Vibrate Higher was such an amazing read! I've been a fan of Talib Kweli for years and was so excited when I learned he was releasing a book. I expected to be informed, engaged, and astounded, and Vibrate Higher did not disappoint!

Reading Vibrate Higher was like sitting in a hip-hop class with a world-renown professor and respecter of the craft. It's quite obvious that Talib Kweli is a hip-hip scholar and as a fan of the way he so beautifully weaves together rhymes and prolific thought, I hung on to every word he said while reading. From musings on his upbringing in Brooklyn, NY, to his experiences with life and music, I enjoyed learning more about how hip-hop became such an integral part of his life. It was a treat to learn of how Talib Kweli first got connected to Nkiru Books/Nkiru Center for Education & Culture and detailed accounts of his collaborations with other creative artists, especially Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def).

In Vibrate Higher, Talib Kweli covers so much territory. From his friendship with Yasiin Bey, his feature on Kanye West's College Dropout Album, his family life (and relationship woes), on down to the state of our current political climate, Talib Kweli holds nothing back. He speaks with such conviction and honesty at every angle. The one thing I could say against this book was that it ended too soon. I honestly did not want it to end! I suppose I will have to listen to more of his podcast episodes to get my fill. In short, I was so invested in this book.

Any true student of hip-hop will love this one. Anyone who simply appreciates the art and appreciates the true artist that is Talib Kweli should definitely get familiar with this read. You will not be disappointed. Also, checking out the audiobook version is the perfect cherry on top!

Major thanks to Netgalley + Farrar, Straus and Giroux for the copy of Vibrate Higher in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars

This ARC was only available on Netgalley for a couple of days, then the pub date was pushed back - I am still VERY interested in reading Kweli's memoir, but I must assume that the version I have downloaded will be changed, so I can't write a proper review. I hope the updated version will also be available on Netgalley!