Black Star
Even in hip-hop--a genre famous for auspicious debuts--Black Star, the first album from the team ofMos DefandTalib Kweli, stands out. It's not just because these guys know their history (an update ofSlick Rick's classic "Children's Story," a fine jack ofBDP's "The P Is Free" on "Definition," and shout-outs to2Pac,Biggie, and the Rock Steady Crew) and have paid their dues. Mos Def had been bouncing around the Native Tongues family for years, and both he and Kweli are featured on theSoundbombingandLyricist Loungealbums.  No,Black Starstands out simply because it's a great album, an intelligent, progressive, and funky piece of work that showcases two great MCs, both of whom have internalized the best parts ofGuru,Rakim, andQ-Tip. The album also features strong production from Shawn J. Period and DJ Hi-Tek (Kweli's partner in Reflection Eternal).--Randy Silver