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THESE QUESTIONS GO TO ELEVEN is a new ZIO blog series. Each week the same 11 questions are answered by a different musician via email. Check out Zoom In Music every Wednesday for a new installment or subscribe to the RSS feed.

This week, Brooklyn-based rapper Talib Kweli takes the questions. Talib's intelligent and socially conscious lyrics have made him one of the most critically acclaimed artists today. Ever since his days in Black Star with Mos Def, Talib has accumulated a great diversity of fans who rightly sing his praises. In 2005, Talib started Blacksmith Records where he signed fellow New York MC Jean Grae.

1.  What music was played in your home while growing up?

My pops was a DJ in college and his influences were wide ranging, so we had everything on vinyl. There was Bob Dylan, Sly and the Family Stone, Motown stuff, jazz stuff, everything.

2.  Who is the best artist we have probably never heard of?

Strong Arm Steady, Krondon, Mitchy Slick and Phil the Agony from California. Download their mixtape with me and Clinton Sparks at http://www.yearoftheblacksmith.com

3.  What record did you used to love, but now can't stand?

I don't know, usually I don't like records and then they grow on me.

4.  What song do you want played at your funeral?

I'd prefer not to think about that, I'm alive.

5.  What is your favorite b-side?

M-E-T-H-O-D....Man! 

6.  Which medium do you prefer: vinyl, cd, or download?

Vinyl sounds the best, but mp3s have expanded the game. CDs are a wrap.

7.  What artist would your fans be surprised that you like?

Soulja Boy. I like what he brings to the game, even though I don't like how he went at Nas.

8.  What musician or group would you choose to cover one of your songs?

Blu. He's dope.

9.  Who is the most overrated artist?

Me. Just kidding. Saying overrated is overrated.

10. What musician or band do you wish you'd seen play live in their prime?

The JBs.

11. What non-musical influences do you have?

Films.

Keep up to date with all of Talib Kweli's projects on his blog.
Watch Talib's live concert dvd Live at the Shrine. 
Listen to the new Idle Warship freestyle and check out their MySpace page.
Seek out The J.B.'s, Blu., and Soulja Boy. 
Watch the video for M.E.T.H.O.D. Man.

Check out more installments of THESE QUESTIONS GO TO ELEVEN:

Adam Green
Art Brut
Camera Obscura
Chin Chin
The Cribs
Darlings
Dead River Company
Fujiya & Miyagi
Golem
Ben Kweller
Jeffrey Lewis
The Low Miffs
Lights
M83
Man Like Me
Marina & The Diamonds
Meg & Dia
A.C. Newman
Cale Parks
Silvery
Tapes 'n Tapes
Tiny Animals
The Von Bondies
White Rabbits
Wild Light
Yo Majesty!

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