Man when Blackstar dropped I had just graduated high school. Earlier that day I was kicked out of my house by my snake ass stepmom, pops didn’t stick up for me due to him being strung out on dope and she was his way of getting tons of money to feed his addiction. I had no car, no job and nowhere to live. But I had that Blackstar CD though. That gem got me through some real hard times fam.
@@ButcherOfBeek Doin real good fam. Married my high school girl. Have 2 kids, one boy and one girl. Both of them are in high school and my son graduates next July. Half to say I’m actually happy in life lol. Not many get to say that. Appreciate you.
I always say that the Rawkus era was my favorite era in hip hop. Just straight lyricism and skills. I didn’t know anything about these dudes personal lives other than they were really good at rhyming.
It was a time to be alive. I'd listen to Planet Asia as well, opened a lot of artist that Talib and Mos promoted. This was a time when Common wasn't so common and artist didn't sell out as they rapped about, When Black Eye Peas was real hip hop as their first album and didn't fold for the $.
+Jedi Maneuvers Blackstar's Respiration: 2 million views, by now likely to barely reach 3 million. MC Hammer's Can't Touch This: 177 Million views. Just sayin'.
Shane Benjamson no need to be condescending buddy, just tryna understand your point. are you implying just because something acquires allot of views it is therefore more timeless than the one that doesn't ?
***** Yeah sorry my b was in a bad mood I guess. Basically, yes. The more it has been seen by people, the more likely it will be remembered. More people will therefore remember and notice MC Hammer than Blackstar.
When this dropped, it was the first time I could say that's my favorite Emcee, me and my boy's would always debate Chuck oR Krs, and when I heard this cadence from Mos, I said that's my favorite Emcee right there!!
1997 Common and Souls of Mischief played at a small Canadian club in the midst of a blizzard here in Calgary. We were never as blessed to have such a show. Truly honoured to have seen them.
right? we get those super weird and surreal shows here in the north sometimes, like... how the fuck am I at a Pendulum show in one of the smallest clubs in town with 100? ppl... its sweaty and dank downstairs and since its November outside? ITS FUCKING FREEZING.
Common was always like an unofficial member of Blackstar to me. Even though he wasn't on too many joints, his sound and style fit perfectly with Talib and Mos. Imagine those three with a pre-fame Kanye producing for them, shit would have been crazy yo.
You dont mix real hearted rappers with fake rappers that produce music. It sounds like shit. Kanye and Diddy and Cockafella fucked up a lot of peoples flows and made them sound wak. Theyre too mainstream and dont understand the real struggle to be working with these titans of rap. Itd be like having lil yahty produce a j cole song. It would be so wackkkk!
"It's a paradox we call reality So keepin' it real will make you a casualty of abnormal normality" That's gotta be one of the sickest verses in the history of hip-hop.
"So much on my mind, i just can't recline. Blasting holes in the night til she bled sunshine" Rappers don't write like this anymore. Blessed to have lived through the boom bap/golden era 🙏🏼
@@neneolivares6743 That's because Mos had the best verse, and he deserves that. Doesn't mean that Com's verse is a sleeper or anything. It's just like on the Tribe song, What's The Scenario. Busta had the best verse, though everyone on the song had great verses.
The beat, the 3 immaculate verses, the impeccable filmography that perfectly captures NYC in the 90s... this is the greatest thing ever produced in hip-hop history.
God level hip hop. Where everything is perfect. The is incredible, Talib, Mos Def and Common weave an amazing narrative that paints a great picture of the street of New York and the people within. Everyone who contributed to this song helped to craft a truly timeless gem. I was so blessed to hear this at such a young age. It made me realize we are the curators and protectors of this culture. It's important to share these songs and if your a hip hop artist like me it's important to keep this culture strong and forever vibrant. Peace to you all.
The culture has been shit on by this new generation. This is the realest it was ever gonna get. The only ones keeping it even close is rappers like Cole and Kendrick. Otherwise it’s RIP.
