In November 2002, Talib Kweli’s debut solo LP hit store shelves. The Brooklyn, New York MC had already won Heads over as Mos Def’s Black Star brother, but it would be on his own where he sowed the seeds for one of Hip-Hop’s most successful careers and Quality would be the beginning. Nearly 15 years later, the artist who has since added author, record-label executive, producer, and activist to his CV will be celebrating the milestone with 16 live performances on one of the world’s most prestigious small stages.

Talib Kweli Crushes “Get By” with a Live Band on Off the Record (Video)

The Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City has housed dozens of Hip-Hop performers since its 1981 opening, including frequent return guests like Skyzoo, Robert Glasper, and others. For longtime Kweli fans, the news that he has chosen such a venue won’t come as a surprise; the celebrated MC has been putting on incredible performances with the backing of live bands for many years. However, the announcement is significant in that the Blue Note itself is such a historic venue, and will place Kweli alongside icons such as Dizzy Gillespie and Tito Puente in the list of artists who have touched the Greenwich Village mainstay’s stage.

It is also rare for a Rap artist to acknowledge an LP’s milestone with such an extensive set of celebratory shows – though not for Kweli. Returning for his seventh residency at the Blue Note Jazz Club, he will be performing Quality anniversary sets on September 7, November 9-11, and January 25-28, stretching the months-long party into early next year.

Remember When Little Brother & Black Star Picked Up Where Native Tongues Left Off? (Audio)

Quality was home to the best-performing single of Kweli’s career, the Kanye West-produced “Get By.” Announcements about the musicians who will be joining him have yet to be made, but Heads can find information about tickets and more below.

COST/RESERVATIONS:
$45 – Table, $30 – Bar for all shows
Call 212-475-8592 or visit www.bluenotejazz.com