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Eardrum (album)
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| Eardrum | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | August 21, 2007 | |||
| Recorded | 2006–2007 | |||
| Genre | Hip hop[1] | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer |
| |||
| Talib Kweli chronology | ||||
| ||||
Eardrum is the third studio album by American hip hop artist Talib Kweli. The album was released on August 21, 2007, by Blacksmith Records and Warner Bros. Records. The album features guest appearances from Res, Jean Grae, UGK, Raheem DeVaughn, Roy Ayers, Kanye West, Norah Jones, Coi Mattison, Lyfe Jennings, will.i.am, Sa-Ra, KRS-One, Musiq Soulchild, Strong Arm Steady, Sizzla, Justin Timberlake and Marsha Ambrosius.
Reception
[edit]| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 73/100[2] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |    [3] |
| The A.V. Club | A−[4] |
| Entertainment Weekly | A[1] |
| Now | [5] |
| The Observer | [6] |
| The Phoenix | [7] |
| Pitchfork Media | 7.4/10[8] |
| PopMatters | [9] |
| RapReviews | [10] |
| Rolling Stone | [11] |
Critical response
[edit]Eardrum scored 73 out of 100 from Metacritic based on "generally favorable reviews".[2] Some than most reviews are average or mixed: Uncut gave it a score of three stars out of five and said, "Kweli, whose wordy rhymes can often read better than they flow, sounds nimble and at ease most of the time."[2] Vibe gave it three stars out of five and said it "lacks cohesiveness."[2] Spin gave it a score of five out of ten and said, "Though Kweli can't change his voice he was born with, he needs to figure out how to make it as compelling as his material."[2] Hot Press gave it an above average review, however, and said, "Kweli's collaborative work has set the bar so high that his solo efforts routinely fail to meet these exalted expectations."[12]
Metacritic, XXL gave it a score of XL (the equivalent of four out of five stars) and said, "Unlike 2004's The Beautiful Struggle, which clumsily juxtaposed grungy backpack beats with basic mainstream medleys, Eardrum is a more sonically cohesive endeavor. Having more fun with the music and ignoring his critics, Talib wants to proves about sometimes, the only one worth listening to is yourself".[13] HipHopDX gave it four stars out of five and said, "There is still room for improvement, but this largely the album from Kweli that everyone has been waiting for."[14] AllHipHop gave it a score of 8.5 out of 10 and said it "still delivers enough solid work to be worth checking out no matter what your expectations."[15] About.com gave it a score of four-and-a-half stars out of five and said, "While it's questionable as to whether Eardrum can hold up against his previous classics, it is without a doubt that this is most certainly Talib Kweli’s most effective release to date."[16] AbsolutePunk gave it a score of 74% and said, "Though highly inconsistent due to its extraordinary number of songs, Eardrum impresses as a whole, making the early cop out absolutely unneeded. Talib Kweli refuses to disappoint".[17] Los Angeles Times gave it a favorable review and said, "Kweli's commanding delivery and the well-executed songs on his sixth album... consistently provide pointed commentary... and masterful production".[18]
Commercial performance
[edit]Eardrum debuted at number 2 on the US Billboard 200, selling 60,000 copies in its first week, marking it as Kweli's highest-debuting album to date. In its second week, the album fell down to number 20, selling 25,000 copies, in total of 85,500 copies in the United States.[19] As of 2013, the album has sold 239,000 copies in United States.[20]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Everything Man" (featuring Res) | Madlib | 3:16 | |
| 2. | "NY Weather Report" |
| Nick Speed | 4:35 |
| 3. | "Hostile Gospel Pt. 1 (Deliver Us)" |
| Just Blaze | 5:22 |