“I can feel the city breathing, chest heaving, against the flesh of evening, sign before I die like the last train leaving” this verse will stay in my soul for the rest of my life!
"So much on my mind that I can't recline, blasting holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine" Wow this is deep. Basically Saying he's got a lot on his mind so he can't sleep, and on top of that there's gunshots until dawn. Also blasting holes could mean his eyes being open in the night until dawn. This song is a masterpiece
Mos Def's verse on this song is probably one of the most beautifully written and performed piece of poetry I've ever heard. If I had to pick one song to illustrate the beauty and artistry of hip hop this would be it. Other notable songs I would recommend are The Roots "Act Too: The Love Of My Life", Common "Nag Champa", Slum Village "Fall In Love", etc.
Just came to the comment section to look for somebody who feels the same as me. Every time I listen to this song I can't help but be amazed at Mos Def's verse. It's just so beautiful and poetic. The rhyme schemes are there, the content is there, and then his amazing voice and that delivery. To me it's one of the greatest verses of all time. Together with the hook since it blends so well with the verse.
Those are indisputable classics. “Act Too” is on my favorite song of all time in any genre list, and “Nag” and “Fall in Love” are on every playlist I make
+asa zimbabwe Maybe? Three of the best ever, in their prime, dropping some absolute knowledge over a heavy beat. I'd say definitely one of the best. I love all the verses, but Common just drops some soul music on here.
The beat on this track is honestly top 3 beats of all time. Not only does it sound amazing, but it fits in with the narrative. The voicing of the 2 guitar chords sound with they're breathing in and out, which plays into the concept of the song about a living, breathing city. Pure perfection.
This track carried me through countless cold nights as I walked or rode the train through the city, juggling three jobs when I first arrived -Seeing the disparities, the beauty and the hideous misery all mashed into one mentioned in the song in real-time. But if you keep hustling, the rewards are real. Years later, I got to witness Common freestyling at Prospect Park as a guest of Herbie Hancock-just one of the many beautiful moments that New York offers. If you lived in New York, you know all of these landmarks in the video and how they relate to the lyrics which makes it that much deeper. Amazing song along with "Thieves in the night" actually the whole album is a masterpiece.
From 98 to today. I had Black*Star on CD from early on. Think I got it at Target, IIRC. Definition and Re:definition were on heavy rotation on 102 Jamz down here in North Carolina. My favorite track was the posse cut near the end of the album, but I didn't sleep on Respiration either, this track is timeless!
@@alexandrahopkinson1748 the only line eh? Damn, I must be an absolute clown shoe. Thank you for pointing out my idiot understanding of sports referenced lyrics.
A top 5 Common verse easily. Maybe top 3. “Asked my guy how he thought traveling the world sound, Found it hard to imagine he hadn’t been past downtown”
This was my introduction to Common, in this song. I never heard of him before and was just blown away by his verse and his delivery. man those early 2000s years were precious for hip-hop
In 2003, Complex interviewed Mos Def and David Bowie. Bowie said this line was one of the most beautiful he ever heard in a song. Needless to say, Bowie knew a thing or two about song writing...
You folks on this comment thread have no idea how i feel reading your comments whilst listening to this lyrical masterpiece from 3 of the most gifted cyphaheads to ever spit magic onto a mic. Peace profound, God bless you all... All the way from Zimbabwe! Ashe' .....
Mos Def and Common were/are some of the most underrated rappers imo . No murder rap, no disrespecting women, just talking about real life(good or bad). No videos with girls half naked, no showing gun violence, or Satanic rituals. During that time when this video was made it's a miracle they didn't turn their music in to trash for sells.
@@KomenCents I found this song on Hip Hop Evolution (amazing series on netflix) and I've been listening to these artists nonstop for weeks. I'm ashamed to say a year ago I didn't know this song existed. Truly amazing, lyrically, musically, it's a masterpiece.
