Black On Both Sides

Release Date: March 17, 2015

Mos Def's Black On Both Sides from 1999 delivers conscious hip hop built on jazz-influenced production and thoughtful lyricism that tackles social issues without sacrificing musical sophistication. The album weaves together samples from David Axelrod, Aretha Franklin, and Roy Ayers with live instrumentation, creating a sound that's both intellectually engaging and musically rich.

Standout Tracks

• Ms. Fat Booty: Built on an Aretha Franklin sample, this track showcases Mos Def's storytelling ability over smooth, soulful production
• Mathematics: The closing track delivers rapid-fire wordplay over a minimalist beat, highlighting his lyrical dexterity
• Umi Says: A introspective meditation on love and spirituality that demonstrates his more vulnerable side

Mood: conscious, introspective, late night, thoughtful

Tracklist

1. A1. Fear Not Of Man
2. A2. Hip Hop
3. A3. Love
4. A4. Ms. Fat Booty
5. B1. Speed Law
6. B2. Do It Now
7. B3. Got
8. B4. Umi Says
9. C1. New World Water
10. C2. Rock 'n' Roll
11. C3. Know That
12. C4. Climb
13. D1. Brooklyn
14. D2. Habitat
15. D3. Mr. Nigga
16. D4. Mathematics
17. D5. May - December