Rise

Format

• ---

  47140282 x Long Player  £26.00

Mos Def

Black On Both Sides

Hip Hop Double 180 Gram Vinyl with Download Mos Def's partnership with Talib Kweli produced one of the most important hiphop albums of the late '90s 1997's brilliant '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 skyhigh 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 oldschool 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 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 In keeping with his goal of restoring hiphop'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 hiphop's brightest hopes entering the 21st century

Tracklist

• 1. Fear Not Of Man
  2. Hip Hop
  3. Love
  4. Ms. Fat Booty
  5. Speed Law
  6. Do It Now - Mos Def, Busta Rhymes
  7. Got
  8. UMI Says
  9. New World Water
  10. Rock N Roll
  11. Know That - Mos Def, Kweli
  12. Climb - Mos Def, Vinia Mojica
  13. Brooklyn
  14. Habitat
  15. Mr. Nigga - Mos Def, Q-Tip
  16. Mathematics
  17. May-December