The game made a video a long time ago when I was in high school crying about the state of hip hop and how it's been tarnished...ngl I was young and dumb I clowned him about that...but allll these years later being in my 30s I feel that video to my core now man..this video made me shed a tear...came from 93 till infinity then I listened to this and it just genuinely made a tear stream down my eye like damn man these where the absolute glory days of hip hop...this was the true ESSENCE of hip hop, man this weirdo, fckn garbage out now in 2024 truly breaks my heart we went from this, to what we have now and it's truly sad to see man 😢
![Mos Def - Auditorium (featuring Slick Rick) [Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kSQEGE8gKj4/mqdefault.jpg)
Who’s here in 2024
2025 here
Still a fresh breath of air.
@@BigEmpySpaces76real talk
if you watch this now what other year can you be in fool?
i'm with u @@raihanshrk1955
Man when Blackstar dropped I had just graduated high school. Earlier that day I was kicked out of my house by my snake ass stepmom, pops didn’t stick up for me due to him being strung out on dope and she was his way of getting tons of money to feed his addiction. I had no car, no job and nowhere to live. But I had that Blackstar CD though. That gem got me through some real hard times fam.
damn
How are you doing now buddy?
@@ButcherOfBeek Doin real good fam. Married my high school girl. Have 2 kids, one boy and one girl. Both of them are in high school and my son graduates next July. Half to say I’m actually happy in life lol. Not many get to say that. Appreciate you.
Write a book
Peace fam. Blessings sir
Hi-Tek is such an underrated producer, this beat is incredible.
I agree! kinda sounds like a premo beat, and i mean that as a high compliment to Tek, not to take away from the brother's brilliance
Black Star forever underrated
Four women imo is his best-produced track but this is up there
Cincinnati's own
Oh yass! Pure fire!
We didn’t realize how much we missed this era of hip hop, until it was gone!
They still about my bro
Long life for all of us ✊
Unfortunately so do realize it and it hurts,but here right now to relieve that “pain”
its in our hearts its not gone juwst on vacation for a bit it seems
@@erykahhoney588i feel your pain ma!
everything is change and can't be forever,be happy this era exist and enjoy it
One of the greatest Hip Hop songs ever written.
lyrically its one of the greatest songs ever written, period.
💯🔥🔥🔥
No doubt
Best hiphop song ever written.
Also one of the greatest Hip Hop songs ever produced too.
This should be the official link to the term Hip Hop in Wikipedia. All time classic.
@erock755 Redefinition of
Great comment.
100%.. one of the greatest hiphop songs of all time. Along with thieves in the night.
P
@@andykerste1 the p lol mopmlollpmllllpoplpoopll on I'm p
Op poop love look pretty pleased kpki I op
That opening verse is such an underrated all timer man
Yasin left the planet on this verse.
I’m still piecing it together- son went crazy
can you break it down for us
Aged like fine wine
Can't rate it any higher...
shit like this reminds me why i’m a fan of hip hop
dam hip hop just changed so much...... would be dope to have new and more life rap deez days
One of the best hip-hop songs of all time
Agree
One of the best hip-hop albums of all time. A masterpiece from front to back.
Oh yeA
am 14 and this my favorite song
you may be right sir
Mos def should really get more recognition. He is such a dope MC. The flow, the voice, the lyrics he has got it all.
He a GOAT in my book 4 sure
Do not forget he also was a pretty decent actor.
All around black superhero
Alll
Wtf you talkin? The mans a legend globally
"no batman and robin, can't tell the difference between the cops and the robbers, they both partners, they both heartless"
@@TRUMPWAV you prolly listen to playboi carti
@@TRUMPWAV must be a mumble rap fan
That line always stood out from day one.
@@TRUMPWAV someone listens to mumble rap
Absolute truth to this verse. Cops have always been corrupt. Only fools are offended.
