Talib Kweli Releasing Ear Drum Summer '07

Talib Kweli will release his highly anticipated album, Ear Drum on July 24 according to sources, who also say that this will be a definitive work in the Brooklyn rapper's career, showcasing advanced lyricism and pristine musical taste. Ear Drum will be Kweli's first album released on his own label, Blacksmith Music (and Warner Bros. Records).

The image of the ear and of the drum...are powerful enough by themselves, but put them together and its an instrument in your body that helps you hear," said Kweli about the title. "Theyre also two very simple, yet powerful words. I wanted to focus on finding a sound that makes you move, and thats where the word eardrum popped in my head."

With lyrical content touching on life's journeys and struggles, listeners can look forward to collaborations with UGK, Norah Jones and Blacksmith recording artist, Jean Grae.

Production skills will be lent by various supreme beatsmiths including Kanye West, will.i.am, Madlib and Hi-Tek.

"We need to challenge our audience, said Kweli about his decision to collaborate with a motley crew of artists and producers. He continued," But we also need to challenge ourselves to know that whatever our new experiences are, we can write about them, be creative, and bring that to an audience without them feeling alienated."

Ear Drum is expected to solidify Kweli's position as one of Hip-Hop's most talented, respected and important voices.