect for fans to vibe out to at home. 

Freddie Gibbs received high acclaim for his work with Madlib on Bandana, with several hip-hop fans believing that it was the album of 2019. Almost a year later, the album is still making noise and will likely receive a second push after Gibbs’ performance of its deeper cuts. Although Gibbs is known for being one of the game’s best lyricists, he is still a very underrated performer. We’re expecting that to change, however, after people see the show he was able to put on at Vevo. 

What did you guys think of the performance?

News of this year’s Record Store Day comes after we learned from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) that last year, vinyl record sales were set to top “traditional” CDs for the first time in 30 years. 

We have all watched vinyl records steadily grow in popularity over the past few years, so it’s no surprise many of us are excited about the new and exclusive releases coming up. Our generation grew up on CDs, but have since chosen to embrace vinyl. I guess history does repeat itself, and old really does become new. 

Since 2007, Record Store Day has celebrated and promoted independent record stores across the United States. The initial reception was so good, that it has since become an internationally celebrated event. This year, on April 18, record stores across the world will have plenty of great music to share with their customers. 

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Artists such as Tyler, The Creator, Summer Walker, Billie Eilish, Chief Keef, and Freddie Gibbs & Madlib are just a few who will be commemorated this Record Store Day, however, there are hundreds more.

You can check out the full list of classic and current releases that are coming to shelves on April 18 here. 

Let us know what release you’re most excited for in the comments below!

Not every artist will be able to work with Madlib. He’s hailed as one of the most innovative producers in hip hop, a talent that has earned him the title of 2019’s Best Producer Alive by Complex. There are plenty of people who want to connect with the producer or get on one of his beats—and it isn’t an issue because Madlib just sends over the music. However, in order to work face-to-face with the superproducer, he says there has to be a unique connection.

“Usually, I just send music out. I don’t really get with the artists. So it takes a special person for me to come out the studio,” Madlib told Complex. His personal and professional relationship with acclaimed rapper Freddie Gibbs has been ongoing since 2011. Their 2019 release Bandana was a heavy contender in hip hop (and beyond) for album of the year. That may have been a praiseworthy project for fans, but Madlib shared that he has a few more collaborations on standby that will blow minds.

“I’m trying to do that album with Pusha-T,” Madlib stated, adding that they’re in the beginning stages of sending each other music. “I’m also working with the Griselda crew. All three of them are real dope. They’re bringing back that real New York sh*t.” He also talked about “No More Parties in L.A.” with Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West, adding that those two artists worked on a half-an-hour of music together.

“They did like 30 minutes of stuff, just going back and forth, going crazy. I heard it. Somebody played it on the phone, but I haven’t actually—,” Madlib said before being interrupted with a question about his desire to hear the songs. “Yeah. They were going off, too, man. Because I do my beat tapes like one-minute beats, and they were just, one minute on that one, that one, that one. It was crazy.”

If you’re waiting to hear those 30 one-minute tracks, don’t hold your breath. Madlib said he wouldn’t have a problem if Kanye wanted to release the songs, but he’s adamant that it will never happen. “Same with Mac Miller,” he added.