This is golden era hiphop.
This is my niece's account. She is fast asleep. I just wanna make sure that she sees and hears this joint ;-)
How thoughtful and loving of you.
Breath in breath out
peso
Its the paradox we call reality, so keeping it real will make you a casualty of abnormal normality....
@@zwiamudau7049 that is what the song says well done
This is true New York Rap I'm here In 2024
15 years later. I have to revisit this. Gotta run that Tabloids project by Tab-One next!
Yo... That Rawkus era was definitely something to remember.
Still Listening in 2024
I always say that the Rawkus era was my favorite era in hip hop. Just straight lyricism and skills. I didn’t know anything about these dudes personal lives other than they were really good at rhyming.
It was a time to be alive. I'd listen to Planet Asia as well, opened a lot of artist that Talib and Mos promoted. This was a time when Common wasn't so common and artist didn't sell out as they rapped about, When Black Eye Peas was real hip hop as their first album and didn't fold for the $.
@@radtalon6079 The 1st BEP album is the only album I recognize.
“Breath in, breath out”
Those words are the reason why I NEVER get tired of running for a while
"Surrounded by hate, but i love home" the voice of all black people around the world
I love how happy Mos Def looks when he raps.
Old Hip hop never gets old
real rap is timeless
+Jedi Maneuvers Blackstar's Respiration: 2 million views, by now likely to barely reach 3 million.
MC Hammer's Can't Touch This: 177 Million views.
Just sayin'.
"just sayin" what exactly ?
***** Wow okay. I'm not going to explain something that is REALLY fucking obvious.
Shane Benjamson no need to be condescending buddy, just tryna understand your point. are you implying just because something acquires allot of views it is therefore more timeless than the one that doesn't ?
***** Yeah sorry my b was in a bad mood I guess. Basically, yes. The more it has been seen by people, the more likely it will be remembered. More people will therefore remember and notice MC Hammer than Blackstar.
Mos Def is one of the most underrated rappers of all time
He's a lyrical genius
Yes
@@themountainsandthesea41214 sure
Indeed
When this dropped, it was the first time I could say that's my favorite Emcee, me and my boy's would always debate Chuck oR Krs, and when I heard this cadence from Mos, I said that's my favorite Emcee right there!!
Underrated? Says who?
"Surrounded by hate, yet I love home"
This song is too good
That's so true!!!!!!
"Veteran of the Cold War... It's Chica I Go for..." Common is my all time favorite emcee...
Being from the west side Chicago.. this bar made me cry
@@mariopantoja8259 I feel you...
I love how Common interacting with people walking by
who's here in 2095??? cause this is timeless music....
Chill Homie you too far in The Future.
@@MichielBoone lol
its 2095 somewhere
1997 Common and Souls of Mischief played at a small Canadian club in the midst of a blizzard here in Calgary. We were never as blessed to have such a show. Truly honoured to have seen them.
Oh damn, consider yourself very lucky!!!!
right? we get those super weird and surreal shows here in the north sometimes, like... how the fuck am I at a Pendulum show in one of the smallest clubs in town with 100? ppl... its sweaty and dank downstairs and since its November outside? ITS FUCKING FREEZING.
Common was always like an unofficial member of Blackstar to me. Even though he wasn't on too many joints, his sound and style fit perfectly with Talib and Mos. Imagine those three with a pre-fame Kanye producing for them, shit would have been crazy yo.
Damn
Iconoclastic damn that would be 🔥
Iconoclastic old Kanye production would be nice
Iconoclastic agreed.
You dont mix real hearted rappers with fake rappers that produce music. It sounds like shit. Kanye and Diddy and Cockafella fucked up a lot of peoples flows and made them sound wak. Theyre too mainstream and dont understand the real struggle to be working with these titans of rap. Itd be like having lil yahty produce a j cole song. It would be so wackkkk!
That chorus is incredible
"Sometimes I take the bus home, just to touch home". That's too real.
