[VIDEO] Reflection Eternal - "Back Again"

Here's the official video for Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek's first single from their reunion album, featuring the lovely Res on the hook. Directed by the homie Todd Angkasuwan. If you wanna see how they made the video, check out our exclusive behind the scenes footage. Why? Because Talib Kweli said so.

BUZZ ALDRIN GOT FLOWS.

The original Man on The Moon (sorry CuDi) joins Snoop Dogg and Talib Kweli in the studio to record a rap song called "Rocket Experience." I can't tell if this is a joke or not. But regardless, it's funny. And if it's good enough for Snoop, it's good enough for you.

Reflection Eternal - "Back Again" [BEHIND THE SCENES]

A few months back, we were allowed exclusive access to the Reflection Eternal video shoot for their first single off their reunion album. The song is bangin. We caught up with Talib, Hi-Tek and Res to talk about the song "Back Again" as well as the concept of the unique video, directed by Todd Angkasuwan. It was shot all in one take with mutliple cameras, and we'll let you in on how they did it right here.

The video drops next week, and you can catch Reflection Eternal on tour all summer at the Rock The Bells Festival.

Mos Def x Talib Kweli x J Dilla.

Do you even need an explanation? Two of the dopest emcees lacing a track from one of the dopest producers of all time? You're wasting time even reading this. But this is a new joint from Mos Def's upcoming album, The Ecstatic, which drops next Tuesday. It features Talib Kweli and was produced by J Dilla. Enjoy, you bumperheads.

[DOWNLOAD] Mos Def (ft. Talib Kweli) - "History" (prod by J. Dilla)

Black Star x Rocksmith.

To commemorate the highly anticipated on-stage return of Black Star, the legendary duo of Mos Def and Talib Kweli, Rocksmith is releasing two brand new t-shirts on May 30th. The two designs will be available during the Black Star show this Saturday at Nokia Theater in NYC. A limited quantity will also be available on Karmaloop.com. I might just have to cop one, or both.

[VIDEO] Talib Kweli - "Holy Moly"

Talib Kweli supports Hip Hop Official, so Hip Hop Official supports Talib Kweli.

Talib Kweli Speaks on Idle Warship.

The BK MC talks about his side project, Idle Warship, and explains the dynamic of the group between him, Res. and Graph Noble. If you havent' seen them live, you need to re-evaluate your priorities in life. Just saying.

Speaking of Kweli, we were at the Reflection Eternal video shoot for their song "Back Again" yesterday, and will be hitting you with that footage shortly. Shout out to Todd A.

[NEW] Statik Selektah (ft. Styles P & Talib Kweli) - "The Thrill Is Gone"

Here's the first single from producer Statik Selektah's upcoming third album, The Hangover, featuring Styles and Talib. This is a good look, and it has an important message as well. Listen up, kiddies.

"Get your check, I can't knock that...
But it's a culture, you can't forget about that."

There's also some dope Biggie cuts on the hook. But you already knew that if you were paying attention.

[DOWNLOAD: Statik Selektah ft. Styles P & Talib Kweli - "The Thrill Is Gone"]

And wouldn't you know it, here's a nice little bundle for you that includes the Clean, Dirty, and Instrumental versions. The Maxi single is back!

DAMN, I Wish I Was On That!!!

This is one of our newest features on Hip Hop Official. We ask some of (y)our favorite rappers if there was a particular song that when they first heard it, they were like "Daaaaaamn, I wish I was on that!" Whether you wished you could have spit a verse on it, produced it, wrote it, or just shouted out some Diddy-like adlibs in the background. What song in the history of music, do you wish you could have been a part of?

Stay tuned for more of these coming soon.

Reflection Eternal Interview w/ ThisIs50.com

Interesting fact about this interview, they stole our Hip Hop Official footage of Reflection Eternal performing at SXSW. Once at 1:20, and again at 3:10. Thanks Curtis, I'm flattered.

Reflection Eternal Interview @ SXSW

I was lucky enough to attend the Blacksmith showcase at SXSW, and they entire show was completely off the hook. I met some dope people, shout out to Elliot Wilson and the lovely Star. I see you! The highlight of the evening was the Reflection Eternal reunion between Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek. In this interview, they talk about their first album in over 9 years, and the best part about performing live at SXSW. Bringing back sweet memories...

Artist of the Week: Strong Arm Steady - Part 2

The S.A.S. gang returns as the Hip Hop Official Artist of The Week, as Phil, Kron and Mitchy speak on the long awaited Arms & Hammers LP as well as an upcoming Madlib collabo album, tenatively titled, MADSTEADY. That's right! You heard it hear first.

Check the interview for an exclusive listen to 2 tracks, "New Love" and "Ambassador".

Artist of the Week: Strong Arm Steady

The Strong Arm Steady gang is too big for just one week, so we had to make them Artist of the next 2 Weeks. The Westcoast collective allowed us into their recording studio to talk about their crew dynamic and getting signed by Talib Kweli. Part 2 drops next Monday.

[NEW] Reflectional Eternal - "Internet Connection" (ft. Bootsy Collins)

Say Word? Brand new music from Talib and Hi-Tekl! And they got Bootsy Collins on this shit too? This is shit is fonky, son. And catchy. Not in a bad way. Trust. Props to Tunji who just shot this over.

[DOWNLOAD: Reflectional Eternal - "Internet Connection" (ft. Bootsy Collins)]

LMAO at Hi-Tek shouting out Twitter at the end.

*Inside the Blogger's Studio: I was looking for a dope photo of Reflection Eternal, and was having a difficult time finding something so I went to Flickr and searched for "Reflection Eternal" and some interesting ass photographs came up. Check em out if you're into that sort of thing.

Blacksmith TV: Talib @ Rock the Bells: Part 2

This is Episode 4 of Blacksmith TV. If you missed Ep 3, get your late pass here. If you already saw it, then sit back and relax and watch Talib as he arrives just in time for his Rock The Bells performance in NYC. Kweli puts together his set at the last minute, links up with Mos Def to run through a couple of Black Star songs, and recounts the story of the amazing dinner he had the first time he met the mighty Mos Def.

Make sure to check out the Blacksmith website.

Suite For Ma Dukes (Finale & Encore)

Don't even get me started at how mad I am for missing this. I had passes for this and was looking forward to it all week. My migraine had other ideas. Here is video from the J Dilla tribute last night called "Suite For Ma Dukes" in which a 40 piece orchestra played Jay Dee music all night. For the encore, Pos from De La and Talib did "Stakes Is High" and they go into "Fall In Love" and "The Official." What an amazing event.

Black Starr Live @ House of Blues.

Mos + Talib in Los Angeles.

Dilla Keeps Shining.

A Classic HHO tribute to J DIlla from 2007. Cats like Talib, Pharoahe Monche, Phife share their memories of the late great J Dilla. As most of you already know, today marks the 3 year anniversary of his passing, so we continue to celebrate his life+music. I have some more Dilla gems on the way later today, I've just been mad busy so I'm laggin. Fear not.

Idle Warship Live in Long Beach.

Talib, Res, and Graph tear down the stage in the LBC. Snoop would be proud.

Blacksmith TV: Talib @ Rock the Bells

In the third episode of Blacksmith TV, Talib tries to make it to his set at the New York leg of Rock The Bells tour. He also rides a bike. I need a bike.


Props to Tunji for the video.