Music » Rap & Hip-Hop Indie Music

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Media Type: CD
Artist: MOS DEF
Title: BLACK ON BOTH SIDES
Street Release Date: 06/04/2002
Domestic
Genre: RAP/HIP HOP

Silencing any suggestions that he's any less capable than his more high-profile Black Star partner Mos Def, Talib Kweli, along with DJ Hi-Tek, crafts a masterful debut with Reflection Eternal. Like Mos, Kweli displays an impressive range of styles and sensibilities--whether popping party lyrics on "Move Something," reflecting on the mysteries of the heart for "Love," or musing on hip-hop's death and rebirth for "Good Mourning." In comparison to Mos Def's status as a new funk soul brother, Kweli's more of a b-boy bookworm--erudite and articulate, but he can also let fly with fire and spark on the mic anytime. DJ Hi-Tek finally gets to show off his full range of production ability with a blend of hot, aggressive tracks ("Blast") and relaxed groovers ("Memories"). As good a debut as you could ask for. --Oliver Wang

Even in hip-hop--a genre famous for auspicious debuts--Black Star, the first album from the team of Mos Def and Talib Kweli, stands out. It's not just because these guys know their history (an update of Slick Rick's classic "Children's Story," a fine jack of BDP's "The P Is Free" on "Definition," and shout-outs to 2Pac, Biggie, and the Rock Steady Crew) and have paid their dues. Mos Def had been bouncing around the Native Tongues family for years, and both he and Kweli are featured on the Soundbombing and Lyricist Lounge albums. No, Black Star stands out simply because it's a great album, an intelligent, progressive, and funky piece of work that showcases two great MCs, both of whom have internalized the best parts of Guru, Rakim, and Q-Tip. The album also features strong production from Shawn J. Period and DJ Hi-Tek (Kweli's partner in Reflection Eternal). --Randy Silver

Release Date: 2002-05-14, Audio CD, Daptone

The second solo release of recording artist/DJ/producer Pete Rock of Pete Rock and CL Smooth fame. A fusion of reggae, jazz, pop, rock and soul with a scattering of MC tracks. All three MC cuts feature a new crew called the UN (featuring Rock Marciano of Busta Rhymes posse - Flipmode Squad and more. Packaged in a unique gate-fold digipak. 2001 release.

Release Date: 1996-06-10, Audio CD, Lil Joe Records

Death Row Records. Digitally remastered, repackaged & enhanced classic. Enhanced portion features the classic video What's My Name. Packaged in a jewel box in a slipcase. 2001 reissue.

Noreaga has been a prime peddler of street-level drama and ghetto anthems ever since his 1997 debut (with Capone), The War Report. While his solo debut, N.O.R.E., lacks the sheer fatalism of his Queens, New York, peers Nas and Mobb Deep, Noreaga is unrepentant in his thugged-out exultation of fast money, fast love, and fast life. Because of his penchant for penning confusing tales that tend toward the cryptic (see the title track), Noreaga might appeal only to an audience eager to listen to stories of project life--just so long as they don't have to live it for themselves. Mostly mediocre production also weakens the album. It's only on two tracks, "Mathematics (Esta Loca)" and "Body in the Trunk," that we glimpse the potential for Noreaga's gifts. --Oliver Wang

Death Row Records. Digitally remastered and repackaged in jewel box in slipcase. Enhanced portion features the classic video Dre Day. 2001 reissue.

Debut album from UK Trip Hop producer Andy Turner, originally released in 1999. With his music based in his love of Hip Hop, Turner aims to please (pun intended) on this album that is as soothing as it is fascinating and exciting. 12 tracks. Attic.