Old-line hip-hop fans got some exciting news this past week when Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) announced that Black star — the duo comprised of himself and fellow Brooklyn MC Talib Kweli — have plans for a Madlib-produced album this year. The news came during a surprise appearance at a Madlib show in Denver.
While there’s yet to be an official confirmation, we know that September marks the 20th anniversary of Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, the group’s first and only album.
Twenty years later, the record is among the greatest hip-hop records ever released, celebrated for its elevated lyricism, positivity and timeless jazz-rooted production (h/t Hi-Tek) in striking comparison to the overblown vanity productions of the day’s mainstream rap music.
And that’s not even getting into Madlib’s prolific career. Add to the mix a producer who most consider one of the greatest of all time, and 2018 could be the year of the Black Star.
Until then, you can revisit the group’s iconic single below.
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