Blacksmith

In the midst of Imus and the "Hip-Hop Is Dead" hoopla that has surrounded hip-hop in 2007, a bevy of 'conscious' emcees have seemingly taken it upon themselves to 'save' hip-hop. A noble idea, but in the case of Eardrum, the sixth effort from Brooklyn's own Talib Kweli, the reach exceeds the grasp. Kweli's flow is flawless throughout, and there are many highlights, including the inspired "Country Cousins" with UGK and the earnest "Hostile Gospel, Pt. 1," but the overall album sounds forced and a little preachy. A solid listen, but it could've benefited from a little more focus. -dusty culpepper

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