Mos Def "New Danger"

Posted on 10.12.2004

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Mos Def
"New Danger"
Release : (October 12, 2004)
Label : Geffen Records

Review :

More than a mere rap album, Mos Def’s long-awaited The New Danger combines hip-hop, blues, soul, and rock in an 18-track package that seeks to transcend convention. In that sense, it shares a similar spirit with Andre 3000’s The Love Below or Common’s Electric Circus, with mixed results. Mos’s reputation has been built on the strength of his lyrical charisma, and songs like "Close Edge," "Grown Man Business," and "Sunshine" show that his skills haven’t faded just because he’s Emmy-nominated. He’s already proven that he can cut more than just street heat—best evinced on the soulful, poetic "Umi Says," a surprise hit from his previous release, 1999’s Black on Both Sides. Yet, the rock- and blues-inspired songs here, while by no means poor, are acquired tastes, given their tendency to noodle—they simply can’t compare with Mos’s cutting verbal displays. The album’s length and sometimes clunky sequencing can make for challenging listening, especially when so many of his more experimental cuts come early on. New fans might find the album’s eclecticism intriguing, although older fans will likely be a bit perplexed.

Track Listing :

1. Boogie Man Song
2. Freaky Black
3. Ghetto Rock
4. Zimzallabim
5. The Rape Over
6. Black Jack
7. Bedstuy Parade
8. Sex, Love & Money
9. Sunshine
10. Close Edge
11. The Panties
12. War
13. Grown Man Business
14. Modern Marvel
15. Life is Real
16. The Easy Spell
17. The Beggar
18. Champion Requiem