Watch Talib Kweli Endorse the Brooklyn Queens Connector (Updated)

BROOKLYN, NY — At least half of Brooklyn hip-hop duo Black Star is apparently on board with the Brooklyn Queens Connector, a proposed $2.5 billion streetcar running from Astoria, Queens, to Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

The above video — released this week by Friends of the Brooklyn Queens Connector (BQX), an advocacy organization pushing the project — opens with a tale of nostalgic transportation woes by Talib Kweli.

(Kweli is identified in the video as a hip-hop artist from Williamsburg, although he was born in Park Slope).

"When I was growing up, Queens seemed like a world apart," Kweli says in the video.

"You know, you'd meet a girl on a train," he continued, "and she'd be like, 'I live in Queens.' And you'd be like, 'Oh, you live in Queeeeeeens" — his voice trailing off to symbolize love lost between boroughs.

However, late on Friday, a spokeswoman for Kweli named Donna Dragotta said she didn't know if the artist actually backs the BQX.

Though the video is credited to Friends of the Brooklyn Queens Connector, Dragotta said that Kweli was "invited to be a part of the project by the producers of the video, Vice media."

Asked if Kweli was familiar with the BQX before filming, Dragotta wrote that, "he did not know the complex history of this beforehand. He was asked to reflect on the transportation issues and how he would see this being a benefit to those who live and work in Brooklyn."

Dragotta added that she "would need to confirm" if Kweli supports the BQX as proposed. 

In recent weeks, the city has been pitching the BQX to community groups. So far, meeting have been held in Astoria and Sunset Park.

The next public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for May 19 at 6 p.m. at the Red Hook Recreation Center, located at 155 Bay St.