After no activity on the site for a few days, we back (I think). And since it’s seems like a lot of people have been waiting on this track, let’s come back on this one. Off Ski’s 24 Hour Karate School (Which drops March 30th).

Update: Instead of making another post, I just added the new track hear (Lazy right?). But with Joell Ortiz & Jay Electronica on the same track, I had to do something.

Download: Ski Beatz feat. Jean Grae, Jay Electronica, Joell Ortiz, & Mos Def – “Prowler 2″
Download: Ski Beatz feat. Mos Def & Whosane – “Taxi”

Yea. I’m a Gorillaz fan. I actually purchased Gorillaz & Demon Days. But this shit right here? I don’t know; I may need more time with it. Plus to say it features Mos Def is kinda a stretch (The Bobby Womack feature is also awkward). To be honest, I like the artwork of Gorillaz and thought it would look good on the front page. This is the first single of their next album Plastic Beach. You can also catch them headlining Coachella with Jigga in April.

Download: Gorillaz feat. Mos Def & Bobby Womack – “Stylo”

Ever since Just Blaze previewed this on Tony Touch’s Toca Tuesdays, I think we all have been waiting on this one. Hi-Tek, Jey Elec, Mos, Talib, & J. Cole on one track? Yep. Reflection Eternal’s album, Revolutions Per Minute, drops in February.

Sidenote: And because I don’t want to post too much today, I also threw in that newly leaked (And unfinished) Drake track.

Download: Reflection Eternal feat. Jay Electronica, J. Cole, & Mos Def – “Just Begun”
Bonus: Drake – “It’s Been A Pleasure”

By now, we all should know that the best part of the BET Hip Hop Awards is the cyphers. Last year’s crop of rappers involved were good but this year they got such talent as KRS-One, Mos Def, Joe Budden, Nicki Minaj, Wale, and Eminem.

Cypher Part 1: Joe Budden, Nicki Minaj, Buckshot, Crown Royal, & DJ Premier
Nicki Minaj was okay nice (Once you get past the weird flow) and Budden killed it.

Cyper Part 2: KRS-One, Wale, Nipsey Hussle, Gsan, & DJ Premier
Good to see KRS in the mix. Nipsey did his thing. Sidenote: Watch Wale’s face when Gsan is rapping.

Cyper Part 3: Mos Def, Black Thought, Eminem, & DJ Premier
They put this last for a reason. Good to see Em in any cypher; On BET or down the street.

Update: Download BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher 10 Minute Megamix

In looking at the past Classic Material entries I was very surprised to see that this album wasn’t included in the listing. An album that did more for Hip-Hop’s reconstruction on the eve of the deaths of 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. in the late 1990’s that most people don’t give it credit for. An album that displayed lyrically there was much more than clichéd themes of violence, guns, and misogyny in providing uplifting messages of empowerment and self-awareness and address critical issues that were being overlooked. The album that I’m speaking of delivered by two of Hip-Hop’s most acclaimed lyricists is entitled Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star. The collective duo of New York emcees Mos Def and Talib Kweli known as Black Star stood as one of the better Hip-Hop tandems in 1998 that presented a new sound and an alternative for listeners who were growing tired of the common themes being presented by other Hip-Hop artists. In a year filled with larger than life releases from the likes of Jay-Z (Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life), Lauryn Hill (The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill), Gang Starr (Moment Of Truth), Outkast (Aquemini), DMX (It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot), Big Punisher (Capital Punishment), etc., Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star held it’s own as a relative unknown against the heavyweights.

As previously stated, I had to come without doubt that this album satisfied every true Hip-Hop head’s anticipation as it is filled with true lyricism and backed by wonderfully composed productions from various producers like Da Beatminerz, 88-Keys, J. Rawls, and Hi-Tek (who handled a majority of the album’s production duties). Those that were wary of Black Star, who were relatively newcomers on the scene courtesy of Rawkus Records, and hesitant in giving the album a listen would be immediately convinced. The first five tracks (“Intro” excluded) display the lyrical skills and abilities of Mos Def and Talib Kweli in a light that was fairly unheard of at the given time. “Astronomy (8th Light)” cleverly sees the duo putting the word “black” to use in describing the true meaning of Black Star and its various elements and inspirations. “Definition” gives an accurate definition of the current times of Hip-Hop in 1998 (“1,2,3, it’s kind of dangerous to an emcee/They shot 2Pac and Biggie/Too much violence in Hip-Hop”) and a scene of where it would be headed with emcees like Mos and Kweli on the horizon.

While “Definition” featured some up-tempo production from Hi-Tek, the subsequent “Re: Definition” delivers a slowed, menacing beat that hears them further explaining their definition of Hip-Hop music while putting a slight twist on the subject matter. While Snoop had provided a classic modern spin to Slick Rick’s timeless “La Di Da Di” (The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick) five years earlier on “Lodi Dodi” from his seminal Doggystyle album, Mos went solo on his rendition of Slick’s “Children’s Story”. Doing an excellent job in modernizing the 1988 classic to how the scenario might have played out some 10 years later, Mos portrays himself as a complete emcee in putting his storytelling skills on display. Not many Hip-Hop songs at the time featured the type of laid-back, jazzy production as heard on “Brown Skin Lady”, as well as the lyrics that were presented in being those that showed reverence and respect towards African-American women instead of the degrading and demeaning lyrics that were commonly heard.

The rest of the album follows the same suite in delivering enduring tracks that were ahead of their time for being presented in 1998. From the smooth, uplifting “K.O.S. (Determination)” and “Thieves In The Night” to the spoken word delivered “Yo Yeah” to the lyrical wizardry with Common heard on “Respiration” and Jane Doe (b/k/a Jean Grae), Wordsworth, and Punchline on “Twice Inna Lifetime”. While other albums released in 1998 possessed the star power from recognized names and previous releases, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star contain just as much quality if not more than those held listeners’ attention. During a time when the Hip-Hop scene was on the brink of collapsing after the demise of two of its biggest stars in 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G., artists all over were working hard to keep the genre afloat and moving forward. After the deaths of two premier emcees, many within the Hip-Hop community were searching for answers to the declining state while struggling to move towards a different path for the future, away from the negative and damaging effects and music that surrounded their deaths. Mos Def and Talib Kweli, along with artists like The Fugees, Jurassic 5, Company Flow, Arrested Development, and others provided the soundtrack and foundation to that movement (Alternative Hip-Hop) that would have more impact on Hip-Hop’s future than its immediate present in 1998. This album paved the road for future artists (J-Live, Immortal Technique, Little Brother, Lupe Fiasco, Lyrics Born etc.) and albums to be widely accepted and acknowledged as being an alternative option to the common themes and trends in Hip-Hop music and culture.

I was really drawing a blank today when it came time for me to pick Song of the Week. I don’t know if you guys know how hard it is to pick ONE song out of thousands, but thanks to a good friend, I was reminded of this gem from Talib Kweli, Mos Def, and Common. I know this isn’t your typical “King Jerm” song, but just because I give Soulja Boy and Ross props, please don’t think I don’t know my music. This is probably one of my favorite songs when I want to wind down and relax. The production (by Hi-Tek) is mellow, but hard at the same time. I’m not getting into lyrics, because we all know that all three of these guys can bring it. Enough of me talking, I’m sure you guys are listening to either Blueprint 3 or OB4CL2 right now, so I’m doing my obligatory post for the day. Hope you guys are enjoying the music, and I hope you guys enjoy this installment of Song of the Week!

Download: Black Star feat. Common – “Respiration”

You see how long the title to this post is? Yes. Much to my joy, we have five debuts this week (No disrespect to Eminem, but after two weeks, I’d like to change it up at bit).

I really don’t know why I’m even talking about Black Eyed Peas. I’m not dissing their hustle (300k albums sold in one week is awesome), but I just don’t mess with B.E.P. Well, not since they added Fergie; “Joints & Jam” was the shit. Enough of my hating. The E.N.D. is the #1 album in the country. Congrats. (Note: It’s not all hate here at nappyafro. Saule Wright loves Black Eyed Peas).

Look at Mos Def’s new album The Ecstatic. For the type of album that is, 40,000 sales is good. Top 10 is even better. Oh, it’s a good album; I just don’t this it’s accessible to the masses. SBK did a WAY better job at explaining/reviewing this album. Check that out if you haven’t already.

You know who is having a good month? Pleasure P. Why you ask? His album debuted at #10. He has a hit record with “Boyfriend #2″. Plus he’s not in Pretty Ricky anymore so he isn’t affiliated with dudes grinding in pink thongs (You know you seen the video). The Introduction Of Marcus Cooper is in stores now people.

Man, I’ll go ahead and say it. I thought that D-Block album sucked ass. Straight bricks! Just lazy. So you know I was surprised when No Security made the Top 100 let alone the Top 50. But hey, King Jerm liked it more than I did. He said so in his review.

And lastly, DJ Quik & Kurupt’s new album BlaQKout debuts at #61. I’m not gonna talk greasy about this album. I heard a few cuts and I like what I heard (I’m also a big DJ Quik fan). I’m sad that we didn’t get to review it. Bad name for an album though…with Meth & Red dropping a similar titled album only a month before.

Signing off and reppin’ the best crew on the web. The Notorious nappyafro.com Staff. I haven’t said it in a while. So there.

#1 Black Eyed Peas/The E.N.D. (Last Week: NA) – 305,000; Total: NA [Debut]
#3 Eminem/Relapse (Last Week: #2) – 88,000; Total: 1,049,000 (Platinum) [4 Weeks]
#9 Mos Def/The Ecstatic (Last Week: NA) – 39,400; Total: NA [Debut]
#10 Pleasure P/The Introduction Of Marcus Cooper (Last Week: NA) – 39,000; Total: NA [Debut]
#24 Beyonce/I Am Sasha Fierce (Last Week: #23) – 16,100; Total: 2,236,800 (2x Platinum) [31 Weeks]
#31 Keri Hilson/In A Perfect World… (Last Week: #25) – 13,600; Total: 340,800 [12 Weeks]
#39 Chrisette Michele/Epiphany (Last Week: #33) – 11,900; Total: 174,400 [6 Weeks]
#40 D-Block/No Security (Last Week: NA) – 11,900; Total: NA [Debut]
#48 Method Man & Redman/Blackout! 2 (Last Week: #30) – 10,100; Total: 102,500 [4 Weeks]
#49 Jamie Foxx/Intuition (Last Week: #42) – 9,900; Total: 967,700 (Gold) [26 Weeks]
#61 DJ Quik & Kurupt/BlaQKout (Last Week: NA) – 8,800; Total: NA [Debut]

I know that the review of Mos Def’s The Ecstatic album has been one that people have been looking for since Tuesday when it was released and I am happy to deliver it in its entirety. I apologize for three day delay in delivering this review but that’s what happens when you’re in school and you have to pay more attention to these things in life called “priorities”, but I thank those that have been patient in waiting on this review to arrive (the impatient ones…I’ll save those thoughts and words for another time). With The Ecstatic being Mos Def’s fourth solo album to date and three years since his last release (True Magic), people are wondering what to expect from The Mighty Mos. Will he return back to his true emcee form seen on early career works like Black Star and Black On Both Sides or continue with the experimental path he has been traveling as of late.

1. Supermagic
Produced by Oh No
Right off the back we can see that Mos is sticking with this more experimental side in starting off the album. Oh No provides Mos with a fast paced lead guitar filled beat that allows him to spit some rapid-fire lines. A lot of people were skeptical as to whether Mos was losing his edge and skills as a lyrical emcee but this track reassures that Mos is still an emcee to be reckoned with on the mic.

2. Twilite Speedball
Produced by Chad Hugo
Mos slows things down a bit on this next track but the intensity is still there with production provided by The Neptunes’ lesser-seen half Chad Hugo. Chad keeps the production diverse and ever changing on this track that Mos is able to ride without a problem.

3. Auditorium
Featuring Slick Rick; Produced by Madlib
This track has been on repeat since I first heard it and it’s with good reason. Madlib, one of the most diverse and creative producers of all-time, produces a beat of Middle Eastern flavor that flows smoothly and complements the verses of Mos Def and Slick Rick quite well. Wait…did I just say Slick Rick was featured on this track? Slick Rick “The Ruler”?? Hell yeah, the one and only appears on the track and shows why he’s still one of the best storytellers in Hip-Hop history with a verse that maybe upstages Mos Def’s. All in all this is one of the best tracks on the album so far and hopefully there are more of this caliber to come.

4. Wahid
Produced by Madlib
Madlib provides Mos with another beat on this next track as he delivers some good rhymes over the string filled production. There’s nothing too spectacular about this track as it just features a lyrical Mos Def over some nice Madlib production, kind of serving as an interlude of sort with the short track length.

5. Priority
Produced by Preservation
Again this track kind of feels like an interlude because of its short length but as opposed to the previous track I would have liked to hear more of this one. Preservation delivers a well-produced beat with piano and horns that Mos Def destroys lyrically. This track had all of the necessary aspects to be one of the best on the album but the short track length snubs that (it’s still one of the better tracks though).

6. Quiet Dog Bite Hard
Produced by Preservation
This song was recently performed live by Mos on the Late Show With David Letterman and I can see why he selected this song to perform. Preservation returns for another track to provide Mos with a tribal feel beat that he fits comfortably with. This song has the sound and feel of something that might have been heard on The Roots latest album Rising Down and I could have really heard Black Thought spittin’ some lines on this one.

7. Life In Marvelous Times
Produced by Mr. Flash
Mos attempts to bring out his rougher side on this track over some dark, dramatic, and synth filled production produced by Mr. Flash. Mos delivers some nice rhymes and adequate singing on this track but it almost sounds like a reach at times over the near mainstream sounding beat. This isn’t a bad track by any means but more of an acquired taste that is sure to grow on the listener after a few plays.

8. The Embassy
Produced by Mr. Flash
In similar fashion to the “Auditorium” heard earlier in the album, Mr. Flash provides Mos with some Middle Eastern styled production as he tells about his journey and travel in the land. This is another track that I wish was longer in length as it’s over when you start getting into it.

9. No Hay Nada Mas
Produced by Preservation
Mos hooks up again with Preservation for a track of foreign appeal if you may that features Mos showcasing his fluent foreign language over some lush production that is supplied. I wish I could have understood what Mos was saying but nonetheless this is a very nice track from start to finish.

10. Pistola
Produced by Oh No
Mos teams up again with Oh No on another fast tempo track that features some jazz styled production with Mos showcasing both his rhyming and singing to positive results.

11. Pretty Dancer
Produced by Madlib
The connection with Mos Def and Madlib on tracks are pure chemistry as they both complement each other quite nicely. Madlib produces a very nice beat that erratic in style while Mos keeps the listener in a lyrical daze on the microphone.

12. Workers Comp
Produced by Mr. Flash
On this track Mr. Flash once again provides Mos with some lush sampled production that allows him to display his lyrical prowess on. Like “Wahid” there’s nothing too spectacular about this track, just good music provided to the listener.

13. Revelations
Produced by Madlib
Like I said before, this combination of Mos Def and Madlib just doesn’t disappoint as evident on this track that stands as their fourth collaboration on this album. Madlib produces an ethnic sounding pulsating beat that Mos completely flows on effortlessly. This song could have had MF Doom on it for the ultimate satisfaction as it sounds like something you might have heard on the Madvillainy album.

14. Roses
Featuring Georgia Anne Muldrow; Produced by Georgia Anne Muldrow
This track really serves as a Georgia Anne Muldrow track featuring Mos Def and it works quite really in the end result. Over a nice piano driven beat produced by Georgia Anne Muldrow she delivers a strong vocal performance with Mos providing the background vocals and verse to accompany. This is a nice addition that provides a different vibe from most of the album’s other tracks.

