Mos Def, or currently known as Yasiin Bey, is an American hip hop artist hailing from Brooklyn, New York City. Having a career spanning through the 90's and better associated with the underground hip hop scene of the time. Having appeared on albums by Da Bush Babees, De La Soul and finally forming a formidable duo with Talib Kweli as Black Star. Considering the strength of his collaboration with Talib Kweli, it was no surprise his solo debut followed soon after to a roar of high praise for his socially conscious lyrics, solid production and focus on live instrumentation played none other by the multi-talented Mos Def himself.
Guest MCs and producers featured on this release includes Talib Kweli, Q-Tip, (Of A Tribe Called Quest) Busta Rhymes and DJ Premier (Of Gang Starr) to name a few. Stand out tracks from the album includes "Hip Hop", "Mathematics" and "Ms Fat Booty". At his best, Mos Def showcases his exceptional flow that's smooth as butter that will entrance you and hold your attention. With lyrics that talk about his trials and tribulations of being in an industry that's filled with danger where no MC is safe and with slice of life anecdotes that will amuse. Mos Def will get your body grooving and your head bopping despite being overly preachy with his rhymes at times.
If you like your hip hop to be about the people and for the people, then Black On Both Sides is for you.
Essential Tracks: Hip Hop, Mathematics, Ms Fat Booty
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