| 4. | "Say Something" (featuring Jean Grae) |
| will.i.am | 3:43 |
| 5. | "Country Cousins" (featuring UGK & Raheem DeVaughn) |
|
| 4:31 |
| 6. | "Holy Moly" | Talib Kweli Greene | Pete Rock | 2:08 |
| 7. | "Eat to Live" |
| Madlib | 3:07 |
| 8. | "In the Mood" (featuring Roy Ayers & Kanye West) |
| Kanye West | 3:55 |
| 9. | "Soon the New Day" (featuring Norah Jones) |
|
| 4:02 |
| 10. | "Give 'Em Hell" (featuring Coi Mattison & Lyfe Jennings) |
|
| 4:27 |
| 11. | "More or Less" (featuring Dion) |
| Hi-Tek | 4:40 |
| 12. | "Stay Around" |
| Pete Rock | 4:15 |
| 13. | "Hot Thing" (featuring will.i.am) |
| will.i.am | 3:48 |
| 14. | "Space Fruit (Interlude)" (featuring Sa-Ra) | Sa-Ra | 1:31 | |
| 15. | "The Perfect Beat" (featuring KRS-One) |
|
| 3:49 |
| 16. | "Oh My Stars" (featuring Musiq Soulchild) |
| DJ Khalil | 3:40 |
| 17. | "Listen!!!" |
| Kwamé | 3:28 |
| 18. | "Go With Us" (featuring Strong Arm Steady) |
| E. Jones | 3:59 |
| 19. | "Hostile Gospel Pt. 2 (Deliver Me)" (featuring Sizzla) |
| DJ Khalil | 4:21 |
| 20. | "The Nature" (featuring Justin Timberlake) |
|
| 5:01 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21. | "Hush" (featuring Jean Grae) |
| Chad Beatz | 3:55 |
| 22. | "Take It Back" (featuring Marsha Ambrosius) |
| Karriem Riggins | 5:14 |
| 23. | "Getting My Grown Man On" (featuring Little Brother) |
| Midi Mafia | 3:50 |
Chart positions
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
References
[edit]- ^ a b Compton, Josette (August 20, 2007). "Eardrum". EW.com. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- ^ a b c d e "Critic Reviews for Ear Drum". Metacritic. Retrieved February 20, 2011.
- ^ Marisa Brown (August 14, 2007). "Eardrum - Talib Kweli | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- ^ Rabin, Nathan. "Eardrum · Talib Kweli · Music Review · The A.V. Club". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on June 28, 2013. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- ^ "TALIB KWELI". NOW. August 16, 2007. Archived from the original on October 6, 2015. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- ^ Steve Yates (August 12, 2007). "CD: Talib Kweli, Ear Drum". The Guardian. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- ^ MATTHEW GASTEIER (August 20, 2007). "Talib Kweli - CD Reviews". Thephoenix.com. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- ^ "Talib Kweli: Eardrum | Album Reviews". Pitchfork. August 29, 2007. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- ^ "Talib Kweli: Ear Drum". PopMatters. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- ^ "Feature for August 21, 2007 - Talib Kweli's "Ear Drum"". Rapreviews.com. August 21, 2007. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- ^ (Posted: Aug 1, 2007) (August 1, 2007). "Talib Kweli: Eardrum : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on October 1, 2007. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Mark Keane. "Ear Drum | Music Review | Album". Hot Press. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- ^ "Talib Kweli Ear Drum - XXL". Xxlmag.com. July 10, 2007. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- ^ J-23 (August 22, 2007). "Talib Kweli - Ear Drum". HipHopDX. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Alex Thornton Reviews / Music (August 17, 2007). "Hip Hop News, Interviews and Music: Allhiphop.com » Talib Kweli: Ear Drum". Allhiphop.com. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- ^ "Talib Kweli - Ear Drum - Preview of Talib Kweli's Ear Drum". Rap.about.com. Archived from the original on October 7, 2015. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- ^ Message. "Message". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- ^ "Record Rack - latimes". Articles.latimes.com. August 19, 2007. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- ^ Katie Hasty, "'High School Musical 2' Hangs On Atop Billboard 200", Billboard.com, August 29, 2007.
