Mos Def's partnership with Talib Kweli produced one of the most important hip-hop albums of the late '90s, 1997's brilliant Black Star. Consciously designed as a return to ap's musical foundations and a manifesto for reclaiming the art form from gangsta/playa domination, it succeeded mightily on both counts, raising expectations sky-high for Mos Def's solo debut. He met them all with Black on Both Sides, a record every bit as dazzling and visionary as Black Star. Black on Both Sides strives to not only refine but expand the scope of Mos Def's talents, turning the solo spotlight on his intricate wordplay and nimble rhythmic skills -- but also his increasing eclecticism. The main reference points are pretty much the same -- old-school rap, which allows for a sense of playfulness as well as history, and the Native Tongues posse's fascination with jazz, both for its sophistication and cultural heritage. But they're supported by a rich depth that comes from forays into eggae (as well as its aura of spiritual conscience), pop, soul, funk, and even hardcore punk (that on the album's centerpiece, "Rock n Roll," a dissection of white America's history of appropriating black musical innovations). In keeping with his goal of restoring hip-hop's sociopolitical consciousness, Def's lyrics are as intelligent and thoughtfully crafted as one would expect, but he doesn't stop there -- he sings quite passably on several tracks, plays live instruments on others (including bass, drums, congas, vibraphone, and keyboards), and even collaborates on a string arrangement. In short, Black on Both Sides is a tour de force by an artist out to prove he can do it all. Its ambition and execution rank it as one of the best albums of 1999, and it consolidates Mos Def's position as one of hip-hop's brightest hopes entering the 21st century.
me? mos def - black on both sides.i guess, better late than never. thank you dave chapelle for turning me on from your killer flick. and i HAD this album for years and never really played it."umi says" is a killer killer song.
More >
me? mos def - black on both sides.i guess, better late than never. thank you dave chapelle for turning me on from your killer flick. and i HAD this album for years and never really played it."umi says" is a killer killer song.
More >
The second track in regards to Nas's upcoming album is from Mos Def. I really hope Nas addresses the types of things that Mos address in this track from his debut album.
More >
But I'm pretty sure that Mos Def's "Black on Both Sides" might be the best hip hop record of the last 10 years... its just SO good, its got a pretty consistent flow is just too easy to get lost in, and lose an hour as the album plays on.Any suggestions that are similar, because if this is hip hop, I'm a fan...
More >
with credit (and/or apologies) to "Jonh Ingham":http://mog.com/Jonh_Ingham/blog_post/128571#comments and "indiepixie":http://mog.com/indiepixie, here goes... being a first post, i'll rely on a crutch. math is a lot of things, but above all it's a language - and often it's the only one where i can be remotely succinct. i was curious about how MOG posts break down, by topic. this is by no mea...
More >
--- - |- Who says Rage Against the Machine have the market cornered on political protest? While the band is playing a show in the Twin Cities at the same time as the Republican National Convention descends on Minneapolis-St. Paul, so are a bunch of other acts. We previously reported that the Service Employees International Union's Take Back Labor Day festival would feature Rage guitarist Tom M...
More >
Mos Def is the latest guest interviewed on Karmaloop TV. He speaks on his performance at Carnegie Hall where he debuted his new clothing line, Watermelon Syndicate. He breaks down the meaning behind the name of his line, which he says is his desciption of the perception of black people in America. Mos also shows off one of his dead prez inspired RBG tees. FYI I wear a large if anyone wants ...
More >
From the Brooklyn rapper's solo album of 1999, "Black on Both Sides."
More >
| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Fear Not of Man |
|
|
| 2 Hip Hop |
|
|
| 3 Love |
|
|
| 4 Ms. Fat Booty |
|
|
| 5 Speed Law |
|
|
| 6 Do It Now |
|
|
| 7 Got |
|
|
| 8 Umi Says |
|
|
| 9 New World Water |
|
|
| 10 Rock N Roll |
|
|
| 11 Know That |
|
|
| 12 Climb |
|
|
| 13 Brooklyn |
|
|
| 14 Habitat |
|
|
| 15 Mr. Nigga |
|
|
| 16 Mathematics |
|
|
| 17 May-December |
|
|
© 2006-2009 Mog Inc. All Rights Reserved
 "Black on Both Sides")
