The Once Mighty Mos

I remember a time when Mos Def was regarded as one of the most talented artists in hip hop. Following the release of the Black Star album with Talib Kweli, most fans of the underground were certain that his solo debut would impress. For the most part it did. Black on Both Sides is a great album, although I hesitate to say that it reached the same peaks as Black Star did. Mos shows a lot of hunger on the album, something that has been lacking in his later releases. "Hip Hop" is a display of his more aggressive side, as he rips open the industry of which he is a part. On "Mathematics", a classic DJ Premier production, Mos plays an amazing lyrical number game. Of course, "Umi Says" and "Ms. Fat Booty" were the tracks that really attracted people to this album.

It’s unfortunate that Mos Def is no longer coming out with music of this calibre. 2004's The New Danger was disappointing to say the least. Now rumours are spreading that Mos is a dead-beat dad, and he’s degrading himself in b-level movies like the upcoming 16 Blocks. I can't be the only one hoping for a Black Star reunion...



Black on Both Sides