- ^ "Upcoming Releases". Hits Daily Double. Archived from the original on April 26, 2013. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
- ^ "Talib Kweli Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
- ^ "Talib Kweli Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
- ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2007". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
External links
[edit]
Eardrum (album)
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background
Conception and development
Eardrum served as Talib Kweli's third solo studio album, arriving three years after his previous release, The Beautiful Struggle (2004), amid his determination to regain artistic autonomy following frustrations with Geffen Records, which had constrained his creative output on prior projects.[7] Kweli expressed dissatisfaction with the major label's handling, prompting him to critique it directly in tracks like "More or Less," where he rapped, "More blacksmithing, def jerks, less Geffen."[7] This period of reflection fueled his vision for a project that prioritized universal appeal and enjoyment while preserving conscious hip-hop's depth for working-class audiences.[8] In 2006, Kweli founded the independent label Blacksmith Music, signing a distribution deal with Warner Bros. to enable broader reach without sacrificing control, marking a pivotal shift toward self-determination in his career.[7] This partnership allowed him to build a roster including artists like Jean Grae and Strong Arm Steady, with Eardrum positioned as the label's flagship release to launch the "Blacksmith movement."[7] Initial songwriting sessions emphasized raw, conscious rap themes drawn from personal and socio-political experiences, setting the stage for an album that blended introspection with accessibility.[8] Drawing inspiration from hip-hop's golden era, Kweli adopted a back-to-basics approach for Eardrum, focusing on timeless songcraft and live instrumentation to evoke the organic sounds of his formative influences, such as producers Pete Rock and Hi-Tek.[9] He explained the album's title by stating, "I named the album Eardrum because I wanted people to focus on the musicality of what I do," aiming to create tracks that "stand the test of time" over heavy sampling.[9] This pre-production emphasis on live elements and classic hip-hop roots underscored Kweli's goal of producing an engaging, response-driven record that honored his lyrical heritage.[7]Recording and production
The recording sessions for Eardrum spanned from 2006 to early 2007, primarily taking place across multiple studios in New York and Los Angeles, including Sound on Sound in New York, the Record Plant in Los Angeles, and additional facilities like K1 Studios in West Orange, New Jersey.[1] These sessions marked Talib Kweli's first project under his own Blacksmith Music label, allowing for a collaborative environment that drew on his established relationships in the industry.[7] A diverse roster of producers contributed to the album, blending underground and mainstream talents to shape its sound. Hi-Tek, Kweli's longtime collaborator from Reflection Eternal, produced "Oh My God" featuring Dion, incorporating soulful samples and crisp drum patterns. Madlib handled several tracks, including the atmospheric "Soon the New Day" and "Everything Man," emphasizing looped instrumentation for a raw feel. Just Blaze delivered booming, orchestral beats for "Say Something" featuring Jean Grae and "Hostile Gospel Pt. 1 (Deliver Us)," while Kanye West provided the upbeat soul flip on "Give 'Em Hell." will.i.am contributed funky, live-infused production to "Hot Thing," adding bass-heavy grooves recorded with assistance from engineers like Joe Peluso. Other notable producers included DJ Khalil on "In the Sun" with Musiq Soulchild and "Oh My Stars," as well as Sa-Ra on "More or Less."[1][10] Guest features enriched the album through Kweli's extensive network in hip-hop and beyond. Norah Jones appeared on "Soon the New Day," a collaboration initiated by Kweli's manager to bridge hip-hop and jazz influences, with Jones adding ethereal vocals over Madlib's production. Justin Timberlake contributed background vocals and co-production to the closing track "The Nature," an opportunity that emerged from mutual industry connections during Timberlake's transition into more production-focused work. UGK joined Raheem DeVaughn on "Country Cousins," facilitated by Kweli's ties to Southern rap scenes through shared tours and label affiliations, bringing gritty verses that complemented the track's laid-back vibe. Roy Ayers provided vibraphone on "In the Mood." The production overall prioritized organic elements, such as live drums from Adam Deitch on multiple cuts and minimal digital processing on horns and keys from musicians like Rashawn Ross and Steve Pageot, evoking the hands-on authenticity of 1990s hip-hop.[7][11][1]Composition
