Talib Kweli released his debut solo album Quality November 19, 2002

Quality is the debut studio album by American rapper Talib Kweli. The album was released on November 19, 2002, by Rawkus Records. It received wide critical acclaim and had some commercial appeal from the song “Get By”, produced by Kanye West. Kludge magazine included it on their list of best albums of 2002.

Quality was released on November 19, 2002 (November 25 in the UK), by Rawkus Records. Despite Kweli still being considered an underground artist, the album was commercially successful. It peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200 and number 6 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Three singles were released from the album; “Good to You”/”Put It in the Air”, “Waitin’ For The DJ”/”Guerilla Monsoon Rap” and “Get By”. Despite the positive reception, the first two singles failed to make any impact on mainstream charts, so the label decided to not release the third single, considering the song and its content not commercially viable.

In response to this, Kweli and his manager made several copies of the single and sent it to a number of popular radio DJs across New York. With help from DJ Enuff, the team at Power 106, and many other local DJs, the single gained popularity through local airplay and was eventually released by Rawkus. “Get By” received radio airplay in early 2003 and charted on the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number 77, becoming Kweli’s biggest solo hit. A music video for the song was later released and an official remix was recorded. The remix, featuring Kanye West, Mos Def, Jay Z, and Busta Rhymes, was aired for a short time on New York hip-hop radio but did not receive an official release.
… [source: Wikipedia]