Mos Def "Black On Both Side"

Posted on 06.4.2002

1 comment(s)

Mos Def
Album : Black on Both Sides
Release Date : June 4, 2002
Label : Rawkus

Customers Reviews :

"Only a year after his classic Black Star collaboration with Talib Kweli, Mos Def dropped his first solo project, "Black On Both Sides," showcasing his eclectic taste and unheard of versatility. Mos Def shines brilliantly as the freshest new voice in the music world by combining his love for hip-hop with his equally passionate love for rock, soul, and funk creating an original groove hardly ever seen by popular artists in any genre. Not only is he able to blend genres suprisingly well but he also plays a good majority of the live instruments. On his most diverse track "Rock N Roll," he goes from a deep funk groove with sing/speak to a full out hardcore attack on the white man for stealing the culture of the black people. It’s a brave and powerful track that suprises one on it’s first listen. Other than that track, the best moments on the CD come when Mos is in straight up rapper mode. His song "Hip-Hop" has an undeniably catchy hook and some awe-inspiring lyrical flow from Mos. Although there are some amazing guests on here (Kweli, Q-Tip, and Busta Rhymes) only Busta Rhymes leaves an impact as the other two are reduced to backup roles. At points, the album can get a little slow and preachy but by the time "Rock N Roll" comes around, the music is simply too captivating to nitpick at anymore."

"If hip-hop was a college course, Black on Both Sides would be required listening, full with a project and an essay at the end of the listening. It’s pure genius from start to finish. "Fear not of Man" is a spoken word piece that really sets the creative tone of the album and it doesnt let up at ALL. I don’t wanna say too much cause this album doesnt really even need a review. alls i got to say is the lyrics, beats, concepts, topics, styles, feels.....EVERYTHING is so good......its....ORGASMIC. Oh, and if you want to see true artistic growth, pick up the NEW DANGER as well."

Track Listings :

1. Fear Not Of Man
2. Hip Hop
3. Love
4. Ms. Fat Booty
5. Speed Law
6. Do It Now
7. Got Listen
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