Black On Both Sides - Mos Def (1999)
ideated from: Filling in some gaps with more 90s records.
Yasiin Bey is mostly an actor these days, but when he was recording hip hop as Mos Def he was a giant in the field.
This is his solo debut, a follow-up to his collab with Talib Kwali called “Black Star” (which itself figures solidly in my “why the shit haven’t I written about this album yet?” list).
Mos co-produces and plays some of the live instruments, as well as turning in a set of lyrics that are elegant and angry and wide-reaching.
OK, “Ms. Fat Booty” might not be elegant, but my point is it’s all great.
Tracks I Liked
New World Water - a geopolitical manifesto
Rock N Roll - a reminder that rock is black
Mathematics - a case for revolution
