This album is amazing

Review Score:

(10/10)
This album is extraordinary--it was released in 1998, and it is not dated at all. A collaboration of Talib Kweli and Mos Def who were inspired by the Native Tongues, the lyrics on this album are incredible; both powerful in content and in rhythm and sound, each rapper has a distinct style and exhibits his ability to vary his flow around the rhythm. The content varies from references to Islam, politics, the hip-hop scene and romance. Filled with philosophy and poetry, this album is also really enjoyable to listen to. The only way I can show you the greatness of this album is to provide a sample of the lyrics:

The question was rhetorical, the answer is horrible
Our morals are out of place and got our lives full of sorrow
And so tomorrow comin later than usual
Waitin' on someone to pity us
While we findin beauty in the hideous
--Talib Kweli, "Thieves in the Night"

With no conscience, back streets stay darkened
Where unbeliever hearts stay hardened
My eagle talons STAY sharpened, like city lights stay throbbin
You either make a way or stay sobbin, the Shiny Apple
is bruised but sweet and if you choose to eat
You could lose your teeth, many crews retreat
Nightly news repeat, who got shot down and locked down
Spotlight to savages, NASDAQ averages
My narrative, rose to explain this existance
Amidst the harbor lights which remain in the distance
--Mos Def, "Respiration"

More Reviews: