Show Spotlight: Talib Kweli & Immortal Technique @ Baltimore Soundstage, 4/11
–Written by Mike Hogan
Hip-hop really is a remarkable outlet for the spoken word. It has such endless potential of expression, and the stripped down quality of the music itself lends itself to providing a spotlight on the lyrics. And over the years, there have been many that have truly mastered this craft of taking hip hop and turning it into a lyrical weapon; an instrument of social change, a soap box for political agendas, and a voice of entire cultures. And there are very few artists that have harnessed this power so fully and completely than two of most legendary names in New York underground hip hop, Talib Kweli and Immortal Technique.
Together, they have taken the social issues of their culture based out of New York City in the ’90s and ’00s and crafted their cause into an eloquent and powerful interweaving of words with a diction that would have made Shakespeare jealous. These two are, objectively speaking, some of the greatest, most intelligent, most forward thinking names in the history of hip hop.
They have both had an illustrious rise to acclaim over the years, and are continuing to go strong; Kweli has announced two new albums this year, a solo album entitled “Radio Silence” and a collaborative album with 9th Wonder. And Immortal Technique is presumably still working on “The Middle Passage”, but of course we’re going to have to continue waiting patiently for that one.
And to sweeten the deal even more, Talib Kweli and Immortal Technique are currently touring together, and will be hitting Baltimore Soundstage this Saturday, April 11th. This is a rare opportunity to catch some of the highest concentration of hip hop genius together in one room. I’m actually amazing this show isn’t at a larger venue, because these two are sure to put on a show that no one will be able to forget.
As of this writing, tickets are still available for only $23.50, but don’t sleep on this one, this is not a show to miss under any circumstances.
Talib Kweli – Get By
Immortal Technique – Dance With the Devil