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sodrewrites's review
4.0
Vibrate Higher was such an amazing read! I've been a fan of Talib Kweli for years and was so excited when I learned he was releasing a book. I expected to be informed, engaged, and astounded, and Vibrate Higher did not disappoint!
Reading Vibrate Higher was like sitting in a hip-hop class with a world-renown professor and respecter of the craft. It's quite obvious that Talib Kweli is a hip-hip scholar and as a fan of the way he so beautifully weaves together rhymes and prolific thought, I hung on to every word he said while reading. From musings on his upbringing in Brooklyn, NY, to his experiences with life and music, I enjoyed learning more about how hip-hop became such an integral part of his life. It was a treat to learn of how Talib Kweli first got connected to Nkiru Books/Nkiru Center for Education & Culture and detailed accounts of his collaborations with other creative artists, especially Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def).
In Vibrate Higher, Talib Kweli covers so much territory. From his friendship with Yasiin Bey, his feature on Kanye West's College Dropout Album, his family life (and relationship woes), on down to the state of our current political climate, Talib Kweli holds nothing back. He speaks with such conviction and honesty at every angle. The one thing I could say against this book was that it ended too soon. I honestly did not want it to end! I suppose I will have to listen to more of his podcast episodes to get my fill. In short, I was so invested in this book.
Any true student of hip-hop will love this one. Anyone who simply appreciates the art and appreciates the true artist that is Talib Kweli should definitely get familiar with this read. You will not be disappointed. Also, checking out the audiobook version is the perfect cherry on top!
Major thanks to Netgalley + Farrar, Straus and Giroux for the copy of Vibrate Higher in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
Reading Vibrate Higher was like sitting in a hip-hop class with a world-renown professor and respecter of the craft. It's quite obvious that Talib Kweli is a hip-hip scholar and as a fan of the way he so beautifully weaves together rhymes and prolific thought, I hung on to every word he said while reading. From musings on his upbringing in Brooklyn, NY, to his experiences with life and music, I enjoyed learning more about how hip-hop became such an integral part of his life. It was a treat to learn of how Talib Kweli first got connected to Nkiru Books/Nkiru Center for Education & Culture and detailed accounts of his collaborations with other creative artists, especially Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def).
In Vibrate Higher, Talib Kweli covers so much territory. From his friendship with Yasiin Bey, his feature on Kanye West's College Dropout Album, his family life (and relationship woes), on down to the state of our current political climate, Talib Kweli holds nothing back. He speaks with such conviction and honesty at every angle. The one thing I could say against this book was that it ended too soon. I honestly did not want it to end! I suppose I will have to listen to more of his podcast episodes to get my fill. In short, I was so invested in this book.
Any true student of hip-hop will love this one. Anyone who simply appreciates the art and appreciates the true artist that is Talib Kweli should definitely get familiar with this read. You will not be disappointed. Also, checking out the audiobook version is the perfect cherry on top!
Major thanks to Netgalley + Farrar, Straus and Giroux for the copy of Vibrate Higher in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
justaprilann's review
4.0
I knew nothing about Talib Kweli and very little about hip hop before listening this book. He expressed as much humility as confidence and was quite reflective of his choices in the past. Some parts were too detailed, but the ending was really beautiful and moving.
ljmcla's review
This is one of the few biographies I’ve picked up, I’ve learned it’s not my flavour of book.
jazzhurt's review
5.0
I’m a long time Talib Kweli fan, so this was a joy to read. I used to be way more immersed in what was happening in hip hop music than I am now and this brought back a lot of memories. Kweli captures that feeling perfectly in this quote.
“Some hip hop fans can’t see past the music that was out when they were in high school or college because that’s when they were defining themselves. Music that is attached to the memories you made as you were figuring out who you were will always sound better to your ears than anything that comes out after that time. This is our nature.”
There’s a whole chapter about Kanye and it really makes me miss that era of hip hop. I didn’t know Kweli didn’t like how his verse on “Get em High” sounded because of where they places his vocals. I couldn’t imagine it any other way. It’s funny how people can be insecure about things other people would never notice.
He also speaks about up and coming rappers and producers in the 90s. It was a bit somber seeing as how 3 of them were recent losses... Malik B., MF DOOM , and DMX. (I believe he wrote this before all of their passing)
A good amount of this book speaks on social justice and Kweli’s involvement. Super inspiring.
I loved this. It’s probably my favorite book I’ve read this year.
“Some hip hop fans can’t see past the music that was out when they were in high school or college because that’s when they were defining themselves. Music that is attached to the memories you made as you were figuring out who you were will always sound better to your ears than anything that comes out after that time. This is our nature.”
There’s a whole chapter about Kanye and it really makes me miss that era of hip hop. I didn’t know Kweli didn’t like how his verse on “Get em High” sounded because of where they places his vocals. I couldn’t imagine it any other way. It’s funny how people can be insecure about things other people would never notice.
He also speaks about up and coming rappers and producers in the 90s. It was a bit somber seeing as how 3 of them were recent losses... Malik B., MF DOOM , and DMX. (I believe he wrote this before all of their passing)
A good amount of this book speaks on social justice and Kweli’s involvement. Super inspiring.
I loved this. It’s probably my favorite book I’ve read this year.