Yo Yeah (track 10)

[This is part 10 of a longer series – previous track - "Player Haters" - next track - "Respiration"] https://www.youtube.com/embed/DMwjOePe8eE This is a mysteriously beautiful interlude - a look into that “synaptic space” from last time - that in some way is the hinge that holds the album together through an ambient night-time streetscape. As the last … Continue reading Yo Yeah (track 10) →

“Brown-Skinned Lady” (Track 6)

[This is part 6 of a longer series – previous track - "Children's Story" - next track - "B Boys will Be Boys"] https://www.youtube.com/embed/XPcdO9CFhWI "Brown-Skinned Lady" is both an ordinary love song and also a deeply intellectual engagement with intersectional feminism. And just like with "Re:Definition," I'm approaching these contexts with humility, as they get to some of … Continue reading “Brown-Skinned Lady” (Track 6) →

“Children’s Story” (Track 5)

[This is part 5 of a longer series – previous track - "Re:Definition" - next track - "Brown-Skinned Lady"] https://www.youtube.com/embed/2CagQFPm3JY The opening four tracks of Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star feel like they form a kind of opening act. The fifth song on the album, "Children's Story," a cover (sort of) of Slick Rick's song … Continue reading “Children’s Story” (Track 5) →

Re:Definition (Track 4)

[This is part 4 of a longer series – previous track - "Definition" - next track - "Children's Story"] https://www.youtube.com/embed/fr6SrRQnZv4 "Definition" (youtube/spotify) and "Re:Definition" (youtube/spotify) roll together like one continuous track, but also like 2 mirror images: "Definition" is joyful and celebratory; "Re:Definition" is "turnin' your play into a tragedy." The key change (and subtle downshift in rhythm) … Continue reading Re:Definition (Track 4) →

Track 1 of Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star – “Intro”

[This is part 1 of a longer series – next post “Interlude” - next track - "Astronomy (8th Light)"] “We know that we know how to make some music and that music ain't supposed to stand still…” Mos Def and Talib Kweli, “Intro” “I found my only chance for life was in flight.” Narrative of the Life of … Continue reading Track 1 of Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star – “Intro” →

Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star Writing Project – Overview

` “In the jungle with the leaders — we them lions, you the cheetahs. A cipher will complete us as we come through your receiversYou can play us and repeat us, and then take us home and read us” - Mos Def and Talib Kweli, “Definition” Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star, the … Continue reading Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star Writing Project – Overview →