Forging Ahead - Blacksmith Records

In the past, we've taken a look at several rappers who are making their own lane in the music through collaborations with other artists, finding new distribution deals, and going the independent route. This time around, the focus is on a record label started by one of the most spiritual lyricists to ever grace the mic, Talib Kweli. Founded in 2005 with partner Corey Smith to run the business end, Blacksmith Records is a label dedicated to the art of rhyme with a roster of lyrical MCs that would make any A&R proud to call his own.

Talib Kweli
Aside from being the founder of the label, Talib Kweli is also signed to Blacksmith as an artist, taking control of a new stage in his career with his latest album, Eardrum. Most hip hop heads will remember Kweli from his days on Rawkus Records, and as one half of the groundbreaking, and genre redefining Black Star, alongside fellow lyrical wiz Mos Def. The two were recognized as the next phase in the Native Tongue movement(Tribe, De La), an extension of Afrika Bam's ZULU nation (early pioneers of hip hop), ensuring that the message of true hip hop would not be lost to the next generation of fans.

Kweli then cemented his part in hip hop history with his debut solo album alongside producer Hi-Tek. Reflection Eternal is often recognized as one of the greatest hip hop albums of the decade, if not the history of hip hop. Kweli continues to make incredible music for Blacksmith as a solo artist, and fans are especially looking forward to his reunion with Hi Tek for a second Reflection Eternal album, reassuring those who are tired of the formulaic, "you can like rap again", Reflection is Back Again.

Jean Grae
The rap world also has Blacksmith to thank for providing a label home to one of the greatest MCs out there (male or female). Often frustrated with the music industry's urge to objectify any female artist as a sex symbol, Jean Grae has made several promises that she was finished with rap for good, before finding a label she could work with in Blacksmith a few years ago. Many hip hop fans have been aware of Jean since her solo debut Attack of the Attacking Things, which was both written and produced by Grae (production under her moniker Nasain Nahmeen). Fans of Grae appreciate the intricate wordplay, witty humor, and self depreciating honesty she continued to display on her second full length This Week and on tracks like Keep Livin. About a year ago, Blacksmith also officially released the Jeanius album that paired Grae with one of today's best producers, 9th wonder. The album, which had unfortunately been leaked to the internet long before it's official release, never got the attention it deserved, but still got fans So High .

Strong Arm Steady
Not one to be confined to MCs within his geographic area, Kweli reached out to LA collective Strong Arm Steady for an injection of west coast flavor. Originally comprised of Xzibit, Krondon, and Phil The Agony, by the time the paperwork was signed, Mitchy Slick had replaced X to the Z as the third member of the group. Although Strong Arm has a harder edge than some of the other artists on Blacksmith, their lyrical ability are no doubt what brought them to the table with the label. Blacksmith has a chance to bring the unique sound of some true So Cal MCs to a wider audience, and once this devastating trio gets a hold of your attention, you know they Can't Let It Go. With One Step, SAS convinced fans to ride along as they unify the west and the hip hop movement in general.

In addition to the aforementioned artists, Blacksmith recently signed legendary producer Pete Rock, one of the greatest behind the boards. Rumors have also been circulating that another legend may join the ranks at some point, as Blacksmith has made their intentions known to sign the God MC, Rakim. Although he already has a label for his highly anticipated forthcoming album, Seventh Seal, Rakim has kept the possibility of signing with Blacksmith open. With a heavy roster already in place, several albums released, and no end in sight, Blacksmith will be a label hip hop fans can get excited about for every release they announce.