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Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star

Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star (often referred to as Black Star[6][7]) is the debut studio album by American hip hop duo Black Star, composed of rappers Talib Kweli and Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def). The album was released on September 29, 1998, to critical acclaim. The title is a reference to the Black Star Line, a shipping line founded by Pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey. The album deals with modern-day issues, philosophical ideas, and life in Brooklyn, New York City as the two artists know it.[8]

Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star

September 29, 1998

September 1997 – May 1998

Unique Recording (New York)[1]

50:11

Background[edit]

The album's fruition came about from the chemistry between the two emcees. Both planned to release their solo albums around the same time, but they postponed their individual projects and decided instead to collaborate on a full-length LP. The album's cover was designed by artist Brent Rollins.[9]

 – Producer, Cut, Crowd Noise

Hi-Tek

 – Keyboards, performer

Weldon Irvine

Jim Godsey –

Engineer

Charlie Mack – Engineer

Kieran Walsh – Engineer,

Mixing

 – Performer

Vinia Mojica

 – Cut

DJ Evil Dee

Jane Doe – Performer

Rick St. Hillaire – Mixing

Steve Souder – Mixing

Chris Athens –

Mastering

Ken "Duro" Ifill – Mixing

Eddie Otchere – Photography

Vaughn Sessions – Engineer

 – Producer, engineer, Mixing

Mr. Walt

Success – Engineer

Brent Rollins – , Cover art

Artwork

 – Fender Rhodes, performer

Mos Def

 – Artwork, Art Direction

Black Star

 – Producer, performer

Talib Kweli

Marcus Garvey – Photography

Ge-ology – Producer, Crowd Noise

 – Producer

88-Keys

Pat Viola – Engineer

Jake Septimus – Photography

Tasleem – Photography

Richard Mason – Crowd Noise

J. Rawls – Producer

Kieran Dee – Photography/Banter/Dietician

at Discogs (list of releases)

Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star