What does he mean with touching home?
@@helioszxc basically to feel how it feels in his hometown. Or how it felt before the game and money. That's what I inferred from it. Peace!
@@brianbadonde9251 ah i see.makes sense.thanks for the reply
Migos get in there. Lol💯🕯🔥🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤✌✌
@@brianbadonde9251dope
0:54 “ The cost of living is preposterous “ Mos Def said this in 1998.. it’s 2023 now and the cost of living is even worse 💯
Rights it is! 2024 5 6 7 ..... Up it will keep trickling.
Keep supporting the same people that are the reason why your hoods are the way it is and be expecting a different result
A lot of 90’s hip hop prophecies are true today.
2024 now
Common's verse is really a strong contender for a spot in the top 10 best guest verses in hip hop
Mos verse aged extremely well! 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏
Mos Def bodied this.
Incredible flow
hes one of the goats for sure
Mos Bodies Everything son
Love me some Mos Def!
Cuz he’s top 5 of all time
this is kind of songs I feel like no one will ever do again
piotrekzproductions This were others time that will never return.
piotrekzproductions substantial, jdilla, black lotus, nujabes, five deez. check em out
The is how hip hop should make you feel. GOOD!
I M DeDaluS__ you can find stuff that makes you feel like this, hard part is finding someone to enjoy it with.
Naw you just gotta dig
"It's a paradox we call reality
So keepin' it real will make you a casualty
of abnormal normality"
That's gotta be one of the sickest verses in the history of hip-hop.
pirandelliana
Fast forward two decades: “Gucci gang gucci gang gucci gang gucci gang.”
Andres zabala my favorite bar!!!!
Damn! Word Zabala
We living the abnormal normality unfortunately
3:52 Pay attention. Happening in nearly every hood in the country as we speak. Definitely happening where I live.
same
"So much on my mind, i just can't recline. Blasting holes in the night til she bled sunshine"
Rappers don't write like this anymore. Blessed to have lived through the boom bap/golden era 🙏🏼
K Rino
When hip hop was ORGANIC
Word
This is so BULK UP. MAJOR PROPS to Mos, Def, Talib Quali, and Common for this. This song is MUCH better than Sex. FACTS!😄
Now it's inorganic coz of mumble rapper🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Commons verse is really underrated makes me shed a tear every time.
What makes you think his verse is underrated? All three of them shined.
@@tutuletters6664 I’ve seen videos glorifying Mos defs verse all over social media but I’ve never heard no one talk about Commons. That’s why.
@@neneolivares6743 That's because Mos had the best verse, and he deserves that. Doesn't mean that Com's verse is a sleeper or anything. It's just like on the Tribe song, What's The Scenario. Busta had the best verse, though everyone on the song had great verses.
I always nod no but it's true
Chicago finests
Me nukka ! Moss def still hitting 2024, and will hitting 2059
The beat, the 3 immaculate verses, the impeccable filmography that perfectly captures NYC in the 90s... this is the greatest thing ever produced in hip-hop history.
I’ve been where you’re at 👈🏽
I believe Commons scene was shot in Chicago. But your comment is on point. Peace!
This entire album is that!!
Ny AND chicago. Common verse was in chicago
Listen to massari old songs. Them beats hit different
dislikes on pure hip hop is blasphemy. This song is iconic.
some people don't want to think
Over 1.4k dislikes in 2019...who are these people
@@GeraldHarris-cf2zh 1.4k wannabe mumble rappers.
Hip hop sucks today!!!classic!!!..😉
*If you miss that 90s sound then peep my tracks out...I specialize in making 90s-style hip hop...!!!👍🏾🎤🎧💿🎼🔥*
God level hip hop. Where everything is perfect. The is incredible, Talib, Mos Def and Common weave an amazing narrative that paints a great picture of the street of New York and the people within. Everyone who contributed to this song helped to craft a truly timeless gem. I was so blessed to hear this at such a young age. It made me realize we are the curators and protectors of this culture. It's important to share these songs and if your a hip hop artist like me it's important to keep this culture strong and forever vibrant. Peace to you all.
