![]() ![]() But they're supported by a rich depth that comes from forays into reggae (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). 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. 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. He met them all with Black on Both Sides, a record every bit as dazzling and visionary as Black Star. Consciously designed as a return to rap'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. 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. DJ Fatboy was right when he said this review could be summed up in three words: fucking dope, PERIOD.2015 Re-issue, Respect the Classics sticker on front. His laid back flowstyle hasn’t been seen since Q-Tip circa “Low End Theory” and the flavor hasn’t been seen by ANYBODY this year. He manages to kick both common sense life rhymes, hip-hop soulsonics, and fat jammies effortlessly. You only thought you knew who Mos Def was or what his sound was like. There probably aren’t enough superlatives in the English language to describe how enjoyable listening to this album really is. ‘Fore I wear your little dumb-ass out like Easter clothes!” Tell them thugs who wanna be CEO’s to be derobed Heavy aquatic water flows keepin them on they toes “ For East West North and South, I got joints for all of those The best thing about Mos Def is that he can interject a sense of lightheartedness and humor throughout, such as on the surprisingly dope “Do it Now” with Busta Rhymes (maybe he’s FINALLY returning to the underground). Ironically, the only bad track here is the Psycho Les produced “New World Water” which sounds comical and silly and really sets the wrong mood for the serious message Mos Def tries to convey.ĭon’t get the impression that this whole album is heavyhanded. Nigga” and along the way he gets a helping hand from the likes of Diamond, DJ Premier, and underground hero 88 Keys. Newcomers like Ayatollah and D-Prosper lace him nicely all the way from “Ms. Even more surprising is he doesn’t need it. ![]() Those who know Dante from his work with Reflection Eternal and Black Star may be surprised though by the fact Hi-Tek doesn’t do a single beat on this album. No matter how uplifting your spirit is in your rhymes though it won’t work without some incredible production on the beats. ![]() ![]() He’s not just gripping the microphone to brag and talk shit, he’s turning up the dirt and planting seeds for hip-hop’s future. What the Mighty Mos Def does is MC which means he “Must Cultivate the earth” as he says on “Love.” You don’t dig? Exactly. He doesn’t attack you with punchlines, he doesn’t growl and scream to get attention, and he’s not obsessed with simplistic wordplay that rhymes at the end of every line. Some people don’t understand the appeal of Dante’s rap style. Calling this album merely brilliant would be like saying that Picasso and Van Gogh only did some nice work “now and then.” ![]()
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