For Your Ear Hole: Talib Kweli - Ear Drum

While it certainly doesn't touch Black Star, Reflection Eternal, or Quality, Ear Drum is a welcome return to form for Talib Kweli after his underwhelming Beautiful Struggle. It stumbles a couple times, mostly thanks to will.i.am and Justin Timberlake on Say Something and The Nature respectively, but has an equal amount of highlights. Madlib's trio of tracks infuse the album with nostalgic soul, including Soon the New Day, which features a warm and sultry hook by Norah Jones. Pete Rock twists an Elton John sample into the hard hitting Holy Moly and the flute laced Listen!!! by Kwame is certainly the most movement inducing track. The requisite Kanye West appearance will get you In the Mood with its laid back groove and Kweli and KRS-One rip apart Bob Marley's Do It Twice on The Perfect Beat. While it seems Talib can't quite stay away from trying to drift in the mainstream, Ear Drum should still keep the backpack fans happy. It's not overflowing with bangers and head nodders, but it is a smooth listen with only a couple necessary skips. (B)