CD REVIEW: Mos Def - Black on Both Sides

Mos Def - Black on Both Sides

(1999)

This is definitely the best outing for Mos if you ask me. A flawless album back to front, this CD should be in your collection. This classic starts off with a simple intro of Mos Def letting us know how we effect the state of hip-hop.  Until we get better as a people, hip-hop won't get any better, which is a concept  by Mos that definitely influences my outlook on hip-hop.  After that this CD just hits you over the head with track after track of pure lyricism that truly brings you into the mind of Mos Def.  I've also been a big fan of Mos's radical politics and the fact he doesn't give a fuck if it offends you, he's gonna let you know how he feels, a sentiment conveyed in the song "Rock and Roll" in which Mos challenges Elvis Preselys(totally don't know how to spell it ha ha) status as the king of rock. Other sick tracks on the CD include the hip-hop classic "Mrs. Fat Booty" and a reflective Mos track named "Umi Says" that I feel really shows the versatility of Mos Def's song writing skills. I'm gonna have to put this CD in my top 10 favorite so to say that I urge y'all to get it is an understatement. Go support an artist who appreciates you as a fan and give Mos Def's "Black on Both Sides" a listen.

-Ricky

Contact Ricky @ tnrblog@yahoo.com