Talib Kweli & Hi Tek (Reflection Eternal) - The Blast

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From 2000 Album: "Train of Thought"...[Artist info below].....

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The duo of Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek met in Tek's native Cincinnati, Ohio, following the release of the Hi-Tek/Mood collaboration "Hustle on the Side". Kweli and Hi-Tek made their first official collaboration in 1997 on Mood's debut album, Doom, on the track "Industry Lies". That same year, the two formed as Reflection Eternal, and signed to upstart underground hip hop label Rawkus Records. The tracks from their debut single, "Fortified Live" b/w "2000 Seasons", were included on the Rawkus Records compilation Soundbombing in October 1997. In 1998, Kweli and his high school friend, fellow Rawkus Records artist Mos Def, formed the duo Black Star, and released their first, and only album, Black Star, to rave reviews. Hi-Tek provided production for a number of songs on the album, including the singles "Definition" and "Respiration". The album put the three at the forefront of an underground hip hop scene that appeared at the time to be flagging against the influence of the "Jiggy" era of hip-hop, and was followed by a number of acclaimed collaborations and albums. Kweli and Hi-Tek reconnected in 2000 for the release of their debut album, Train of Thought. Though highly acclaimed, the release did not receive a significant amount of commercial attention, despite the success of the rap hits "Move Somethin'" and "The Blast".

Following the Train of Thought album, the duo split for solo projects, beginning with Hi-Tek's Hi-Teknology, released in 2001, on which Kweli appeared. The album didn't receive as much attention or as many sales as Train of Thought, though the single "Round & Round" became a crossover hit in 2002. Kweli released his first solo album, Quality, in late 2002. In a 2002 interview he also stated that another Reflection Eternal and Black Star album would be released.[1] Hi-Tek was not involved with the project's production, instead featuring beats from artists like Kanye West, DJ Scratch, DJ Quik, Ayatollah and J Dilla. The Kanye West-produced single "Get By" became Kweli's biggest success, charting on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2003. Kweli's second solo album, 2004's The Beautiful Struggle, saw the duo working together once again, with three tracks produced by Hi-Tek. Kweli released his next album, Ear Drum, in 2007, featuring production from Tek; Hi-Tek released the follow-up to his debut, Hi-Teknology 2: The Chip, in 2006 and his third album, Hi-Teknology 3: The Underground, in 2007, both on Babygrande Records and both featuring appearances by Kweli.

[j]

I remember watching this from my prison cell on BET. I thank God that I'm rehabilitated alive and free now. Didn't think I'd be alive 20 years later. Praise God... 🙏

[alexandertapia]

Bro anyone still listening to this masterpiece in 2020

[keithjennings]

Back when LYRICS MATTER!!!! 2025 20yrs later and im still coming back to this.

[johnmason]

I still listening to this masterpiece in 2024

[MichaelHanleyRFSN]

I was very lucky to have grown up during this era of hip hop.

[Jay-ltjd]

Used to rush home from high school to listen to this when I was about 14. Now I play in this in my class while my students are working. Such a peaceful song.

[dulcecandy]

My friend who passed away loved this song as much as I still do. Memories.

[jeremiahthompson]

2024, anybody Rockin dis Classic 💪🏾, well I Am, Real HIP HOP🔥🔥🔥💯

[shanevanhook]

Still hot A.F. real hip hop never gets old

[hotdamm]

How Hi-Tek made this from Boogie Nights is nothing short of a masterpiece and a miracle. That’s why Vinia says “keep on dancing.”

[jasonforrester]

How does someone even come up with a track like this, HIP HOP at its finest. Immaculate

[GhostOnHiatus]

Who's listening to this glorious piece of work 2022?

Ive actually been trying to find this song for 20 years. Been humming it to myself since i was a child.
My life is complete.

[antoniomazie]

THIS SONG SHOULD PLAY EVERY TIME IT RAINS

[Astroartprojections]

U know it was 2000s when every body dancing in the 🌧️

[ezelldaniels]

I'm still listening in 2024. Such a classic banger

[FmTrini]

Still a lyrical banger in 2022 almost 2023 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 let’s go talib! 😤👌🏾

[jacobjordan]

Now I see what y'all old heads be talking about 😭😭😭

[Ava-ddnf]

“A young chameleon adapt to any circumstance”. HiTek
I can relate!!

[jessieneal]

We use to play this back then. This is real hip hop

[kege]

Real music. Congratulations Hi-Tek being inducted into Cincinnati Black music walk of fame.🎉