A native of Brooklyn, Kweli paid his dues during one of the most competitive eras for no-frills lyricists and linked up with Mos Def, a fellow mainstay on the underground circuit and formed the duo Black Star. After pursuing a solo career, Talib Kweli would transcend his humble beginnings performing open-mics and cafes and make his name known within the major label system. Churning out multiple records that made an impact in the marketplace, Talib eventually retreated back to the independent scene and has since become one of hip-hop's most outspoken ambassadors and an elder statesmen. Known for his wordy stanzas, Talib Kweli's style is as technically sound as they come, yet free-wheeling and unpredictable, resulting in his verses containing various nooks and crannies that give his verses a special wrinkle of their own.