Mos Def album shows what hip-hop really has to offer
By JESSE DANG
Scene Music Critic
Every once in awhile, a hip-hop album arrives and changes the way people listen to and view hip-hop. Veteran hip-hop artists such as Public Enemy, Gangstarr and De La Soul, along with the modern day talents of Dr. Dre, Notorious B.I.G., Kool Keith and Lauren Hill, have continuously shaped hip-hop into what it is today. The highly anticipated debut of Brooklyn native Mos Def will add another name to that extensive list of artists that have contributed greatly to the hip-hop world.
Boasting an extensive list of hip-hop's premiere producers, Black on Both Sides is a truly marvelous debut for an MC that has graced so many other artists' tracks with his unrivaled flow and lyrical genius. Mos Def works with the likes of DJ Premier, Diamond, Psycho Les and 25 II Life Productions in producing an album that packs a variety of punches. There is a definite difference in beat production for Black on Both Sides as compared to his previous album, a duo project with Talib Kweli of Reflection Eternal (Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star). The production in this case definitely compliments Mos Def's style, and helps him exemplify the full range of his talents.
The tracks on Black on Both Sides cover a range of styles, ranging from intense duets with Busta Rhymes on "Do It Now" and Talib Kweli on "Know That," to relaxing jazz pieces reminiscent of Digable Planets. The lead single, "Ms. Fat Booty," is a clever track that reflects Mos Def's funky narrative and is a must listen. There is even a track on water conservation, entitled "New World Water."
All in all, Mos Def's debut for up-and-coming Rawkus Records is not a disappointment at all, and will inevitably draw comparisons to Lauren Hill's debut, but perhaps will not get the same amount of mainstream coverage. Tired of those "East Coast vs. West Coast vs. Dirty South, R&B infested, Thugs for Life" hip-hop cliches? Pick up Mos Def's Black on Both Sides and listen to what hip-hop REALLY has to offer.
All Scene Stories for Tuesday, December 7, 1999
