Black Star - Black Star

I highly recommend that hip-hop heads add this lp to their collection, because it is one of the better albums released in the last five years. A far cry from the "money, cash, ho's" aesthetic that continues to dominate the scene, Mos Def and Talib Kwieli bring substance and emotions to their lyrics that define "keepin' it real."

While the album does have a sense of humor ("Children's Story"),it never strays too far from its message of self-awareness and perseverance. The standout tracks are "Redefinition," "K.O.S.," "Brown Skin Lady," and the off-the-chain collaboration with Common, "Respiration." Black Star confirms that there is indeed hope for hip-hop.

1. Intro

2. Astronomy (8th Light)

3. Definition

4. RE: Definition

5. Children's Story

6. Brown Skin Lady

7. B Boys Wil B Boys

8. K.O.S (Determination)

9. Hater Players

10. Yo Yeah

11. Respiration

12. Thieves In The Night

13. Twice Inna Lifetime

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