Quality
by Talib Kweli
  • Record Label: MCA
  • Release Date: Nov 19, 2002
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 35
  3. Negative: 4 out of 35

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  1. Fuerstenberg
    Mar 15, 2022
    8
    Talib Kweli's debut "Quality" is what genuine hip hop is all about. Provocative political lyrics at the highest level and a solid production with funky, edgy beats from Kanye West and the like. Musically it is surprisingly mainstream and upbeat for an underground artist like Kweli.

    What's amazing is that many songs are still going in 2022, such as " Get By" or "Good to You", both    Talib Kweli's debut "Quality" is what genuine hip hop is all about. Provocative political lyrics at the highest level and a solid production with funky, edgy beats from Kanye West and the like. Musically it is surprisingly mainstream and upbeat for an underground artist like Kweli.

    What's amazing is that many songs are still going in 2022, such as " Get By" or "Good to You", both produced by Kanye West. Overall, a powerful album from the Black Star artist that can be considered among the timeless classics of underground hip hop.

    My favorites:
    "Get By"
    "Good to You"
    "Joy"

    ~ Fürstenberg
    March 15, 2022    … Expand
  2. jacobygr
    Jan 25, 2014
    9
    Talib Kweli is an excellent rapper! Here, he even tries to go mainstream with Get By and comes out with a solid result. The only things are that the production is not ideal and even though I love his flow, it gets out of hand sometimes. In my opinion, he is a top 5 lyricist ever to pick up a mic.
  3. stevej
    Mar 19, 2007
    10
    kweli is a champion of true hip hop, many try all fail to emulate his signature rhymes which deal with everything from politics to love. Quality, word to your mother.
  4. JoeS
    Sep 25, 2005
    10
    Is undoubtedly one of the best hip hop albums recently jus as kweli conveys such powerful meaning E! online needs to sort it out and i have lost all respect i once had for Q
  5. EliasD
    Jul 6, 2005
    10
    This is one of the best albums ever!!!!!!
  6. JayHova
    Mar 19, 2005
    10
    E! Online is full of it
  7. Three8ight6ix
    Jun 11, 2004
    9
    Kweli's sophmore solo LP kills the competition with an entertaining lesson in rhyme, but still doesn't compare to his duo albums. Maybe he and Kanye could crank out a release for the summer together
  8. Chronwell
    May 26, 2004
    9
    This album is so cold. Beats by Kanye and Jay Dee with no Hi Tek give it a glossier sound but its still hard like a criminal check out the highlights Gun Music, Get By, and Good To You.
  9. LawrenceP
    May 9, 2004
    8
    Very good, better than Jay Z and half of these wack rappers...i'm still counting the days until the new BLACKSTAR LP drops.
  10. RishiI
    Mar 24, 2004
    9
    This album is extremely potent. It manages to deliver good production by Kanye, DJ Quick..etc and thought provoking lyrics. One of the top albums of the year.
  11. afsasf
    Feb 10, 2003
    10
    jg
  12. [Anonymous]
    Dec 26, 2002
    8
    great album

Awards & Rankings

59
#59 Best Album of 2002
73
#73 Most Discussed Album of 2002
87
#87 Most Shared Album of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Launch.com
    60
    He manages a harder edge without completely sacrificing credibility.
    Read full review
  2. Spin
    80
    Kweli wins by spitting knotty verbiage over high-test beats. [Feb 2003, p.99]
  3. AllMusic
    90
    Quality is proof that intelligent hip-hop need not lack excitement, soul, or genuine emotion; it's one of the best rap albums of a year with no shortage of winners.
    Read full review
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