Talib Kweli, the Brooklyn-based MC known for his sharp socio-political commentary and intricate lyricism, remains one of hip-hop's most vital and active voices. As of December 2025, the rapper is not just reflecting on his legendary career with Mos Def in Black Star, but is actively shaping the future of underground hip-hop through new album releases, extensive touring, and a high-profile legal battle that continues to draw headlines.

The veteran artist has had a particularly busy period, marked by significant new music, including a collaborative album released in late 2024, and a packed schedule of live performances stretching deep into 2025. This comprehensive look dives into the most recent updates on Kweli's career, his ongoing controversies, and the enduring legacy of his work.

Talib Kweli: The Complete Biography and Profile

Talib Kweli Greene is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and activist who has been a prominent figure in the conscious hip-hop movement since the late 1990s. His name, Talib, is Arabic for "seeker" or "student," and Kweli is Swahili for "truth," a moniker that perfectly encapsulates his artistic mission.

• Full Name: Talib Kweli Greene
• Born: October 3, 1975
• Hometown: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
• Years Active: 1995 – Present
• Education: Graduated from New York University (NYU) with a degree in Experimental Theater.
• Key Collaborations: Mos Def (as Black Star), Hi-Tek (as Reflection Eternal), Madlib, J. Rawls, Diamond D.
• Associated Labels: Rawkus Records, Geffen Records, Warner Bros. Records, Javotti Media (his own label).
• Notable Albums: Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star (1998), Train of Thought (2000), Quality (2002), The Beautiful Struggle (2004), Liberation (2007), Liberation 2 (2024), The Confidence of Knowing (2024).
• Signature Style: Known for his lyrically gifted, socially aware, and politically insightful verses, often exploring themes of social justice, Black culture, and global politics.

The 2024 Music Renaissance: Two Major Album Releases

Kweli’s commitment to releasing high-quality, thought-provoking music has not slowed down. In 2024, he delivered two significant projects, cementing his status as one of the most prolific rappers in the game.

The Confidence of Knowing (2024)

One of the freshest updates is the release of his collaborative album with producer J. Rawls, titled The Confidence of Knowing, which dropped on September 13, 2024.

This project marks a renewed partnership with J. Rawls, a producer known for his soulful, boom-bap sound, creating a perfect backdrop for Kweli's complex narratives. The album has been highlighted for its classic hip-hop feel, blending intricate lyrical content with smooth, jazz-inflected beats. The collaboration also led to the release of a new track and video, "Breath, Eyes, Memory," further promoting the LP.

Liberation 2 with Madlib

Also released in 2024 was Liberation 2, a highly anticipated sequel to his 2007 collaboration with legendary producer Madlib.

The album was a notable moment in the music industry for its distribution model, defying conventional industry norms and signaling a new era of artist autonomy. It featured a star-studded lineup of collaborators, including Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), Q-Tip, Roc Marciano, and even comedian Dave Chappelle, who contributed to the single "COMMUNITY."

Kweli continues to work on new material, as evidenced by his performance of a new, unreleased song during a live show at the Atlanta City Winery in August 2024. He also released a new track, "Native Sons Part 2," featuring several iconic figures in hip-hop, showcasing his dedication to collaboration and the preservation of the genre's roots.

The Ongoing Legal Battle: The Jezebel Lawsuit

Beyond the music, Talib Kweli has been embroiled in a significant and ongoing legal saga that has been a major point of discussion in the hip-hop and media worlds. This legal action stems from a 2020 article published by the website Jezebel.

The rapper filed a lawsuit against Jezebel, claiming that the 2020 story, which focused on his alleged online harassment of a woman, caused him severe emotional distress and led him into a depression.

Kweli, who filed the claim himself, alleged that the website "took advantage of Talib and used him as a guinea pig" to clarify issues of online harassment. The lawsuit is a complex case that brings to the forefront debates about celebrity, online conduct, and the responsibility of media outlets, ensuring Kweli remains a figure at the center of cultural conversations even outside of his music.

2025 Tour Dates and Live Performances

Fans eager to see the veteran MC perform his new material and classic hits from Black Star and Reflection Eternal are in luck, as Kweli has a robust schedule of live performances planned for 2025.

Kweli is known for his dynamic stage presence and his ability to deliver powerful, high-energy shows, often performing with a live band. His 2025 tour schedule includes several major cities across the U.S.:

• July 25, 2025: Dallas, Texas (Trees)
• August 10, 2025: Chicago, Illinois (City Winery)
• October 15, 2025: Lansing, Michigan (Grewal Hall)
• Various Dates: Salt Lake City, Utah, and other locations are also listed on his official website.

These live dates ensure that the spirit of conscious hip-hop continues to thrive on stage, giving audiences a chance to experience the depth of his discography, which includes seminal tracks from his work with Mos Def and Hi-Tek.

The Enduring Legacy of Black Star and Lyrical Activism

While Kweli’s solo career and collaborations like the one with J. Rawls are current, his legacy is inseparable from the duo Black Star, formed with fellow Brooklyn rapper Mos Def (now Yasiin Bey). Their 1998 debut, Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star, is considered a definitive album of the underground hip-hop era.

The duo’s work, alongside Kweli’s partnership with producer Hi-Tek as Reflection Eternal, established him as a leading voice in Afrocentric rap. Kweli’s lyrical focus often delves into social issues, a theme he has consistently championed, even wading into controversies involving other major artists like Rick Ross and Lil Wayne regarding their lyrical content.

His commitment to activism is also reflected in his recent collaborations, such as the track "COMMUNITY," which features comedians and activists like Dave Chappelle and Mo Amer, using his platform to promote dialogue and cultural commentary. This dedication to truth-seeking, as his name suggests, is what keeps the "Kweli rapper" relevant and essential in modern music and cultural discourse.