Talib Kweli seems to be making a promise with the very title of his first proper solo album, Quality.

And he delivers.

Through a blinding storm of intelligent, progressive and political hip hop, Kweli molds an album of quality superior to almost any other hip-hop act out there.

Guest appearances abound on Quality. The whole thing begins with comedian Dave Chappelle introducing Kweli on "Keynote Speaker" before Kweli blazes through the outstanding "Rush."

Other strong guest turns include Mos Def on "Joy" and Pharoahe Monch and The Roots' Black Thought on the phenomenal "Guerrilla Monsoon Rap," on which strings provide a creepy and fascinating edge. The most fun and intriguing visitor, though, comes in the form of Savion Glover tapping during "Stand to the Side."

Kweli's social and political messages take the forefront on several tracks, most notably "The Proud" and "Where Do We Go." Through these songs, Kweli manages to merge his sound and views wonderfully in a way that accentuates both and harms neither. In this way, Kweli seems to be channeling acts like Public Enemy and The Roots more than most popular hip-hop acts, rapping about things that are actually important.

The only problem with the album is that on a few occasions the production seems too glossy, most notably on "Waitin' For the DJ." In these few instances the music suffers from the producer trying to make the song dance hall-friendly.

Through 15 solid tracks, Talib Kweli offers a breath of fresh air with his original sounds and rhymes. And the word that describes the album best is its very title.

-- Reviewed by Reid Coploff