15. History
Featuring Talib Kweli; Produced by J Dilla
This is the first song that I heard from the album before it was released and just like I loved it then I still do now. Those looking for the reunion of Black Star and complaining that there wasn’t any on this album can rest assured with this track as it provides what they’ve been looking for. Over a lovely produced beat by the great J Dilla (even after death he’s still better than most producers with production), Mos and Talib hook up to drop lyrical bombs not heard since 1998. This track stands as one of the best on the album that you will not be hesitant to hit the repeat button after the first listen.

16. Casa Bey
Produced by Mos Def & Preservation
I remember when I first saw the video for this song online and not really liking it too much and thinking if Mos Def’s new album was going to be worth it. But over time this song has grown on me and it most definitely is an acquired taste. Mos displays some very nice lyricism over very live production that suites the taste. This is a song that I could see Mos performing live to perfection with a band like The Roots.

Bottom Line:
So after 16 tracks does the final product result in Black Star, Black On Both Sides, The New Danger, or True Magic? Ultimately I think The Ecstatic combines the elements of all of those albums into one complete album that satisfies the different tastes of all Mos Def fans and listeners. There aren’t really any bad tracks to be found on this album and like I said much throughout the review this album is going to be an acquired tastes for many. Many Mos Def listeners and Hip-Hop enthusiasts are going to listen to this album expecting to hear Mos go back to the styling of Black Star and Black On Both Sides. Even though the production might not be as soulful as those albums were, Mos Def is still lyrically as strong now as he was then. That aspect of Mos Def has not changed or dwindled over time, as he’s still one of the most lyrical emcees in the game. This album showcases production wise that Mos isn’t scared to experiment and be different than the stale and monotonous production that has become standard with most Hip-Hop albums. I think this is one of Mos Def’s best solo albums to date and ranks right up there with his strongest one in Black On Both Sides. People can stop asking what happened to Mos Def and thinking he crazy because he’s challenging the likes of Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lil’ Wayne in terms of lyricism. This album proves that he has every right to be challenging and questioning Hip-Hop’s best emcees because deserving so he is and has been one of Hip-Hop’s elite for a long time now (people just have a hard time acknowledging that fact). If you haven’t already picked up a copy of this album get your ass to the store or online right now and do so real quick! Like this review, The Ecstatic was worth the wait and delivers in the end.

nappyPicks: “History”, “Auditorium”, ‘Revelations”, “Quiet Dog”, “Casa Bey”, & “Roses”

Download: Mos Def – “Priority”

A few Tuesday’s ago (May, 19th to be exact) we saw album releases from Busta Rhymes, Method Man/Redman, & of course, Eminem. This was so far the biggest release date of 2009. All three acts that I mentioned are veterans in the game and well respected by their peers. Another thing they have in common: They’re all over the age of 30. If you think about it, most of Hip-Hop’s elite are over the age of 30. I guess it’s no longer a young man’s game. So I was thinking, since you see a lot of lists with titles such as “25 Hottest Celebs Under 25” or “40 Richest Under 40”, why not The Best 30 Rappers Over 30? But for this list, we got set some ground rules. #1 of course is the most obvious; you gotta be over the age of 30 (That throws out people like Weezy, Lupe, Drake, & T.I.). #2, you have to be 30 as of this list (Both The Game & Joe Budden will be 30 this year, but aren’t as of yet). #3, you got to be active and releasing records with new material that’s relevant (Rakim & Big Daddy Kane are legends but they don’t make this list). Other than that, the only requirement is being 3-0 or older. So, here’s it: The Best 30 Rappers Over 30 (Ordered from oldest to youngest). 30 is the new 20! Did I forget anybody? (Update: Fabolous replaces Beanie Sigel)

