Black On Both Sides | Its Hip Hop

On this date in 1999, Rapper/actor/social activist Yasiin Bey, who was formally recognized by the Hip Hop world as Mos Def, released his first solo album, Black On Both Sides on the Rawkus/Columbia imprint.

On his debut album following the Black Star album with Talib Kweli, Mos Def kept it all the way Brooklyn, with his lyrical gymnastics laced with social commentary for the technology-addicted Internet generation. Songs like “Mathematics” and “Mr. N***a” reflect the cultural climate of 1999 while his borough anthem “Brooklyn” and love interest story “Ms. Fat Booty” keep the ear in the streets tuned in.

Salute to Mos, and producers Diamond D, ATCQ’s Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Psycho Les, and Ayatollah, This certified gold classic is forever etched in the annals of Hip-Hop history!

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Mos Def Released His Solo Debut ‘Black On Both Sides’ 23 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

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Yasiin Bey, the artist formerly known as Mos Def, has made some classic albums in his decades-spanning career. However, one that stands out prominently for Hip-Hop fans is his first LP, Black on Both Sides. To celebrate the album’s 20th anniversary next month, the GRAMMY, Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated rapper will soon be performing the entire album live during a homecoming show of sorts in the city that birthed him.

JUST ANNOUNCED: @MosDefOfficial celebrates 20 years on "Black on Both Sides" here on 11/3! tix on sale friday at 10am! >> https://t.co/ChP9MFmHkr pic.twitter.com/HpkLTPaWgV

— Brooklyn Steel (@brooklynsteel) September 11, 2019

The album, first released by Rawkus and Priority Records on October 12, 1999, spoke to a handful of social issues, whether it saw Mos calling for Black people to shine their light on the world (“Umi Says”) or being an early supporter of water preservation (“New World Water”) that we now see people like Jayden Smith fighting passionately for today. The show will go down at Brooklyn Steel, with an opening set by ’90s rap duo Camp Lo. A chance to hear “Ms. Fat Booty,” “Mathematics,” “Brooklyn” and “Luchini AKA This Is It” all in one night? Sounds like a night to remember!

The 20th anniversary Black on Both Sides concert by Yasiin Bey/Mos Def goes down on November 3 at Brooklyn Steel starting at 8PM (doors at 7PM), with tickets scheduled to go on sale this Friday (September 13) at 10AM EST. Cop your advanced tickets soon by clicking here.

The post Yasiin Bey Will Return to His Mos Def Roots With a ‘Black on Both Sides’ 20th Anniversary Concert in Brooklyn appeared first on The Source.

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