Talib Kweli and Madlib just announced Liberation 2, a sequel to their 2007 collab album releasing on March 6. While it will release exclusively on the Luminary podcast network, they released the project's first single "After These Messages" via a YouTube music video. Moreover, the track features a very special performance from Kweli's son, Amani. In addition, the Black Star's daughter Diani will also appear on Liberation 2's tracklist. With this announcement, hip-hop fans are likely salivating at this collaboration between two legends in the game.
Still, the fact that it's only coming out via a podcast network is likely disappointing for the Spotify-aligned fans out there. However, it calls back to its first installment, Liberation, and its similarly unorthodox release. Moreover, Kweli and Madlib released the album as a full download online in early 2007. It wasn't in record stores, but rather on the Stones Throw Rappcats website and both artists' MySpace pages. Also, this isn't the first time the Brooklyn rapper has worked with Luminary. Exclusively through that platform, he and Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) released a long-awaited return from their duo Black Star. Their album No Fear of Time released in May of 2022.
Furthermore, the sequel to their fan-favorite Liberation collaboration will feature Q-Tip, Roc Marciano, and Westside Gunn. In addition, Liberation 2 is reportedly including a posthumous Mac Miller performance, as well. Kweli expressed that their recording process took a decade, and spoke on his thematic intent. “People today are taking stock of what is most important — family, health, wellness, love," he remarked in a statement. "The materialism and debauchery that is stereotypically associated with hip-hop has lost some of its luster.
"Madlib and I have been consistent in our messaging," he continued. "Never has there been a better time for such honest, message-driven music that pays tribute to the sounds that came before us.” Whereas Talib recently revived his duo, the legendary producer beside him recently continued his work on forming one of the best current duos. Him and Freddie Gibbs have incredible chemistry on wax, as evidenced by their most recent effort, 2019's Bandada. Regardless, come back to HNHH for the upcoming album, and for more release news from your favorite hip-hop artists.