Biography:
The Brooklyn-based MC earned his stripes as one of the most lyrically-gifted, socially aware and politically insightful rappers to emerge in the last 20 years.
“I’m a touring artist. I’m an artist that’s internationally known. I’m not just a local artist at this point in my career. I’m cognizant of the fact that what I do is beyond where it started. I’m trying to reach the apex of where I am now, but without turning my back on or dismissing what I’ve done before.”
After nearly 20 years of releasing mesmerizing music, Talib Kweli stands as one of the world’s most talented and most accomplished Hip Hop artists. Whether working with Mos Def as one-half of Black Star, partnering with producer Hi-Tek for Reflection Eternal, releasing landmark solo material or collaborating with Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Just Blaze, J Dilla, or Madlib, Kweli commands attention by delivering top-tier lyricism, crafting captivating stories and showing the ability to rhyme over virtually any type of instrumental.
In 2011, Kweli founded Javotti Media, which is self-defined as “a platform for independent thinkers and doers.” Kweli has set out to make Javotti Media (which released his 2011 album, Gutter Rainbows, and is named after his paternal grandmother) into a media powerhouse that releases music, films and books.
BlackLiq
BlackLiq has filled the roles of radio host on WRIR 97.3FM & WDCE 90.1FM, promoter, journalist, author, mentor, teacher in public and private schools as well as juvenile detention facilities and universities, TEDtalk speaker, and more. He is an MC who tells his story through his art and rhymes, as his most recent album “Much Given, Much Tested” and previous releases have shown. During the Civil Unrest of 2020 he was interviewed and quoted by Washington Post, NPR, and TIME Magazine. He wrote an editorial for University Of Richmond’s The Collegian as well as University of Illinois Press Journal of American Folk Lore (JAF). As the frontman of D-Beat punk band Armagideon Time (Anti-Corp Music) he proved the only limits that exist are the ones we set upon ourselves. What BlackLiq brings to Strange Famous Records he brings to stage, which is raw, honest, lyricism defined by his relentless work ethic and energy.
Hil Holla
Hil Holla is an independent hip-hop artist from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, known in the New England underground rap scene. He gained local recognition in the early 2010s for his lyrical, East Coast–influenced style. His debut EP, Hard Liquor: The Prohibition, helped establish his presence as a serious MC. Other notable projects such as Outside Providence and Two Sides of the Same Coin co-starring AvenueBLVD, gave fans a full range of his skill set. Notable tracks include “WCF” and “Real Recognize Real’.” He built his reputation through regional buzz, collaborations, and consistent independent releases.
