Talib Kweli’s putting the finishing touches on his sixth solo album, Ear Drum, due for release later this year (some say October 10th). The set, the first to be released under his new Blacksmith Music imprint features guest appearances from Raheem DeVaughn, Pimp C, Bun B and of course his Reflection Eternal partner-in-rhyme, Hi-Tek.

The title, along with the set’s lead track, “Listen,” speaks to the important element of sound.

“The image of the ear and of the drum are powerful enough by themselves,” the Brooklyn intellectual explained, “but when you put them together, it’s an instrument that’s in your body that helps you hear. They’re also two very simple, yet powerful words. I wanted to focus on finding a sound that makes you move, and that’s where the word ‘Ear Drum’ popped in my head.”

Along with his ever-conscious lyrics, Kweli now brings the power of being his own boss to the listening table. Along with long-time manager Corey Smyth, the emcees’ emcee launched Blacksmith Music and has made it a home for the likes of critically lauded Jean Grae, whom Rolling Stone dubbed as “the best kept secret on New York’s indie hip-hop scene.” Along with Grae is supergroup Strong Arm Steady which consists of Xzibit, underground emcee Phil The Agony, Krondon and San Diego hip-hop vet Mitchy Slick.

Never one to ride a rap bandwagon, Kweli’s collaboration with two of the hottest rappers out of Houston has nothing to do with trends/record sales and everything to do with enlightenment. The song “Country Cousins” features Bun B and Pimp C (UGK) comparing regional experiences with Kweli.

“People have the perception of what an East Coast artist sounds like, who he’s supposed to be listening to and what he likes, and what a Down South artist sounds like,” Kweli said. “There’s preconceived notions and that’s really what the song with Bun and Pimp C is about, the preconceived notions between East Coast artists and Down South artists.”

AUDIO: “Listen” Windows|Quicktime

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