NEW DOUBLE LP
New sealed copy. 2022 reissue.
Black on Both Sides is the debut solo studio album by Mos Def, released in 1999 through Rawkus and Priority Records. Arriving after his collaboration with Talib Kweli on Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, the album combines socially conscious hip hop with live instrumentation and production from DJ Premier, Diamond D, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Ayatollah, 88 Keys, Psycho Les, and Mos Def himself.
The album addresses subjects including race, politics, environmental issues, urban life, love, and the state of hip hop. "Mathematics" examines social and economic conditions, while "New World Water" focuses on access to water and environmental concerns. "Brooklyn" is structured as a three part tribute to Mos Def's home borough, while "Umi Says" places greater emphasis on singing and live instrumentation. Other key tracks include "Ms. Fat Booty," "Hip Hop," and "Rock N Roll."
Black on Both Sides was certified Gold in the United States in 2000. It became one of the most widely recognized releases associated with the late 1990s Rawkus Records period and established Mos Def as a major solo artist following the success of Black Star.
TRACKLIST:
A1 Fear Not Of Man
A2 Hip Hop
A3 Love
A4 Ms. Fat Booty
B1 Speed Law
B2 Do It Now
B3 Got
B4 Umi Says
C1 New World Water
C2 Rock N Roll
C3 Know That
C4 Climb
D1 Brooklyn
D2 Habitat
D3 Mr. Nigga
D4 Mathematics
D5 May-December
