Talib Kweli says "Conscious Rapper" label is limiting

Brooklyn rapper Talib Kweli opens up about being labeled a "conscious rapper," and reveals that it doesn't box him in as an artist.

"I'm not special. They don't just do it for me. Everybody get a label applied to them," conceded Kwe, before adding, "But it's a matter of how much you live up to that label, and how much you accept whatever label someone else has given to you." "The conscious rapper label correctly applies to me, because I am a conscious rapper," he explained. "...But this industry has demonized the term 'consciousness,' and has demonized the idea of positive message and music that can move people in a different direction other than debauchery."

Kweli explained that he embraces the challenge of making positive music, but that the label placed upon him is limiting nonetheless. "That's why I fight against that label. That's why I fight against being put in that box, because the people who strive to put me in that box... are limiting the audience that can hear my music."