Talib's rap rainbow set shines in Brooklyn

Talib Kweli gave a chill entertaining  - real hip-hop-  concert in Brooklyn's Red Hook Park Tuesday evening at part of NYC's free summer Center Stage concert series.

More than 2,500 people, of all races and ages, came out on a blustery first day of summer evening to hear some good music and enjoy the good vibes. Kweli, whom I'd followed for several years but  never seen live, upheld his part playing sounds from his BlackStar Project days where he teamed with Mos Def to his belting a great live versions of some of his most recent hits "Gutter Rainbow", "I Try", "Never Been in Love" http://youtu.be/jyqkw0z6Shs,  "Listen," and "Get By" http://youtu.be/UVtpXvzzXiA.

Showing his versatility, the critically-acclaimed MC played riffs and improvisations of songs from the Beatles, Sugar Hill Gang, The Beastie Boys, Boogie Down Productions, Gil Scott Heron and Bob Marley. It seemed like at any minute Kanye, Common, Mike G or KRS-One was gonna bound onto the stage to join Talib's boundless energy.

An engaging rapping with stage presence and great linguistic dexterity, Talib, at more than a couple points in the show, had a brother falling back to some of my late 80s/early 90s New Jack arm Swings before regathering my pose and subtle subjectivity of informed observer ;)

A good time was had by all - Shelley was dancing and singing; I even saw some members of the NYPD and FDNY looking as if they were enjoying the show as well; that's what I'm talking 'bout! Son, if you're a fan of real hip hop music and understand and love its whole history, Kweli delivers it straight with no filler.

Tuesday night was pure hip hop, no need for drink, trees or bravado, as Talib says in one of his songs, " all you need is love to get by."

Jay Z was right right about Talib.