Talib Kweli loves Detroit…and Detroiters love him. After hitting Motown multiple times this past year promoting his latest CD -- 2007’s masterful “Ear Drum” -- he returns to the Dirty District Thursday night. This time through, however, the rat-a-tat word playa is not spitting on the mic but instead he is rocking the decks for a three-hour DJ set that is bound to be pure fire.
In January Kweli told me during an interview for the Detroit Free Press that DJing was something he had great passion for and wanted to do more, but the fans, promoters and just about everyone else wouldn’t let him break away from his prolific flow-and-go profession.
Be that as it may, Brooklyn’s finest has a first-time ever in the Motor City three-hour date with the turntables (and you). Hosted by Courtney Brown and featuring DJ Graffiti, a night full of hip-hop soul, R&B, funk and certainly some surprises are in store. But don’t take my word for it -- let’s hear it from Kweli himself:
We actually talked before your St. Andrew's Hall show in Detroit back in January…During that interview you and I spoke briefly about your passion for DJing, and how you'd like to do that more...
First of all, I have to respect the profession of DJing. When someone hires me to DJ, there is a celebrity factor involved – because I haven't done it enough for my DJ skills to be the selling point. Sometimes it makes it hard for working DJs when those who are not experienced get gigs off fame. I turn down many offers for this reason.
But when I take an offer, I have to bring something extra. So, I DJ and host; I play some of my favorites, I perform some of yours. In Detroit, I will be bringing Res and Graph who are in the group Idle Warship with me.
The promoter of this event, JD of Public Media Group has done some great shows at Plan B, including ?uestlove DJing with Black Thought on the mic… Is there something specific about the city that has you coming in for this DJ set -- like hearing about those parties and wanting to play for this specific crowd -- or is it more like the timing was right for a good Detroit party?
Detroit has a rich musical tradition and is a great city to perform in. They [the fans] give it up if you fresh, and let you know you wack if you ain't. I felt that Detroit would be a great place to do some new Idle Warship material for this reason.
What sort of records can the crowd expect from a Kewli DJ set? Are we gonna hear mostly hip-hop soul or do you mix it up and experiment?
In my set, I try to play all types of music. I think a good DJ vibes off the crowd, so that's what I will try to do… But I think a better DJ is able to take them somewhere they didn't expect to go. I think people may be surprised by my musical taste. It ain't just like the music I make.
This is the first time ever DJ set in Detroit for you…How rare is this?
I DJ at my own monthly event called “In the Mood” in New York City every last Thursday of the month. We have performances as well. I have not taken too many other gigs like this, maybe two.
Any chance of you spitting while you’re in the booth?
Hell yeah. It's only natural.
