TALIB KWELI >> RIGHT ABOUT NOW. BLACKSMITH 2005   The week of November 26th, the very week that Talib Kweli's latest release hit the streets, Billboard's hip-hop charts were dominated by the likes of Dem Franchise Boys and 50 Cent. To judge rap music by these contemporaries would be like measuring Mexican cuisine by a frozen 7-11 burrito. Marketing and exposure play such a ridiculous role in the world of hip-hop/ R&B, that the ever-flowing Kweli only hit #113 weeks later.   You have to dig a little deeper than TRL to find Kweli. He's the former partner of the multitalented Mos Def (who makes his own contribution on this mix), from the iconic Black Star. Right About Now, Kweli's third solo album in two years, bolsters his heroic status with the same urgency. Kweli shies from the classification of a political rapper, but his lyrical intellect lifts him above today's holla-back-krunk vocals. Expect more simple beat structures, samples and loops, without losing any of the Brooklyn intensity. The album opens with sure underground favorites, the title track nodding to his influences, "following the example of De La Soul, ...Common and The Roots, to me, these are the sickest niggaz," he illustrates that he is clearly steeped in the traditions laid down by the legendary Okayplayer and Native Tongue crews. "Drugs, Basketball And Rap," explores the urban triumvirate so often stereotyped, while on "Ms. Hill," he rhymes to ex-Fugee Lauren Hill, offering support for her tumultuous relationship with the media. The last two tracks are a shade more R&B, not unlike the inspiring cameo by Mary J. Blige on Kweli's "Beautiful Struggle." Indie Femcee Jean Grae smoothly handles the mic duties in "Where You Gonna Run?"   If you're into MC's who are conscious of technique and style, you already know where to look. Still think hip-hop is all bling-bling and flash? Thought wrong, so you better check out Kweli. By Jon Coen

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