Mos Def – Quiet Dog & Life in Marvelous Times

It’s been a while since people have been excited about Mos Def (at least as far as new music goes) – but he is back for real.  These two tracks from his upcoming album The Ecstatic are vintage Mos at his best.  I personally prefer Life In Marvelous Times but Quiet Dog is still an ill track.

Mos Def - Quiet Dog [zshare mp3] – 3 Stars

Mos Def - Life In Marvelous Times [zshare mp3] – 3.5 Stars

Bonus: Mos Def - Auditorium (Live) [zshare mp3] – 4 Stars (tentatively until I hear the album version, in which case that rating may go up)

Needless to say, I am really, really anticipating the new album.  The Ecstatic drops February 29th this year, buy it!

Do you think I'm crazy?

Wale - The Crazy [mp3]

From the new Mixtape About Nothing by Wale, I can't stop listening to this song. The louder the better...
"I swear they think I'm crazy, too much percussion and bass..."

Mos Def - Beauty in the Dark remix ft. The Isley Brothers [mp3]

Just heard this song for the first time, another fantastic vocal performance by Mos. Its basically everything you want when you see Mos Def and the Isley Brothers listed on the same track, but better.
"My name is Black Dante, how can I resist when you come my way?"

Blu - My Boy Blu [mp3]

A less-well-known MC Blu of Blu & Exile fame, this song is from the (So)ul Amazing mixtape with DJ Heat. A lot of people hailed Blu as the best MC out in years, and I doubted... until I heard this song.