Let's Get It! 01:34 - Intro 02:15 - Astronomy (8th Light) ft. Weldon Irvine 05:16 - Definition 09:13 - Re: Defintion 12:18 - Children's Story 16:09 - Brown Skin Lady 20:18 - B Boys Will B Boys 21:59 - K.O.S. (Determination) ft. Vinia Mojica 26:09 - Hater Players 29:38 - Yo Yeah 30:33 - Respiration ft. Common 37:17 - Thieves in the Night 41:36 - Twice Inna Lifetime ft. Jane Doe, Punchline & Wordsworth
I don't think Jane Doe came out with an album but Kweli started going to Jean Grae a lot. Idk where Jane Doe is but Jean Grae is dope and released some good albums.
This album is packed with great songs. Thieves in the Night is probably my favorite. Also, Punchline and Wordsworth are dope, you should check out their album, and Talibs album Reflection Eternal is incredible.
This album was beautifully written and arranged. Mos Def was flowing like a John Coltrane solo while Talib was rhyming powerfully alongside him this most definitely (no pun intended) is in my top 5
This album is like opening a time capsule. Black Star were the beacon of “underground hip-hop” at the time. When this came out in ‘98, there was a clear distinction in music between “commercial” rap and “underground”, especially in NYC. It was the shiny suit era, Bad Boy was on top regurgitating old R&B hits new raps, videos were all about being right, wearing designer garments, and champagne flowing. The Roots parody of the “What They Do” video documents it perfectly. Then you had the scene that was totally rebelling against all of that. Emcees who can up in ciphers, rocking shows at the Nuyorican Cafe and Lyricist Lounge. Mos Def & Kweli were leaders in that space. There was Company Flow, the Arsonists, Apanni B. Fly, Jean Grae (aka What what), Punch & Words, Non-Phixion, Juggaknots, too many to name. Rawkus records saw the talent, signed some of the brightest stars and put out some classics from this era, including this album. It’s so refreshing seeing the younger generation appreciate the music from that time. I was fresh outta high school and trying to find my way. Brings back a lot of nostalgia. Keep up the good work King. I really enjoy your videos.
FINALLY!! I've been waiting for you to react to this!! Talib kweli album "Quality " is 🔥🔥🔥🔥! React to that as well as Common " Like Water For Chocolate " album
This was definitely a great album and since your traveling down this pro black albums you have to do Public Enemy Fear Of A Black Planet you definitely won’t be disappointed 💪🏾
To echo some thoughts, Respiration is arguably (no argument from me 🙂)one of the best rap songs of all time. Talib Kweli is the obvious next step on the journey: he and DJ Hi Tek formed Reflection Eternal and released a BANGER album 'Train of Thought' in 2000. Also, 1998 was a huge year as I was in college and opened my mind to more underground hip hop after only being exposed to mainstream up to that point. And this was one of two albums released that year that blew my mind...'Moment of Truth' by Gang Starr was the other, and DJ Premier was IN HIS BAG on that album. Recommend both Train of Thought and Moment of Truth as future albums. Leave plenty of time, Moment of Truth is 78 minutes long! Lol
I was in High School when this album dropped and it was a big deal, in the height of Wutang, Nas and Tupac and Biggie still being listened to all the time it stood on its own and every hip hop fan loved it.
This album blew my mind in high school. It came out the same day as Jay Z Vol. 2 Hard Knock Life so of course a lot of people missed it. Talin albums you should listen to are Reflection Eternal Train of Thought with DJ Hi Tek, Quality, Eardrum, Gravitas. Eardrum and Quality might be my favorites. Gravitas has some great songs on there as well. Keep doing what you doing. Enjoy the good music.
@@bolebole161 No it was Vol. 2. September 29, 1998. I just double checked. I got Black Star and my girlfriend at the time got Jay Z. Money was low at the time since I was still in high school, so that was the only way to get both albums.
Vinia Mohica sang in Tribe albums and at the end 24:51 this is Kweli rapping QTip part saying her name! “The funky singing by Vinia Mohica…” a lot of old school jewels on this album
Dope reaction as usual bro! But now you're kinda obligated to finish the Trinity with Train of Thought (Talib's album). Also, make sure to check out the Respiration Remix with Black Thought just as dope as the original!