,,,MOVE...,,,
Real talk. This is one of the songs I often play when people question the talent of hip hop when they usually haven't been exposed to real lyricist.
The culture has been shit on by this new generation. This is the realest it was ever gonna get. The only ones keeping it even close is rappers like Cole and Kendrick. Otherwise it’s RIP.
Blackstar - Brown Skin Lady // m.ua-cam.com/video/0s9tj_UDzaE/v-deo.html
@@LeonExile05 ua-cam.com/video/FtPMctl5nkc/v-deo.html #APREME
Bring this type of hip hop back 😢😢😢.
25 YEARS AGO.
ONE OF THE GREATEST HIP-HOP DUOS OF ALL TIME.
Man it’s really been that long geez
Amen!!!!
“I can feel the city breathing, chest heaving, against the flesh of evening, sign before I die like the last train leaving” this verse will stay in my soul for the rest of my life!
👌
"So much on my mind that I can't recline, blasting holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine" Wow this is deep. Basically Saying he's got a lot on his mind so he can't sleep, and on top of that there's gunshots until dawn. Also blasting holes could mean his eyes being open in the night until dawn. This song is a masterpiece
"sigh" before I die... In train stations the sound of steam leaving the trains sound like a sigh
Kweli's next 4 bars tho..best ever
Mos Def's verse on this song is probably one of the most beautifully written and performed piece of poetry I've ever heard. If I had to pick one song to illustrate the beauty and artistry of hip hop this would be it. Other notable songs I would recommend are The Roots "Act Too: The Love Of My Life", Common "Nag Champa", Slum Village "Fall In Love", etc.
Just came to the comment section to look for somebody who feels the same as me. Every time I listen to this song I can't help but be amazed at Mos Def's verse. It's just so beautiful and poetic. The rhyme schemes are there, the content is there, and then his amazing voice and that delivery. To me it's one of the greatest verses of all time. Together with the hook since it blends so well with the verse.
Those are indisputable classics. “Act Too” is on my favorite song of all time in any genre list, and “Nag” and “Fall in Love” are on every playlist I make
And Mos’ verse is a hell of an opener. He paints the greatest verbal illustration I’ve heard- And it IS pure poetry
Fall In Love actually has on of my favorite instrumentals ever.
Put 'thieves in the night' in there
IVE HEARD THIS OVER 1000 TIMES & EACH TIME IT JUST GETS BETTER & BETTER THE BEAT & LYCRICS
Fuck man, I wish I went through my teenage years through the 90s. I love this shit way to much.
I did bro, it was a fuckin blast! I can't get with this new mumbling bs
+Corey Lee for reals man no talent at all, no originality.
"90s", this was made in 2004
+Cerebro Wtf are you talking about? Lol, this is 90's
late 90's mb
Top 5 greatest hip hop songs of all time
There's a paradox we call reality
So keepin it real will make you a casualty
Of abnormal normality
Love that part
"Of reality I touch, but for me it's hard to keep" - COMMON
Word to Life
Ahtnamas2 Dope
🔥🔥🔥🔥
200 proof Hip-Hop
Brooklyn and Chicago connection is flawless! Hip-hop forever
New York and Chicago connection is special period.
NYChicago both Nation City
Who’s banging this on 2020?? TUUNEEE
I feel so old, I remember how young I was when this first dropped... and now we listen to Mumble music... tsk tsk tsk
Right here bro 🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤
his best album
Right here
2020 February 10th 3am we herrrrr
maybe one of the best hip-hop tracks ever recorded....
I agree
+asa zimbabwe Maybe? Three of the best ever, in their prime, dropping some absolute knowledge over a heavy beat. I'd say definitely one of the best. I love all the verses, but Common just drops some soul music on here.
