By Malice Intended

A decade ago, Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek formed the duo Reflection Eternal and released Train of Thought.  The LP was surprisingly cohesive, rivaling Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star in terms of quality.  After that, Talib and Hi-Tek went their separate ways.  However, the pair have taken a page from the Roberta Flack songbook and gotten back together again. This March they will unleash their latest offering; Revolutions per Minute  on a marketplace that is decidedly different from the one Train of Thought was introduced into.  But with some updates to their sound, the duo have managed to meld the old with the new to present one hell of a first course to prepare heads for Reflections Eternals sophomore effort. 

After the standard introduction, things get off to a lively start with the title track “Revolutions Per Minute”.  The horns, violins and tambourines suggest a classic Motown vibe. The track itself plays like a reverent yet festive ode to returning heroes.  As if without warning, Talib unleashes his rapid fire spit over the track, daring the listener to keep up.   

Things turn grim on “In This World”, with its plodding drums and sinister monotone bass line.  The looped vocals during the hook emanate the somber vibe of an old spiritual.  The mood picks up somewhat with the equally sinister but more upbeat “Hip-Hop”, with its rapid percussion and moog keys.  Talib’s verse is a pastiche of social commentary and boasting. 

The vibe continues with the instantly appealing “Back Again”.  The tempo is sped up, and the soft female voice crooning over the relentless bongos instantly gets the head nodding.  Talib and Hi-Tek are clearly going for mass appeal with this one, and the attempt is thankfully unforced. 

“Wishing on a Star” interpolates vocals from the Rose Royce classic “Wishing on a Star” over the instantly recognizable instrumental for “Sucker M.C.’s (Krush-Groove 1)” by Run DMC.  The track continues the theme of soft R&B vocals over rugged beats.  Talib adjusts his flow accordingly, mimicking the cadence of Run’s classic verse.   

“Just Begun” featuring Jay Electronica, J. Cole and Mos Def is another clear winner.  A single horn note unfolds over crispy boom-bap style drums.  The loop is super repetitive and produces a hypnotic feel.  All MC’s bring their A-game, with Jay Electronica emerging victorious. 

“Come Around” featuring Termanology and Royce da 5’9 coasts on a similar vibe, substituting the horns of “Just Begun” for looped vocals.  The end result isn’t as effective but still dope.  “Internet Connection”, a collaboration with Bootsy Collins, successfully recreates an early 1980’s R&B vibe, complete with electric funk keyboards and earthy bass lines.  It’s another attempt at broader appeal that feels easy and unforced. 

The spare “Let It Go” featuring Dion offers a safe neo soul vibe, with its minimalist approach to the production.  Light keys over electronic bass lines and busy drums.  Dion’s vocals feel right at home.  “Testify” features Styles P. kicking conscious lyrics over the sample from A Tribe Called Quests “Luck of Lucien,” which Hi-Tek infuses with a shot of adrenaline, kicking up the pitch just a tad. 

The serene “Can We Go Back” effectively sets us up for the second half, which is a collection of some of the better known offerings from Talib, Reflection Eternal and Black Star.  We are treated to classics such as “Respiration”, “Definition” and “Get By” among others.   

Though some of the new songs work better than others, there is nothing truly substandard or wack.  If anything, Talib and Hi-Tek seem to have effectively updated their formula without abandoning what made Train of Thought appealing. 

The RE:union functions exactly as it should, giving us a peek at what’s to come while reminding us why we want to attend the party in the first place.  Talib and Hi-Tek’s skills have thankfully not atrophied, and they seem intent on adding to their legacy rather than simply coasting on their reputations.  If this mixtape is any indication, Revolutions Per Minute should be one of the highlights of 2010. 

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Out of 5

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