Musical style
Eardrum exemplifies the hip-hop genre through its foundation in boom bap beats, layered with soul samples and jazz elements, evoking the raw energy and lyrical density of 1990s East Coast rap.[12][2] The production draws from 1970s soul influences, such as Gamble & Huff's orchestral flair, and jazz textures reminiscent of David Axelrod, creating a cohesive yet varied soundscape that balances introspection and momentum.[2][13] Soulful samples, like the Fred Williams interpolation in "Listen!!!," integrate with gospel-tinged choruses and R&B drama to ground the album in classic hip-hop sampling traditions.[2][14] Track variations highlight the album's dynamic range, from the mellow funk of "In the Mood," featuring vibraphone by Roy Ayers and a continuous croon for an infectious groove, to the introspective, catchy pop of "Hot Thing" that emphasizes mid-tempo restraint.[13][2][15] Live instrumentation adds texture, as seen in Pete Rock's soulful flips, while tempo shifts—such as double-time flows in certain cuts—enhance the overall rhythmic vitality without disrupting the laid-back cohesion.[13][14] These elements foster a pleasing, soothing listen that prioritizes finesse over aggression.[14] Spanning 20 tracks in its standard edition, with most songs averaging 3 to 4 minutes, Eardrum demonstrates deliberate sequencing to build sonic progression, starting with slinking twilight soul and evolving through gospel swells and jazz-infused builds for a narrative-like flow.[2][13] Guest contributions, such as Norah Jones' ethereal vocals on "Soon the New Day" and Roy Ayers' vibraphone on "In the Mood," enhance the soulful and jazz textures.[2] This structure, shaped by a roster of producers including Kanye West, Pete Rock, and Hi-Tek, underscores the album's nod to East Coast hip-hop's emphasis on thoughtful arrangement.[2]Lyrics and themes
The lyrics on Eardrum center on themes of social justice, personal resilience, and the evolution of hip-hop, reflecting Talib Kweli's commitment to conscious rap amid industry pressures. In tracks like "Give 'Em Hell," Kweli critiques religious stereotypes and divisions, highlighting how they perpetuate biases against Black communities with lines such as "They got us thinking that Muslims like to make bombs / But real Muslims believe in paradise and resisting Satan." Similarly, "NY Weather Report" addresses urban struggles and the "ghetto/gangster mentality," portraying cycles of violence where "Females left to raise up a son/from the day he was one until he 20 and he raised up a gun." These elements underscore Kweli's focus on societal inequities and communal endurance.[14][16] Kweli's storytelling approach features dense, multisyllabic rhyme schemes that weave references to Black history, urban life, and interpersonal relationships into intricate narratives. His delivery transitions smoothly between aggressive flows and reflective verses, as seen in "Say Something," where he challenges hip-hop's commercialization by declaring "Hip Hop’s not dead, it was on vacation," urging listeners to engage beyond superficial trends. The track "Ms. Hill" exemplifies his relational depth, serving as a tribute to Lauryn Hill that praises her uplifting influence and mission in hip-hop, interpreting her work as a force to "uplift the heel" through skillful, empowering artistry.[14][17][2] Collaborations amplify these motifs, particularly Jean Grae's verse on "Say Something," which bolsters themes of female empowerment with its bold, unapologetic tone, daring detractors to "Open your mouth, ‘Say Something’ / I fuckin’ dare you!" The album's narrative arc progresses from depictions of struggle in "The Perfect Beat," featuring KRS-One and emphasizing perseverance in hip-hop's competitive landscape, to triumphant resolution in "Say Something," where Kweli reflects on overcoming personal and artistic obstacles: "I came in the game with nothing / Stop frontin, nigga, talk shit now!" This structure mirrors Kweli's career trajectory, evolving from label constraints to independent assertion.[14]Release and promotion
