Online only: Eardrum Grade:A

When Talib Kweli and fellow Brookyn MC Mos Def released Black Star in 1998, the hip hop scene was in a state of crisis. Hype- Williams-directed videos and bling galore, Black Star was a celebration of everything hip hop music could be: clean production and lyrics with important social under tones. Nearly a decade later, hip hop seems to again be suffering from an identity crisis. Eardrum, track for track, is an unwavering proclamation -- hip hop is alive and thriving.\nThe first verse of the album's first track "Everything Man" addresses this identity crisis. "What becomes of a dream differed/ that never makes it to the world to be seen or heard?" Kweli raps these lines with a sense of cautious reflection and sets the tone for an album that touches far more facets of hip hop than the usual Kweli disc.\n"Country Cousins" is a stand-out track featuring Texas rap duo UGK. The song explains the geographical divide of hip hop and how rap scenes all over the country "stay connected with the slang we bustin'." Another highlight is the concept song "Eat to Live" about a malnourished kid trying to survive in a harsh neighborhood. \nProduction on Eardrum is as diverse as Kweli's lyrics. Everyone from long-time collaborator Hi-Tek to Justin Timberlake is here. Kanye West contributes rhymes and production on "In the Mood." The song serves as the album's obligatory sex track and it's done right. West's lyrics and flow are awesomely funny ("This girl got a silicone booty!/\nAnd got the nerve to act moody!") when juxtaposed with those of Kweli's. \nEven with "In the Mood," Kweli is never misogynistic. "Soon the New Day" features vocals of the soulful Norah Jones and is a fun listen simply because both artists are stretching their ranges to make the song work. Female MC Jean Grae is the only lyricist on the album that can trade flows with Kweli on "Say Something" and not get outshined. With old-school needle scratches and scorching flows by both Grae and Kweli, "Say Something" is easily the most intriguing song on the album.\nIf Eardrum is missing anything, it's Mos Def. But with rumors of a new Black Star album, his absence is quite excusable. Just think, if Talib can do this album by himself, what will he and Mos Def do together? \nThink about that as you listen to Eardrum, one of the most complete rap albums in recent history.