Album: Prisoner of Conscious

Introduction
"Prisoner of Conscious" is the fifth studio album by American rapper and activist Talib Kweli, launched on May 7, 2013. Known for his socially conscious lyrics and commentary on social and political problems, Talib Kweli has been recognized as one of the finest lyricists in hip-hop. The album includes partnerships with popular artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Curren$y, Busta Rhymes, and Miguel, to name a few. Produced by a variety of manufacturers, including J. Cole, Harry Fraud, and RZA, "Prisoner of Conscious" showcases Kweli's depth and adaptability, moving in between categories and styles effortlessly. The album received positive evaluations from critics for its production, lyrics, and the variety of musical designs integrated.

Background and Inspiration
The album title, "Prisoner of Conscious", is a play on the philosophical concept of a "detainee of consciousness", referring to a private trapped by their own beliefs and not able to see beyond their own point of view. For Talib Kweli, it represents a struggle against expectations laid upon him by fans and critics, as they view him mainly as a socially conscious rap artist. This album is his effort at breaking devoid of the boundaries of that expectation and rather, developing music that shows his personal growth and varied musical combination.

Collaborators and Production
Talib Kweli brought an excellent list of partners on this album, spanning different categories and generations of hip-hop. A few of the notable feature looks include Kendrick Lamar on "Push Thru", Curren$y on "Upper Echelon", and Busta Rhymes on "Rocket Ships". The varied lineup of manufacturers present on the album permitted Kweli to check out various aspects of his musicality, showing the eclectic nature of the project.

The album starts with "Intro", featuring a sample of Gil Scott-Heron's poem "Comment # 1", followed by the track "Human Mic", which showcases Kweli's lyrical prowess over a soulful production by Oh No. As the album progresses, melodies and rhythms change effortlessly-- from the guitar-driven "State of Grace" to the bouncy, electronic-infused "High Life".

Styles and Lyrics
While attempting to break away from being exclusively viewed as a socially mindful rap artist, "Prisoner of Conscious" still contains thought-provoking and effective styles throughout its period. Kweli addresses issues such as bigotry, gender inequality, and difficulties dealt with by the black neighborhood. Nevertheless, this album also shows a more susceptible and reflective side of Kweli, as he shares heartbreaks and personal struggles.

On the track "Come Here", Kweli information a romantic pursuit over a smooth Miguel-assisted chorus, while "Hold It Now" displays his capability to mix classic hip-hop aspects with modern perceptiveness. Despite venturing into a variety of sounds throughout the album, Kweli's lyrical capability remains regularly excellent, tackling intricate topics and clever wordplay with ease.

Reception and Legacy
"Prisoner of Conscious" got typically favorable reviews from music critics, who appreciated the diversity of the job and Talib Kweli's dedication to delivering quality music. The album performed decently on the charts, peaking at number 47 on the Billboard 200. However, it remains a preferred amongst hip-hop fans and a testament to Kweli's artistic development.

In summary, "Prisoner of Conscious" is a musically diverse and lyrically powerful offering from Talib Kweli. The album showcases his capability to tackle complicated topic while likewise explore numerous musical designs and working together with a vast array of artists. As an artist aiming to break free from the confines of expectation, "Prisoner of Conscious" stands as a testament to Kweli's ability to transcend genres and constantly progress as an artist and lyricist.