Singles
The lead single from Eardrum, "Hot Thing" featuring will.i.am, was released in 2007 as a digital download, radio edit, and 12-inch vinyl to build anticipation for the album.[18] "Say Something" featuring Jean Grae arrived in July 2007 in formats including digital EP, radio edit, and 12-inch vinyl, emphasizing the album's lyrical depth. It was accompanied by a music video.[19][20]Marketing and release
Eardrum was released on August 21, 2007, through Talib Kweli's independent label Blacksmith Music in conjunction with Warner Bros. Records, representing Kweli's strategic shift toward greater artistic control via his own imprint while benefiting from major-label distribution infrastructure.[12][21] The promotional campaign utilized early social media and digital tools to connect directly with fans, including Kweli's active MySpace presence for personal blogs and album previews, a dedicated Facebook group, and the debut of BlacksmithTV.com featuring videos on his creative process and daily life.[22] Additional tactics encompassed making the lead single available as a ringtone and establishing a 718-area-code hotline for personalized fan messages, all part of a broader "full-force marketing blitz" to amplify reach in the evolving online music landscape.[22] Live performances tied into the rollout, with Kweli touring key markets in the weeks leading up to release, such as a concert at the Domino Room in Bend, Oregon, on August 17, 2007, to generate buzz through direct audience engagement.[22] The physical packaging included a CD booklet with art direction and design by Matt Taylor, featuring cover imagery centered on Kweli's portrait against an urban backdrop that evoked the album's auditory theme.[23] International versions varied, with the UK edition incorporating bonus tracks like "Hostile Gospel Pt. 2 (Deliver Me)" featuring Sizzla, alongside standard global distribution through Warner Bros. affiliates; the overall strategy built anticipation for robust initial sales, positioning Eardrum as a major hip-hop contender.[23][24][22]Reception and legacy
Critical reception
Eardrum received generally favorable reviews upon its release in 2007, earning a Metascore of 73 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 22 critic reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reception.[3] Critics frequently lauded Talib Kweli's intricate lyricism and the album's varied production. Pitchfork rated it 7.3 out of 10, praising Kweli's relaxed confidence and the cohesive integration of gospel, soul, and hip-hop influences from producers including Madlib, Kanye West, and Hi-Tek.[2] AllMusic awarded 4.5 out of 5 stars, highlighting the production's diversity that ranged from soulful grooves to jazz-infused beats, creating a dynamic backdrop for Kweli's wordplay.[12] Some reviews pointed to inconsistencies in pacing and filler material as drawbacks. Rolling Stone gave it 3 out of 5 stars, noting that although admirably consistent overall, the album "lacks a knockout track to counterbalance the occasional filler."[25] Vibe magazine assigned 3 stars out of 5, critiquing its lack of cohesiveness amid Kweli's otherwise compelling verses.[25] Retrospective evaluations have underscored Eardrum's importance in the conscious rap landscape. In a 2017 Albumism tribute marking its 10-year anniversary, the album was described as "eclectic and ambitious," credited with helping revive lyric-focused hip-hop by blending traditional elements with contemporary soul aesthetics during a period dominated by mainstream trends.[26] Mojo called it "a welcome return to form," emphasizing its reconnection to Kweli's roots in thoughtful, socially aware rap.[25]Commercial performance