RE: Definition, Thieves & respiration are all in my top 10 songs of all time from any genre, which is a HELL of an accomplishment that they're all on the same album. SUPER classic
Damn, haven't been past downtown 34:57 - That's real though. How many truly escape their environment, take trips, see the world? We would be better off if we all could. Our reality, isn't the only reality
Classic album for me and one that changed my outlook on life . Lot of music you enjoy and entertains you but this album truly inspired me. Would love to see you react to Little Brother . They somewhat are part of that line from Tribe to Blackstar and Common. It’s less conscious but very much Everyman hip hop
For context, Children's Story was actually a diss to Puff and Bad Boy and how they relied on "jacking"/sampling old hit records for a lot of their hits. They got a lot of criticism at the time for that. Great album
MO KNEE KA is her last name. She's great! My 1st time hearing her is through A Tribe Called Quest. Pete Rock,Talib and many others have used her melodic voice on their albums.
classic.. seeing them perfom it together on several occasions after it dropped in ny at the time was some of the best shows I ever seen in my life. the ny underground scene back then was special. time flies
man this is a top tier album! glad you did reaction to it! PLEAS PLEASE PLEASE do Redmans Muddy Waters Album next! i know for a fact there's people on here that love that, its such a classic and its in my top 5. ps no ones done a review/ listen through of album, BE THE FIRST KING! XD much love
“Skyscrapers is colossus, the cost of livin' is preposterous Stay alive? You pay or die, no options No Batman and Robin Can't tell between the cops and the robbers They both partners, they all heartless, with no conscience” Mos Def killed and Common was a problem
This was such a chill smooth album. Love it to this day. I don't do live streams so when you have your "versus"I can't give songs. Review Erick Sermon "Hittin'Switches" and "Hostile". Also, "Hi-Teknology"is a comp album by Hi-Tek w/Black Star,Common,Cormega and other top MC's.
A lot more listens to come brother. Wifey and I listened to Thieves in the Night for about 3 hours on repeat during a drive home for the holidays 15 years after we first started listening. Keep it in your favs. Always relevant.
Classic album, dope reaction, as usual..... Sliding through to see if I can get a Lupe Fiasco "Tetsuo and Youth" album reaction? Keep doing ur thing young cuz!
Dope album definitely a classic and the video in the van too next, you should do the song by Nas called stay chiseled the original version 4 minutes long 🔥 🔥
One of my favorite albums, in the mid 90s i started to listen to this. Back then Talib, and Mos Def individually wete considered underground artist. I actually came across the two of them on SoundBombing II and ever since then ive never looked back. This to me is in the top 5 of Duo Rap Groups up there with paid in full, and the Blackout album.
I feel you bro, kinda brings tears to your eyes with this level of skill... but Mos THe MVP... "Blasting holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine"... just beautiful . The hook on theives in the night is probably the best hook I ever heard in my life
Let's Get It!
01:34 - Intro
02:15 - Astronomy (8th Light) ft. Weldon Irvine
05:16 - Definition
09:13 - Re: Defintion
12:18 - Children's Story
16:09 - Brown Skin Lady
20:18 - B Boys Will B Boys
21:59 - K.O.S. (Determination) ft. Vinia Mojica
26:09 - Hater Players
29:38 - Yo Yeah
30:33 - Respiration ft. Common
37:17 - Thieves in the Night
41:36 - Twice Inna Lifetime ft. Jane Doe, Punchline & Wordsworth
I don't think Jane Doe came out with an album but Kweli started going to Jean Grae a lot. Idk where Jane Doe is but Jean Grae is dope and released some good albums.
One of my favourite albums all time, pure hip hop. Stay strong
Thieves in the Night and Respiration are masterpieces. Kweli goes in on the Reflection Eternal album
Thieves in the Night had arguably the best verse ever from Kweli and Yasin's verse is one of the best ever imo
Talib parents are professors. And you should react to his 1st solo album. Reflection Eternal. Classic album produced by DJ Hi Tek
Black Star is one the greatest hip hop duos of all time. My only critique is that I wish they had a bigger discography like OutKast or Mobb Deep.
You know they were solo artists that were put together because of the similarities in their styles of music
I stole this album cuz I wanted it so bad...my top 10 ten
They have singles on other projects, and maybe they may not appear as Black Star. Also I think they did a second album few years ago.
@@damonwright2740 DEDICATION
A comet instead of a star
That Martin jacket 🔥🔥🔥
Classic album IMO.
Respiration and thieves in the night my fave tracks
This album is packed with great songs. Thieves in the Night is probably my favorite. Also, Punchline and Wordsworth are dope, you should check out their album, and Talibs album Reflection Eternal is incredible.
I agree.. K.O.S. is a strong second(ish)..
If you enjoyed this album, you will definitely like the Reflectional Eternal album with Hi-Tek. It is one of my favorites.
@@hassongordon1249 KOS IS SO GOOD
This album was beautifully written and arranged. Mos Def was flowing like a John Coltrane solo while Talib was rhyming powerfully alongside him this most definitely (no pun intended) is in my top 5
That is the perfect description for Yasiin on this joint. This was a masterclass
EXCELLENT album. Yasiin Bey is one of my favorite artists of all time and they really captured something special in this.
Not sure if it’s been said but check out Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek Reflection Eternal - Train of Thought album. Woooooo. You’ll love that joint.
This album is like opening a time capsule. Black Star were the beacon of “underground hip-hop” at the time. When this came out in ‘98, there was a clear distinction in music between “commercial” rap and “underground”, especially in NYC. It was the shiny suit era, Bad Boy was on top regurgitating old R&B hits new raps, videos were all about being right, wearing designer garments, and champagne flowing. The Roots parody of the “What They Do” video documents it perfectly. Then you had the scene that was totally rebelling against all of that. Emcees who can up in ciphers, rocking shows at the Nuyorican Cafe and Lyricist Lounge. Mos Def & Kweli were leaders in that space. There was Company Flow, the Arsonists, Apanni B. Fly, Jean Grae (aka What what), Punch & Words, Non-Phixion, Juggaknots, too many to name. Rawkus records saw the talent, signed some of the brightest stars and put out some classics from this era, including this album. It’s so refreshing seeing the younger generation appreciate the music from that time. I was fresh outta high school and trying to find my way. Brings back a lot of nostalgia. Keep up the good work King. I really enjoy your videos.
*videos were about being *rich.
Well said.
Born in 1972, forgot how I'll this album was. Salute young brother. 💯
I'm not gonna lie Ahmad that Martin jacket is fresh man. Keep up the good work.
Respiration is easily one of my favourite songs ever. Regardless of genre. Full shivers from start to finish. Fucking hall of fame 💯💯💯🔥🔥🔥
one of my favorite albums! so glad u reacted to it!!
Thieves used to make me cry in 1998 my son was just born. I knew the world I brought my seed into was challenging for us to say the least 😢
*GREAT* album.
Complete the trilogy. Review Talib Kweli & DJ Hi-Tek's Reflectional Eternal present Train of Thought
FINALLY!! I've been waiting for you to react to this!! Talib kweli album "Quality " is 🔥🔥🔥🔥! React to that as well as Common " Like Water For Chocolate " album
This was definitely a great album and since your traveling down this pro black albums you have to do Public Enemy Fear Of A Black Planet you definitely won’t be disappointed 💪🏾
agreed, mind blowing album
Pete Rock " Shut Em Down " remix should've been on the album. Still 🔥🔥
On that note Dead Prez
I read a letter from the government the other day..
He can do their first 4 albums, they all classics
To echo some thoughts, Respiration is arguably (no argument from me 🙂)one of the best rap songs of all time. Talib Kweli is the obvious next step on the journey: he and DJ Hi Tek formed Reflection Eternal and released a BANGER album 'Train of Thought' in 2000.
Also, 1998 was a huge year as I was in college and opened my mind to more underground hip hop after only being exposed to mainstream up to that point. And this was one of two albums released that year that blew my mind...'Moment of Truth' by Gang Starr was the other, and DJ Premier was IN HIS BAG on that album. Recommend both Train of Thought and Moment of Truth as future albums. Leave plenty of time, Moment of Truth is 78 minutes long! Lol
Classic album.
Lyrics, flow, production 🔥
I was in High School when this album dropped and it was a big deal, in the height of Wutang, Nas and Tupac and Biggie still being listened to all the time it stood on its own and every hip hop fan loved it.
This album blew my mind in high school. It came out the same day as Jay Z Vol. 2 Hard Knock Life so of course a lot of people missed it. Talin albums you should listen to are Reflection Eternal Train of Thought with DJ Hi Tek, Quality, Eardrum, Gravitas. Eardrum and Quality might be my favorites. Gravitas has some great songs on there as well. Keep doing what you doing. Enjoy the good music.
I think you mean Volume 3. Hard Knock Life Vol 2 was 1998. If I remember correctly, this album was released in 1999 or 2000.
@@bolebole161 No it was Vol. 2. September 29, 1998. I just double checked. I got Black Star and my girlfriend at the time got Jay Z. Money was low at the time since I was still in high school, so that was the only way to get both albums.
@@russellrobinson8192 You are right. I think I was confusing it Soundbombing. Yeah, 1998 was an epic year for Hip Hop albums.
@@bolebole161 It damn sure was. Big Pun Capital Punishment came out earlier that year too.
@@russellrobinson8192 Lauryn Hill, Noreaga, Outkast...just from memory. There was a lot more though.
This is one of my Top 10 albums. Talib Kweli's Reflection Eternal is up there too. Make sure you give that a listen.
Thieves of the night is my all time favorite song.
I inherited this record from my sister when she went to college in 2000. Definitely life changing, opened my mind to a whole new world of music.
Vinia Mohica sang in Tribe albums and at the end 24:51 this is Kweli rapping QTip part saying her name! “The funky singing by Vinia Mohica…” a lot of old school jewels on this album
Mos Def, is one of the underrated GOAT'S of Hip-Hop. I would love to see him link up with Andre 3000, that would be a dope link up.
Dope reaction as usual bro! But now you're kinda obligated to finish the Trinity with Train of Thought (Talib's album). Also, make sure to check out the Respiration Remix with Black Thought just as dope as the original!
This album was def important for me in high School no doubt
Goosebumps throughout the album, today and every time I listen to it. Great reaction to a Great Hip Hop Classic!!! ✊🏾
This is one album I use to bump everyday in college. Theres a lot of great gems in this album
RE: Definition, Thieves & respiration are all in my top 10 songs of all time from any genre, which is a HELL of an accomplishment that they're all on the same album. SUPER classic
The intro says it all…Mos and Talib are documentarians, documenting reality through music
Damn, haven't been past downtown 34:57 - That's real though. How many truly escape their environment, take trips, see the world? We would be better off if we all could. Our reality, isn't the only reality
"Twice Inna Lifetime" is TRAGICALLY underrated as one of the ALL TIME GREATEST POSSE CUTS EVERRRR.................
One of the best album 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 happy Christmas & super new year.
Rakim - 18th Letter next reaction.
Continue the good job
Respiration is my Roman Empire. Mos, Kweli, and Common are a holy triumvirate. The remix got Black Thought on it too…. 💀
So great❤ love this album..
You need to check out the Pete Rock Soul Survivor album (1998)…just look at the features🔥
Classic album for me and one that changed my outlook on life . Lot of music you enjoy and entertains you but this album truly inspired me. Would love to see you react to Little Brother . They somewhat are part of that line from Tribe to Blackstar and Common. It’s less conscious but very much Everyman hip hop
This album cemented my taste in music. I would pick up albums just because Yasin or Kweli were featured.
Respiration might be my favorite song of any genre
Fun fact Kendrick rapped over Umi Said that's the instrumental to The Heart part 1. He has definitely listened to J Dilla, and Black Star.
Remember when Jay Z said “If skills to truth be told, I'd probably be lyrically Talib Kweli“? He wasn’t BSing 😂😂
For context, Children's Story was actually a diss to Puff and Bad Boy and how they relied on "jacking"/sampling old hit records for a lot of their hits. They got a lot of criticism at the time for that. Great album
My G you putting great music in your soul keep it up I love it... that Martin jacket is ill too
MO KNEE KA is her last name. She's great! My 1st time hearing her is through A Tribe Called Quest. Pete Rock,Talib and many others have used her melodic voice on their albums.
He finally did the album 🔥🔥🔥
I been waiting on this one!!!!!! Let's goooooo!
classic.. seeing them perfom it together on several occasions after it dropped in ny at the time was some of the best shows I ever seen in my life. the ny underground scene back then was special. time flies
Fun fact Talib Kweli translates to "student of truth" {taliban means students in english}
One of my favorite albums of all time! Thieves in the Night! 🔥🔥👍👍
Dope Jacket Glad You Reacted To This Album I Played This 3 Yrs Str8
Mos Def sits at the round table with the greatest of all time
Pharoahe Monch " Internal Affairs " album is 🔥🔥🔥
CLASSIC album!
