Why Yasiin Bey’s 'Black on Both Sides' is the Best Rawkus Records Album Ever Made

“I write a rhyme, sometimes won't finish for days / Scrutinize my literature from the large to the miniature.”

To be an MC — at least in the way expressed above — is an arduous and relentless endeavor. Even if you have the gift of gab as a lyricist, there’s still a discipline necessary to craft the words one envisions in their head, put pen to paper and articulate it as a piece of music.

Mos Def, now known as yasiin bey, set out to do exactly that — not just for the song he uttered these lines on, “Hip Hop,” but for 16 others that made up his debut album, 1999’s Black on Both Sides. Ambitious, eloquent and fun, bey would release this album on the storied Rawkus Records, the hip-hop label that released other beloved projects throughout the late ‘90s and 2000s, including Company Flow’s Funcrusher Plus, bey’s and Talib Kweli’s Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, Pharoahe Monch’s Internal Affairs, Big L’s posthumous The Big Picture, Kweli’s Quality and Kool G Rap’s The Giancana Story.

CHECK THE REST AT OKAYPLAYER

Facebook

Views: 16

Reply to This

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Connect

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Earth, Wind & Fire
Friday, June 27 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Macy Gray
Saturday, July 12 @ Palace of Fine Arts, SF

Thievery Corporation
Saturday, Sept 6 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Yung Lean
Saturday, Oct 11 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Editor's Pick posted discussions
23 hours ago
MJ Savino posted a blog post

Distinguished Harlem Rapper Money Stacks Delivers "Cold Dayz" Video

Money Stacks, a distinguished Harlem rapper, presents the official video for "Cold Dayz," taken from his latest album 'Back To Da Streets 7.' On a classic, drop-down mic, Stacks delivers chilling bars looped with blunt storytelling. He touches on his unparalleled skillset, street steam, the dope game, and more. Watch "Cold Dayz" and connect with Money Stacks…See More
yesterday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

RAKIM at YOSHI'S, OAKLAND

July 15, 2025 at 7:30pm to July 16, 2025 at 11:30pm
TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY, JULY 15-16RAKIMYoshi's 510 Embarcadero WestOakland, CA 94607>> BUY TICKETSSee More
yesterday
realmuzik posted discussions
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted videos
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
yesterday
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
Wednesday
Artistpr posted a blog post

Mr. Lawrence & Black Nation Music Group Drop New Album: A Fusion of Funk, Hip Hop & More

Nashville artist Mr. Lawrence releases new album, inviting listeners to experience his unique sound.Nashville, TN - Black Nation Music Group is proud to announce the latest album release from Mr. Lawrence, a dynamic artist whose music transcends genre boundaries.…See More
Wednesday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

DJ Jazzy Jeff @ Phoenix Hotel at The Phoenix Hotel, SF

July 26, 2025 from 1pm to 6:30pm
Saturday, July 26 DJ Jazzy Jeff Plus Cutso Shortkut dj umami ShellheartHosted by Fran Boogie The Phoenix Hotel, 601 Eddy St., San Francisco, CA 94109 1 - 6:30pm PDT…See More
Wednesday
An event by Editor's Pick was featured
Thumbnail

Raphael Saadiq at Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, CA

September 8, 2025 from 7pm to 11pm
MONDAY, SEP 8An Evening WithRaphael SaadiqNo Bandwidth!One Man! One Night! Three Decades of Hits!Davies Symphony Hall San Francisco, CADoors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pm…See More
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted an event
Thumbnail

Raphael Saadiq at Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, CA

September 8, 2025 from 7pm to 11pm
MONDAY, SEP 8An Evening WithRaphael SaadiqNo Bandwidth!One Man! One Night! Three Decades of Hits!Davies Symphony Hall San Francisco, CADoors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pm…See More
Tuesday
realmuzik posted a discussion

Hollywood 40 Drops New Single “Walk It Back” Featuring Ceelo Green

Hollywood 40, the rising Hip Hop artist, is back with a banger as they release their highly anticipated new single “Walk It Back” featuring Grammy award-winning artist Ceelo Green. The single, which is now available on all major streaming platforms, is already creating a buzz among fans and music critics alike.“Walk It Back” is a powerful and energetic track that…See More
Tuesday

© 2025   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service