The beats sync with Talib Kweli's style the way that DJ Premeir's beats did for Guru (R.I.P). In Train of Thought Hi-Tek's beats have a new age jazz feel to them that are still unique anything being created today and much more complex and enjoyable than those in the Blackstar album. The Train of Thought album continues with some of the most clever lyrics in rap combined with a cohesion of beats, rhymes and overall production that is on par with Blackstar, an album which is considered by many as the best album of all time. The album is highly acclaimed,but didn't receive a significant amount of commercial attention, despite the success of the rap hits "Move Somethin'" and "The Blast".įans of the Blackstar album were blown away by Talib Kweli and Mos Def's subject matter that focused on positive issues like love, knowledge, determination and pride into a witty CD that is musically enjoyable from beginning to end. Kweli and Hi-Tek reconnected in 2000 for the release of their debut album, Train of Thought. Hi-Tek provided production for singles "Definition" and "Respiration" as well as song "Re:Definition" "Twice Inna Lifetime" and "(K.O.S) Determination". In 1998, Kweli and his high school friend, fellow Rawkus Records artist Mos Def, formed Black Star, and released their first, and only album, Black Star. The duo of emcee Talib Kweli and producer Hi-Tek met in 1997 Tek's native Cincinnati, Ohio.That same year, the two signed to the underground hip hop label Rawkus Records. Review Summary: Talib Kweli's best and most overlooked album.