{"product_id":"black-on-both-sides","title":"Black On Both Sides","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMos Def\u003c\/strong\u003e's partnership with \u003cstrong\u003eTalib Kweli\u003c\/strong\u003e produced one of the most important hip-hop albums of the late '90s, 1997's brilliant \u003cem\u003eBlack Star\u003c\/em\u003e. Consciously designed as a return to rap's musical foundations and a manifesto for reclaiming the art form from gangsta\/playa domination, it succeeded mightily on both counts, raising expectations sky-high for \u003cstrong\u003eMos Def\u003c\/strong\u003e's solo debut.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHe met them all with \u003cem\u003eBlack On Both Sides\u003c\/em\u003e, a record every bit as dazzling and visionary as \u003cem\u003eBlack Star\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003eBlack On Both Sides\u003c\/em\u003e strives to not only refine but expand the scope of \u003cstrong\u003eMos Def\u003c\/strong\u003e's talents, turning the solo spotlight on his intricate wordplay and nimble rhythmic skills - but also his increasing eclecticism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe main reference points are pretty much the same - old-school rap, which allows for a sense of playfulness as well as history, and the native tongues posse's fascination with jazz, both for its sophistication and cultural heritage. But they're supported by a rich depth that comes from forays into reggae (as well as its aura of spiritual conscience), pop, soul, funk, and even hardcore punk (that on the album's centerpiece, \"\u003cem\u003eRock N Roll\u003c\/em\u003e\", a dissection of white America's history of appropriating black musical innovations).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn keeping with his goal of restoring hip-hop's sociopolitical consciousness, Def's lyrics are as intelligent and thoughtfully crafted as one would expect, but he doesn't stop there - he sings quite passably on several tracks, plays live instruments on others (including bass, drums, congas, vibraphone, and keyboards), and even collaborates on a string arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn short, \u003cem\u003eBlack On Both Sides\u003c\/em\u003e is a tour de force by an artist out to prove he can do it all. Its ambition and execution rank it as one of the best albums of 1999, and it consolidates \u003cstrong\u003eMos Def\u003c\/strong\u003e's position as one of hip-hop's brightest hopes entering the 21st century.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"No Label","offers":[{"title":"LPx2","offer_id":50446507114827,"sku":"386397","price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Black_On_Both_Sides_fdd824d3_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727059705","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/de\/products\/black-on-both-sides","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}