Mos Def

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

The Samples Behind Black Star’s ‘Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star’

Blackstar

In the late ’90s, rising Brooklyn rappers Mos Def (now Yasiin Bey) and Talib Kweli joined forces under the name Black Star. They would both go on to have successful solo careers, but not before releasing their classic 1998 album, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, on Rawkus.

The 13-track project, which featured future Aftermath producer, Hi-Tek, became an instant classic. It peaked at No. 53 on Billboard’s Hot 200 chart, with its singles “Definition” and “Respiration” featuring Common reaching No. 3 and 6 on the Hot Rap Songs, respectively.

In celebration of Mos’ birthday, Power 106’s Wax Only series has showcased the album’s most recognizable samples and lyrics. The show’s host Vin Rican is joined by Kweli on the episode.

Watch above.

Related: The Samples Behind The Pharcyde’s ‘Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde’

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Black Star, Mos Def, Music Production, Talib Kweli, Wax Only,

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