Spring Break
Mos Def album is worth every penny
Ben Heins
Issue date: 12/6/04 Section: Entertainment
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Label: Geffen Records
Genre: HipHop/Rock/Blues/R&B/Funk
Rating: B+
Mos Def, a poet who needs no introduction, has been turning heads with his hot new release, "The New Danger."
As host of "Russell Simmons Presents: Def Poetry" on HBO, and with a gifted talent in hip hop and acting, Def's highly anticipated sophomore album diverts far from the public's expectations.
His first solo album, "Black On Both Sides," confirmed him as one of the best rappers ever to grace a mic, but "The New Danger" is far from just a hip hop release.
Mos Def presents a challenging listen to the world with elements of rock, blues, funk and, of course, hip hop, with a hard poetic edge. Def draws the listener into a unique adventure through his mind.
However, the first minutes of "The New Danger" may turn some listeners off.
Def is barely heard until "Ghetto Rock" and "Zimzallabim" when he comes through hard over a heavy rock beat.
This is followed by the first true hip hop track, "The Rape Over," and clocking in at 1:34, proves to be only a teaser of Def's mic-blazing skills. Next is the blues-based "Blue Black Jack," which only adds to the diversity found on this album.
Every track on "The New Danger" is different from the one before it in terms of genre, lyrics and style.
Mos Def not only flaunts his rapping talent on tracks like the Kanye West-produced "Sunshine" and "Champion Requiem," but also sings soulfully over "The Beggar" and "Modern Marvel," intensifying the album's vibe.
Though there are a few dragging songs, this is a solid release, especially since every mainstream CD nowadays sounds the same as the next.
Here's the advice: This may be a challenging listen, but it is worth every penny.
Mos Def's creativity shines with a heartfelt combination of poetry and many musical genres.