Description
Two of Hip Hops most cherished icons, Talib Kweli and 9th Wonder have come together to create what undoubtedly will go down as an instantly classic album. INDIE 500 features an All Star supporting cast, including Problem, Slug (of Atmosphere), Rapsody, Pharaoh Monch, Brother Ali, Hi-Tek, NIKO IS and more.
After exploding on to the scene as one half of the legendary Black Star alongside Mos Def in 1998, Talib Kweli quickly followed up in 2000 with the album Train of Thought, his collaborative effort with producer Hi-Tek. As fans,critics and his peers unanimously agreed, Kweli was cemented as one of hip hops top lyricists and continued to release one acclaimed album after another - garnering direct praise from Jay-Z on his song Moment of Clarity from Jay-Zs classic The Black Album.
Meanwhile as the early 2000s progressed, a new trio was bursting on the scene from North Carolina known as Little Brother. Behind the boards of this trio was producer 9th Wonder, who very quickly established himself as one of hip hops best producers. As their 2003 album The Listening reached a fever pitch, 9th Wonders buzz became so hot he claimed a highly coveted production spot as well on Jay-Zs The Black Album.
Ive always been a fan of collectives, like Native Tongues and the Dungeon Family, explains Kweli. INDIE 500 is a tribute to the spirit of unity exemplified by some of great hip hop artists that influenced us. Collectives are nothing new to the two, who have both successfully run their own labels in Blacksmith, Javotti (Kweli) and Jamla (9th Wonder), helping to break a number of popular artists over the years.
After exploding on to the scene as one half of the legendary Black Star alongside Mos Def in 1998, Talib Kweli quickly followed up in 2000 with the album Train of Thought, his collaborative effort with producer Hi-Tek. As fans,critics and his peers unanimously agreed, Kweli was cemented as one of hip hops top lyricists and continued to release one acclaimed album after another - garnering direct praise from Jay-Z on his song Moment of Clarity from Jay-Zs classic The Black Album.
Meanwhile as the early 2000s progressed, a new trio was bursting on the scene from North Carolina known as Little Brother. Behind the boards of this trio was producer 9th Wonder, who very quickly established himself as one of hip hops best producers. As their 2003 album The Listening reached a fever pitch, 9th Wonders buzz became so hot he claimed a highly coveted production spot as well on Jay-Zs The Black Album.
Ive always been a fan of collectives, like Native Tongues and the Dungeon Family, explains Kweli. INDIE 500 is a tribute to the spirit of unity exemplified by some of great hip hop artists that influenced us. Collectives are nothing new to the two, who have both successfully run their own labels in Blacksmith, Javotti (Kweli) and Jamla (9th Wonder), helping to break a number of popular artists over the years.
