NearClassics: Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek (Reflection Eternal) - Train of Thought

One of the most underrated emcee's dropped a near classic LP with Dj Hi-Tek. Eventhough it was released 8 years ago, the album still sounds on point til this day.

From the early stage of hip hop Rapper and producer duos have been responsible for putting out some of the best music. From Eric B. & Rakim, to Gangstarr, these duo’s showed consistency in production, content, and chemistry. To add to that list is Reflection Eternal, better known as Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek. Kweli, an outstanding, underground lyricist from Brooklyn links up with Hi-Tek, a soulful producer from Cincinnati; and the rest is history.
Train of Thought was the group’s debut album, prior to that Kweli and Mos Def formed Black Star (whom Hi-Tek frequently made beats for). The album opens up with a comical impression of Nelson Mandela done by none other than Dave Chappelle. Next is the lead single on the album “Move Somethin’”, while “Move Somethin’” didn’t move much, the album’s second single “The Blast” really kicked things off for Reflection Eternal. The smooth and jazzy instrumental, along with the background vocals chanting “Kweli” resulted in a flawless track.
Hi-Tek continues to deliver soulful production on tracks like “Love Language”, “Good Mourning”, and the nostalgic “Memories Live”. Coincidentally, Kweli raps about the state of hip hop on “Too Late”, which grew to be one of the most popular topics in hip hop over the years. Another amazing track is the bonus cut “For Women”. Kweli shows his storytelling excellence on a track that features four stories about the struggles of women from different generations.
In conclusion, Train of Thought is one of the most slept on albums of the new millennium. The album is a product of the Rawkus records era in hip hop that lasted a little over half a decade. Rawkus records are still active now, but this is one of their best albums when Rawkus records were in its peak.