Black on Both Sides

by Mos Def

Overview

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

Product Details

Release Date:	06/04/2002
Label:	Rawkus
UPC:	0008811290528

Tracks

1. Fear Not of Man
2. Hip Hop
3. Love
4. Ms. Fat Booty
5. Speed Law
6. Do It Now
7. Got
8. Umi Says
9. New World Water
10. Rock N Roll
11. Know That
12. Climb
13. Brooklyn
14. Habitat
15. Mr. Nigga
16. Mathematics
17. May-December

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Mos Def   Primary Artist,Bass,Drums,Congas,Vocals,Keyboards,Percussion,Vibraphone,Guitar (Bass)
Talib Kweli   Primary Artist,Guest Artist,Featured Artist,Rap
Q-Tip   Primary Artist,Featured Artist,Guest Artist
Busta Rhymes   Primary Artist,Guest Artist,Featured Artist,Rap
Vinia Mojica   Primary Artist,Featured Artist,Vocals,Guest Artist
Johnny Why   Guitar
Weldon Irvine   Piano,Keyboards,Organ (Hammond)
will.i.am   Fender Rhodes,Piano (Electric)
Etch-A-Sketch   Scratching,Turntables

Technical Credits

Talib Kweli Greene   Composer
The Beatnuts   Producer
L. Fernandez   Composer
L. Dorell   Composer
J. Kirkland   Composer
Balzary   Composer
Ayatollah   Composer,Producer
Talib Kweli   Composer,Performer
Charles Singleton   Composer
Johnny Why   Engineer
Jane   Design
Vinia Mojica   Performer
David Kennedy   Mixing,Composer,Engineer,Producer
John Frusciante   Composer
Weldon Irvine   Arranger,Composer,Producer,String Arrangements,Additional Production,Keyboard Arrangements
Roy Ayers   Performer
Q-Tip   Composer,Performer
Psycho Les   Producer
Ali Shaheed Muhammad   Composer,Producer
88-Keys   Composer,Producer
T.Dunn   Composer
Busta Rhymes   Composer,Performer
Harry Whitaker   Composer
Anthony Kiedis   Composer
Mr. Khallyl   Producer
David Axelrod   Composer,Performer
Eddie Snyder   Composer
Ge-ology   Composer,Producer
David Porter   Performer
Diamond D   Composer,Producer
Red Hot Chili Peppers   Performer
Mos Def   Composer,Producer,Performer,Executive Producer,String Arrangements,Additional Production
Aretha Franklin   Performer
C. Singleton   Composer
DJ Premier   Producer
Edward Snyder   Composer
Lester Fernandez   Composer
Kiku   Design
G. Young   Composer
Acklins Dillon   Composer
Jonathan Davis   Composer
Etch-A-Sketch   Producer
Dante Smith   Composer,Producer
Taylor Dunn   Composer
Charles Njapa   Composer
E. Snyder   Composer
Alvaro Gonzalez-Campo   Photography
Shaka   Executive Producer
Calablzitaz Tiernaz   Photography
Charlie Singleton   Composer
D. Prosper   Composer,Producer
Mathias Q-Tip   Performer
Chris Martin   Composer
Trevor Smith   Composer
Lamont Dorrell   Composer