This is the best Mos Def record for some time, and mixes some powerful messages with music of very varied origins. The rapper is on fine form against the braying horns of ‘Twilite Speedball’ and the Middle Eastern strings of ‘Auditorium’ where, in tandem with The Ruler, he rails against the Iraq war. On the flipside of the serious issues are tracks like the upbeat ‘Life In Marvellous Times’, a big track, while ‘fly like a dog from up above’ (‘Pretty Dancer’) is one of many distinctive catchphrases he uses through the album. With other guests Talib Kweli and MEAD working well, this is an album without a weak link, saying plenty through words and music throughout its sixteen tracks. Surely one of the best hip hop records of the year.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Ben Hogwood