One of my favorite rap duo’s of all time. The teaming up of Talib Kweli and Mos Def created the group Black Star. Strong beats, good lyrics and underground success kept everyone in my circle listening to them throughout their careers after they split up and went solo.

Black Star arose from the underground movement of the late 1990s, which was in large part due to Rawkus Records, an independent record label stationed in New York City. They released one self titled album. Though the record achieved little commercial success, they (and other members of the Native Tongues Posse) helped shape underground alternative rap and helped bring it further into the mainstream eye. Neither have gone on to greater commercial and critical success in separate solo careers.

Mark Arcenal

Creative Director at Illest Worldwide
Founded Fatlace in 1999. Lived the Agency life for over a decade and then moved to client side and helped in launching the biggest brand Nike has to date, Nike Sportswear as the Global Digital Lead. Today, he's the Creative Director for Fatlace and clothing line, ILLEST.

Latest posts by Mark Arcenal (see all)