Eardrum debuted at number 2 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 60,000 copies in its first week according to Nielsen SoundScan data.[6] The album also reached number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[27] By the end of its second week, it had sold an additional 25,000 units, bringing the US total to 85,000 copies. As of 2013, Eardrum had sold approximately 239,000 copies in the United States, reflecting steady physical and digital sales without reaching RIAA certification thresholds. Post-2013 growth in streaming equivalents has contributed to its longevity, bolstered by tour bundling and increased digital availability, though no updated RIAA reports specify exact figures through 2025. Internationally, the album peaked at number 82 on the UK Albums Chart and number 5 on the UK Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart, with one week on the main albums chart.[28] European sales remained modest, aligning with its independent distribution model outside the US.Accolades and influence
The album's influence extends to subsequent conscious rap works, where it demonstrated how to integrate activism with accessible production and lyricism. As a pivotal release, Eardrum served as a bridge between underground authenticity and commercial viability in hip-hop. Culturally, the album's enduring sonic footprint is evident in its production style, while its themes of resilience and justice remain relevant amid social movements.Track listing and credits
Standard edition track listing
The standard edition of Eardrum features 20 tracks with a total runtime of 78:12, all primarily written by Talib Kweli (credited as Talib Kweli Greene).[1][29] The sequencing begins with upbeat, collaborative openers like "Everything Man" and "NY Weather Report" to immediately engage listeners with Kweli's signature conscious rap flow over dynamic production.[26] This U.S. release excludes bonus tracks found on international versions, such as the Japanese edition's additional cuts like "Falling Down" and "So Low."[30]| No. | Title | Featured artist(s) | Duration | Producer(s) | Writer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Everything Man" | RES | 3:16 | Madlib | Talib Kweli Greene, Otis Jackson Jr. |
| 2 | "NY Weather Report" | 4:35 | Nick Speed | Talib Kweli Greene, Nick Speed, M. Clervoix | |
| 3 | "Hostile Gospel Pt. 1 (Deliver Us)" | MeLa Machinko, Brooklyn Youth Chorus | 5:22 | Just Blaze | Talib Kweli Greene, Justin Smith, P. Greedus, D. Marouani |
| 4 | "Say Something" | Jean Grae | 3:43 | will.i.am | Talib Kweli Greene, William Adams, T. Ibrahim, Thom Bell, J. Casey |
| 5 | "Country Cousins" | UGK, Raheem DeVaughn | 4:31 | A Kid Called Roots, Sha-La Shakier | Talib Kweli Greene, P. Lawrence, S. Hollis, et al. |
| 6 | "Holy Moly" | 2:08 | Pete Rock | Talib Kweli Greene, Peter Phillips, Elton John, Bernie Taupin | |
| 7 | "Eat To Live" | Kendra Ross | 3:07 | Madlib | Talib Kweli Greene, Otis Jackson Jr., Weldon Irvine, T. Smith |
| 8 | "In The Mood" | Roy Ayers, Kanye West | 3:56 | Kanye West | Talib Kweli Greene, Kanye West, B. Potter |
| 9 | "Soon The New Day" | Norah Jones | 4:02 | Madlib (co-produced by Eric Krasno) | Talib Kweli Greene, Otis Jackson Jr., P. Charles, J. Mason |
| 10 | "Give 'Em Hell" | Coi Mattison, Lyfe Jennings | 4:27 | Terrace Martin, DJ Battlecat | Talib Kweli Greene, Terrace Martin, K. Gilliam, et al. |
| 11 | "More Or Less" | Dion | 4:41 | Hi-Tek | Talib Kweli Greene, Tony Cottrell, Dion Jenkins |
| 12 | "Stay Around" | 4:16 | Pete Rock | Talib Kweli Greene, Peter Phillips, R. Bell, et al. | |
| 13 | "Hot Thing" | will.i.am | 3:48 | will.i.am | Talib Kweli Greene, William Adams, J. Watson |
| 14 | "Space Fruit (Interlude)" | Sa-Ra | 1:31 | Sa-Ra | O. Keith, S. Husayn |
| 15 | "The Perfect Beat" | KRS-One | 3:49 | Swiff D, Hi-Tek | Talib Kweli Greene, S. Thornton, L. Parker, Bob Marley |
| 16 | "Oh My Stars" | Musiq Soulchild | 3:41 | DJ Khalil | Talib Kweli Greene, T. Johnson, K. Abdul-Rahman, A.F. Greene |
| 17 | "Listen!!!" | 3:58 | Kwamé | Talib Kweli Greene, Kwamé Holland, Fred Williams | |
| 18 | "Go With Us" | Strong Arm Steady | 3:59 | E. Jones | Talib Kweli Greene, E. Jones, J. Smith, et al. |
| 19 | "Hostile Gospel Pt. 2 (Deliver Me)" | Sizzla | 4:21 | DJ Khalil | Talib Kweli Greene, M. Collins, K. Abdul-Rahman, D. Hinds |
| 20 | "The Nature" | Justin Timberlake | 5:01 | Justin Timberlake (co-produced by Eric Krasno, Adam Deitch) | Talib Kweli Greene, Justin Timberlake |