These two cats need to get a whole lot more love!!!
Great album. You're jacket was fire slso, loved that show!
man this is a top tier album! glad you did reaction to it! PLEAS PLEASE PLEASE do Redmans Muddy Waters Album next! i know for a fact there's people on here that love that, its such a classic and its in my top 5. ps no ones done a review/ listen through of album, BE THE FIRST KING! XD much love
incredible album.
This album was dope. They were both raw on it. This is some cold emceein'
I forgot how good this album is, been a minute since I've rocked it.
I fuck with the jacket fam hard 🔥😦👍🏿
The beat for definition is from Boogie Down Productions 1st album (Remix for P is free)
Reflection Eternal (Kweli and Hi-Tek) “Train of thought” CLASSIC
I recommend Immortal technique Revolutionary vol 1 and 2
Seems like a long time ago when rappers used to speak life into existence
Respiration
It took you long enough to get to this masterclass in the art of MCing
Check out Talib Kweli "ear drum" album. There is some fire on there like country cousins and in the mood ft Kanye.
that Martin jacket is dope
PEACE KING. PEACE TO THE FAMILY
Love the jacket
Salute King 🫡, not just for review but for honestly taking it in
Respiration ft Common is 🔥
“Skyscrapers is colossus, the cost of livin' is preposterous
Stay alive? You pay or die, no options
No Batman and Robin
Can't tell between the cops and the robbers
They both partners, they all heartless, with no conscience”
Mos Def killed and Common was a problem
You should review Reflection Eternal. That was Kweli's first album.
Wow thanks man you found me some more tracks to my taste. I know of these but never heard loads about or of them.
Kweli's solo albums are fire too
It’s interesting how you interpret Talib as a teacher, as his folks are educators.
Hey KingAhmad, I have an album suggestion you would not regret. A Gangsta and a Gentleman (styles p debut solo album)
This album is a top 5 all time hip hop album for me
DOPE ALBUM!!!! IN MY TOP FIVE LIST!!
Yes you reviewed redefinition!
I hope one day you check out Dead Prez’ first album Let’s Get Free and the first Digable Planets album. Very important to the culture.
Completely agree
One of the best albums ever.
This was such a chill smooth album. Love it to this day. I don't do live streams so when you have your "versus"I can't give songs. Review Erick Sermon "Hittin'Switches" and "Hostile". Also, "Hi-Teknology"is a comp album by Hi-Tek w/Black Star,Common,Cormega and other top MC's.
This that NYC DARK ENERGY....AINT NO MARVEL OR DC....RIP STAN LEE
Slick Rick, the art of story telling album
BUMPED THIS FOR YEARS.. STILL MY TOP 5 FAV ALBUMS!!
A lot more listens to come brother. Wifey and I listened to Thieves in the Night for about 3 hours on repeat during a drive home for the holidays 15 years after we first started listening. Keep it in your favs. Always relevant.
classic album, great review Ahmad.
Top 10 albums for me...good job
You should listen to Close Edge by Mos Def next. One of his very best. Also on Children’s Story, he was talking about Diddy.
Classic album, dope reaction, as usual..... Sliding through to see if I can get a Lupe Fiasco "Tetsuo and Youth" album reaction? Keep doing ur thing young cuz!
this Album is fine wine!!
I fkn couldn't wait for you to hear the re definition!
Twice Inna Lifetime is so much fire 🔥
Killer killer punch
Dope album definitely a classic and the video in the van too next, you should do the song by Nas called stay chiseled the original version 4 minutes long 🔥 🔥
One of my favorite albums, in the mid 90s i started to listen to this. Back then Talib, and Mos Def individually wete considered underground artist. I actually came across the two of them on SoundBombing II and ever since then ive never looked back. This to me is in the top 5 of Duo Rap Groups up there with paid in full, and the Blackout album.
I feel you bro, kinda brings tears to your eyes with this level of skill... but Mos THe MVP... "Blasting holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine"... just beautiful . The hook on theives in the night is probably the best hook I ever heard in my life
CLASSIC ALBUM!! REDMAN MUDDY WATERS JERU SUN RISES IN THE EAST
speaking of the Ruler you right.Ahmad, check out the song 😂Auditorium by Mos feat. Slick