+asa zimbabwe thieves in the night too
It's definitely in the argument. And I don't say that lightly
Right next to platinum plus by Big L and Big Daddy Kane
“Sometimes I catch the bus home just to touch home” 🔥🔥🔥
Love that line too. Extremely relatable to many people. Especially if you struggled and have moved up in life.
Can someone explain? Is it a pun? I am german and dont get it.
@@patternviewcatch is equal to grab, depend on the context so when he says that line is a wordplay between catch and touch.
The three wise men of hip hop
Real hip hop 👊🏾
Real Hip Hop.
This is a perfect song. Every verse is fire and relatable. 🔥🔥
Word, common said, "surrounded by hate, yet I love home." Deep bars 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This song brings tears to my eyes, makes me think how good hip-hop used to be.
And will be again.
Me too my friend
So funny, I was just thinking the same thing. Tears to my eyes as well.
it's still good, you just gotta listen to the right people
Same
The beat on this track is honestly top 3 beats of all time. Not only does it sound amazing, but it fits in with the narrative. The voicing of the 2 guitar chords sound with they're breathing in and out, which plays into the concept of the song about a living, breathing city. Pure perfection.
Amazing production no doubt. It has a very melancholy and vintage feel to it.
Hi-Tek produced it
Fucken editeddddd .. junkkkk
Well said, it's hard to put words on the real, like this #speachless
Less is more, this beat is a masterpiece
The original “BOOM BAP” 🔥
Jeeez this is a true hiphop masterpiece right there
Hip Hop so dope in the 90's. I'm telling this is when it reached it's peak.
Who’s here bcuz this song is DOPE AF?
And because I love Yasiin Bey.
One of the best hip hop songs of all time.
This track carried me through countless cold nights as I walked or rode the train through the city, juggling three jobs when I first arrived -Seeing the disparities, the beauty and the hideous misery all mashed into one mentioned in the song in real-time. But if you keep hustling, the rewards are real. Years later, I got to witness Common freestyling at Prospect Park as a guest of Herbie Hancock-just one of the many beautiful moments that New York offers.
If you lived in New York, you know all of these landmarks in the video and how they relate to the lyrics which makes it that much deeper.
Amazing song along with "Thieves in the night" actually the whole album is a masterpiece.
Wow. Lovely and enlightening comment.
Don't trust anyone that doesn't feel this song and love it. Timeless classic.
Mos def was mos definitely ahead of his time this right here depicts on whats going on today everyday. Whos still jammin to this in 2020?!
From 98 to today. I had Black*Star on CD from early on. Think I got it at Target, IIRC. Definition and Re:definition were on heavy rotation on 102 Jamz down here in North Carolina. My favorite track was the posse cut near the end of the album, but I didn't sleep on Respiration either, this track is timeless!
Street prophet
2021…….
One of my top albums of all times. They got so slept on at the time because of all the Bling Bling Rap going on...but real heads knew.
this is the epitome of hip hop. True poets wit positive,meaningful flows
"..gets you capped like the NBA salary." these guys are poets.
I always think that's the only rubbish line in the whole track
@@alexandrahopkinson1748 the only line eh? Damn, I must be an absolute clown shoe. Thank you for pointing out my idiot understanding of sports referenced lyrics.
Actually, this is my best hip hop song of all time. I've been listening to this song for well over 15 years but each time, it gives me chills!
Me 2
I'd have to say the same. Can't think of anything that occupies my memory as much as this track
I wish music was this good these day's 😢
This is the blueprint for hip-hop
Top 5 track of all time
Mos Def killed this
Mos aint dropped a wack verse his entire life. He couldnt even if he tried
germany here... the magic of this track.. never forget..i was 18 when this came out. Few tracks that touched me more in terms of hip hop
A top 5 Common verse easily. Maybe top 3. “Asked my guy how he thought traveling the world sound, Found it hard to imagine he hadn’t been past downtown”
So very real for the inner cities of America back then. Especially a city like Chicago.
