Talib Kweli

Before going solo a decade ago, Brooklyn rapper Talib Kweli was best known for his collaborations with Mos Def in Black Star and Hi-Tek in Reflection Eternal. His debut solo album, 2002's Quality, steered Kweli toward the mainstream with the Kanye West-produced single "Get By." From there, his career took off, thanks to high-profile gigs like appearances on Chappelle's Show, an opening slot on the Beastie Boys' 2004 tour, and a couple of chart-topping records, including 2007's major-label debut Eardrum. A Jay-Z endorsement didn't hurt either. Apparently the dude never sleeps: His list of collaborations and side projects over the past 14 years is about a mile long. (He also runs his own label, Blacksmith Records, where he develops artists like Jean Grae.) Kweli is currently working on his sixth solo record, which is due sometime this year. Plus, there's a Black Star reunion in the works, stemming from a run of shows he and Def played last year. Kweli's Prisoner of Conscious Tour comes to town this week. With J. Pinder. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 30. Grog Shop. Tickets: $25. – Eddie Fleisher