Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star is the only album by Black Star, the Brooklyn duo of Mos Def and Talib Kweli, released by Rawkus Records in September 1998.
The story
“Definition” nodded to Boogie Down Productions while calling for an end to the violence that had claimed 2Pac and Biggie. “Respiration,” with Common, is a portrait of New York at night. The duo named themselves after Marcus Garvey’s Black Star Line.
Sound and production
Cincinnati producer Hi-Tek made most of the beats, with contributions from 88-Keys, J. Rawls and Da Beatminerz, in a warm, jazzy style.
Legacy
The album became a cornerstone of the independent rap movement around Rawkus at the turn of the millennium.
Tracklist & credits
- A1IntroProd. Talib Kweli, Hi-Tek1:11
- A2Astronomy (8th Light)Prod. Evil Dee, Mr. Walt3:23
- A3DefinitíonProd. Hi-Tek3:26
- A4RE:DEFinitionProd. Hi-Tek3:02
- A5Children's StoryProd. Shawn J Period3:32
- A6Brown Skin LadyProd. J. Rawls5:46
- B7B Boys Will B BoysProd. GE-OLOGY2:36
- B8K.O.S. (Determination)Prod. Hi-Tek4:49
- B9Hater PlayersProd. Shawn J Period4:08
- B10Yo YeahProd. J. Rawls1:10
- B11RespirationProd. Hi-Tek6:05
- B12Thieves In The NightProd. 88-Keys5:16
- B13Twice Inna LifetimeProd. Hi-Tek5:38
Tracklist and producer credits: Discogs. Gear credits: Breakbeat Archive, sourced on each credit.
Made with
The gear behind this record, sourced and for sale.
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More from hip hop in 1998.