One of hip-hop's most prolific wordsmiths is teaming up with one of its most acclaimed beat scientists for an album that takes the "lib" connection in their respective monikers to the full hilt.

Liberation

Talib Kweli and Madlib have released a full-length, digital-only album dubbed Liberation, and sticking with the freedom theme, have made the album available for a free MP3 download at Rappcats.com.

The free download also includes artwork that features Abu Ghraib-inspired artwork on the back cover and Kweli's face superimposed on the Statue of Liberty.

The album finds Madlib bringing his A-game on the soul-drenched beats, and Kweli's surefire flow gets help from Consequence, Candice Anderson, and his crew Strong Arm Steady.

Kweli is also prepping the release of Ear Drum, his delayed solo album on his own Blacksmith imprint.

"Some fans will say [Liberation] is the sound they want to hear from me all the time," Kweli wrote of the album on his MySpace page. "If so, congratulations, you got your wish. However, do not use this to speculate what Ear Drum will sound like. It is a different project with different influences."

"Shout out to my brother Madlib," Kweli wrote. "For being so creative and inspirational, and for giving me a canvas to paint on. This project was inspired by his consistency...In this era of over produced and over marketed product, Madlib leads the pack of independent artists who could care less about all of that."

Here's the tracklisting for Liberation:
1 The Show

2 Funny Money

3 Time Is Right

4 Engine Runnin' [feat. Consequence]

5 Over the Counter

6 The Function [feat. Strong Arm Steady]

7 Happy Home [feat. Candice Anderson]

8 Soul Music

9 What Can I Do