Mos Def's partnership with Talib Kweli produced one of the most important hip-hop albums of the late '90s, 1997's brilliant Black Star. Consciously designed as a return to rap's musical foundations and a manifesto for reclaiming the art form from gangsta/playa domination, it succeeded mightily on both counts, raising expectations sky-high for Mos Def's solo debut. He met them all with Black on Both Sides, a record every bit as dazzling and visionary as Black Star. Black on Both Sides strives to not only refine but expand ...
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Mos Def's partnership with Talib Kweli produced one of the most important hip-hop albums of the late '90s, 1997's brilliant Black Star. Consciously designed as a return to rap's musical foundations and a manifesto for reclaiming the art form from gangsta/playa domination, it succeeded mightily on both counts, raising expectations sky-high for Mos Def's solo debut. He met them all with Black on Both Sides, a record every bit as dazzling and visionary as Black Star. Black on Both Sides strives to not only refine but expand the scope of Mos Def's talents, turning the solo spotlight on his intricate wordplay and nimble rhythmic skills -- but also his increasing eclecticism. The main reference points are pretty much the same -- old-school rap, which allows for a sense of playfulness as well as history, and the Native Tongues posse's fascination with jazz, both for its sophistication and cultural heritage. But they're supported by a rich depth that comes from forays into reggae (as well as its aura of spiritual conscience), pop, soul, funk, and even hardcore punk (that on the album's centerpiece, "Rock n Roll," a dissection of white America's history of appropriating black musical innovations). In keeping with his goal of restoring hip-hop's sociopolitical consciousness, Def's lyrics are as intelligent and thoughtfully crafted as one would expect, but he doesn't stop there -- he sings quite passably on several tracks, plays live instruments on others (including bass, drums, congas, vibraphone, and keyboards), and even collaborates on a string arrangement. In short, Black on Both Sides is a tour de force by an artist out to prove he can do it all. Its ambition and execution rank it as one of the best albums of 1999, and it consolidates Mos Def's position as one of hip-hop's brightest hopes entering the 21st century. ~ Steve Huey, Rovi
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Add this copy of Black on Both Sides to cart. $6.99, very good condition, Sold by Southern Maryland Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Waldorf, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Universal Music Group.
Add this copy of Black on Both Sides to cart. $6.99, very good condition, Sold by Broadband ERA rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from BEAVERTON, OR, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Universal Music Group.
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Add this copy of Black on Both Sides to cart. $6.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Diamond rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Rawkus.
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Black on Both Sides to cart. $10.97, good condition, Sold by Goodwill Industries of S.W.FL. rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Fort Myers, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Rawkus.
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Very good in very good packaging. Originally released: 1999. BOX# 81812CDVD. We sold All items bases on value. This pre-owned music CD s is in (very Good condition, There is(no Scratches): This Case has (1 discs in side). Please read this Note: ( ) This condition may have Broken tab, Missing face Page Cover and Broken cover and Tab, or has marker's marks: Apply Only Disc s. ) All old library s pr-owned items have mark s marks, tape residue, face page cuts, and name s erased I checked every item, and I will sign it before I mail it to you. This is a great MUSIC time for you and your Associates. Please read this Note. NO RETURNS ANY DUPLICABLE ITEM LIKE: DVD s Cassette s tapes, CD s and VHS tapes. Please, Read Special not be for you buy this item.