Common snapped! 🤪
One of the best rappers to ever grace a mic
i like how all the best 90s rap videos are in black and white
G
jordan archuleta Hell yeah lol
Brenda's got a baby
jordan archuleta passing me by - the pharcyde
not all are black and white
This Is What I'm Talking About Real True Hip-Hop Rappers I Grew Up Listening Too Based On Reality Word On The Streets.
Talib was absolutely cold blooded on this track, just insane!!!!
After 25 years I still get goosebumps every time I hear this track. Timeless classic, incredible in every way.
This is pure hip hop. The true definition of hip hop music.
Who else rewind this track twice. Bro
Me
Well here we are 26 years later, and this still hits hard
This was my introduction to Common, in this song. I never heard of him before and was just blown away by his verse and his delivery. man those early 2000s years were precious for hip-hop
This right before the 2000s, this still was all 90s style and feel.
But the 90s and 2000s were definitely the best
You should have heard resurrection by then
@@byanymeansnecessary9329 Seriously!
This verse is why Common will always be one the GOATS for me.
2019 and this makes more sense forever staying real 👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾
Oh yeah!!
When this joint dropped it was an Instant classic. Definitely holds up 25 years later. Clever lyrics over a dope beat with a gritty video. Perfect.
“Blasting holes in the night ‘til she bled sunshine.”
In 2003, Complex interviewed Mos Def and David Bowie. Bowie said this line was one of the most beautiful he ever heard in a song. Needless to say, Bowie knew a thing or two about song writing...
LeBrigand Thats dope!
@@lebrigand4115it's through his ear and understanding of songwriting we got Luther Vandross, everyone overlooked Luther till David Bowie came through
You folks on this comment thread have no idea how i feel reading your comments whilst listening to this lyrical masterpiece from 3 of the most gifted cyphaheads to ever spit magic onto a mic.
Peace profound, God bless you all... All the way from Zimbabwe!
Ashe' .....
Haha I am doing the same thing
Thank you Brother from another Mother. True Hip Hop will always Snatche one's Soul and carrie it to a place called Paradise. Peace!!!
All about that black and white
Grey hip hop original areas
Nostalgic feeling
Possibly the best rap song of all times
Mos Def and Common were/are some of the most underrated rappers imo . No murder rap, no disrespecting women, just talking about real life(good or bad). No videos with girls half naked, no showing gun violence, or Satanic rituals. During that time when this video was made it's a miracle they didn't turn their music in to trash for sells.
😂😂😂
Wise words bro. Wise words...
this is lyrically the strongest rap song I’ve ever heard
EDIT: Mural by Lupe Fiasco takes number 1 spot actually
Listen to the Album Liquid Swords by GZA. That said, Mos Def's verse here is untouchable.
Modern rappers pen game just doesnt even come close..... Mos Defs first verse is a fucking masterpiece
Are you a youngster who just realised this stuff exists?
@@KomenCents I found this song on Hip Hop Evolution (amazing series on netflix) and I've been listening to these artists nonstop for weeks. I'm ashamed to say a year ago I didn't know this song existed. Truly amazing, lyrically, musically, it's a masterpiece.
@@angeryrat Glad to have ya buddy
arguably the greatest song in hip hop history
The game made a video a long time ago when I was in high school crying about the state of hip hop and how it's been tarnished...ngl I was young and dumb I clowned him about that...but allll these years later being in my 30s I feel that video to my core now man..this video made me shed a tear...came from 93 till infinity then I listened to this and it just genuinely made a tear stream down my eye like damn man these where the absolute glory days of hip hop...this was the true ESSENCE of hip hop, man this weirdo, fckn garbage out now in 2024 truly breaks my heart we went from this, to what we have now and it's truly sad to see man 😢