Ice Cube (June 15, 1969) – 39
Jay-Z (December 4, 1969) – 39
Raekwon (January 12, 1970) – 39
Q-Tip (April 10, 1970) – 39
Redman (April 17, 1970) – 39
Ghostface Killah (May 9, 1970) – 39
Fat Joe (August 19, 1970) – 38
Scarface (November 9, 1970) – 38
DMX (December 18, 1970) – 38
Method Man (April 1, 1971) – 38
Snoop Dogg (October 20, 1971) – 37
Common (March 13, 1972) – 37
Busta Rhymes (May 20, 1972) – 37
Black Thought (October 3, 1972) – 36
Eminem (October 17, 1972) – 36
Bun B (March 19, 1973) – 36
Nas (September 14, 1973) – 35
Mos Def (December 11, 1973) – 35
Andre 3000 (May 27, 1974) – 35
Styles P (November 28, 1974) – 34
Big Boi (February 1, 1975) – 34
Jadakiss (May 27, 1975) – 34
50 Cent (July 6, 1975) – 33
Talib Kweli (October 3, 1975) – 33
Rick Ross (January 28, 1976) – 33
Cam’ron (February 4, 1976) – 33
Kanye West (June 8, 1977) – 31
Ludacris (September 11, 1977) – 31
Young Jeezy (October 12, 1977)- 31
Fabolous (November 18, 1977) – 31

I was on the internet and I saw a thing Vibe was doing to settle once and for all who is the best rapper alive. They made a bracket type thing to have the readers vote on who is the best; it’s like the March Madness brackets. They’ve got the four brackets based on some of the legends in Hip-Hop: The Notorious B.I.G. Bracket, the Tupac Bracket, etc. On the surface it seems cool, right?? WRONG!!

Vibe seriously fucked this up! Man, this could have actually been the official thing to prove who was the best rapper alive, but I’m like “what the fuck” for real! They had the nerve to put niggas like Soulja Boy and Rich Boy on here, but no mention of Freeway, Young Chris, or Blu. Not to mention they seriously messed up the match-ups: Shawty LO versus T.I.? We all already know who won that, but maybe the votes will snap Shawty LO back into reality. Kanye versus FOXY BROWN!?!? Oh come on!

I bet you can’t wait to hear who came out as the 1st seaters: Jay-Z, Lil’ Wayne, Eminem, and Andre 3000. Eminem beat out NAS!?!? What kind of bullshit is that? Nas has at least dropped 2 hot albums in the last four years. Nas has been in the game longer, and everything. I could go on and on with this. #2 Seaters are Kanye (Not bad man!), T.I. (He edged out Luda!), Nas (Boo!!), and Snoop Dogg (Fair).

But you really can’t fuck with these match-ups: Jay-Z gets a BYE!! (He either has to go against Jim Jones or Diddy…). He’s too good for that! Then in the second round, he goes against Lauryn Hill!!! How ’bout Missy Elliot versus Lil’ Mama! Or Mos Def versus Talib Kweli! Lil’ Wayne versus Trina! I could really go on and on, but you can look at these fucked up match-ups yourself.

You can look at the brackets here

Below, I made a list of rappers that got robbed. I didn’t get everybody, but I got a quick list off the top of my head.

Freeway: You got Soulja Boy and Rich Boy up there, but this nigga has serious skills and they overlooked him! Two albums out, in the game for almost 10 years…

Blu: He’s got more skill than most of the niggas on that list, and that’s real.

Styles P: Man, where the fuck was he?? I can’t believe they overlooked him. They had Jadakiss on there, but they forgot P!

Rakim: Do I have to say anything here? He’s still alive people!

Dr. Dre: No Words here…

KRS-One: No Words here either…

Vibe seriously fucked up on this one. Here’s my prediction:

Final Four: Nas, Jay-Z, Lil’ Wayne, and Andre 3000

Top Two: Lil’ Wayne and Nas

Winner: Lil’ Wayne

That’s a realist prediction. Personally, I think either Jay-Z or Nas is the best rapper alive, but Lil’ Wayne is going to win, and we all know that. And if he does, it truly shows how fucked up Hip-Hop in my opinion; that a rapper with no classic albums under his belt (unless you consider C3 classic…yeah, right…) could take it all away from 3 rappers with at least 3 classics under each of their belts. Just my opinion though.

You can vote right now to see who is better right now out of Jim Jones and Diddy. So far, Jim is winning…yeah. Anyway, if you want in on this, go to Vibe.com and vote starting July 21st. Let’s see how this plays out: any predictions?