Black Star

This is one of the albums that truly changed the way I look at hip-hop and my life as well. The work of Mos Def and Talib Kweli on mixtapes (a la the Soundbombing series) previous to their collaboration album had already began to snap me out of my obsession with all things Wu-Tang, but when I heard this album I was blown away. I mean rap shit I could truly relate to?!? No shit!? Black pride, non-violence, anti-bling bling, dope rhymes, dope beats, and Slick Rick/B-Boy homage all on one album? Love at first sight for me. Although the musicality on this album isn't as organic or complex as the earlier Native Tongues hiphop (Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul) it was a beautiful alternative to the popular rap of the time it was released (1998) and provided my 14 year old ass a doorway into the wonderful world of organic hip hop. I highly recommend this album to people who are quick to state the "hip hop isn't music" argument, so even if you aren't a fan of the stuff check this album out. If you like Black Star then by all means check out Talib Kweli's and Mos Def's solo work as well, although this is the high point of their careers in my opinion.

Of the three tracks I'm offering, the highlight is easily "Thieves in the Night." Mos Def's verse (the second) is one of the best in the history of hiphop, and that is no exaggeration by any means. Bonus points to anyone who catches all of The Bluest Eye references in the song.

Download - "Definition"
Download - "Hater Players"
Download - "Thieves in the Night"