The legendary rap group Black Star comprised of elite emcees Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) and Talib Kweli were recently in Chicago for their reunion tour at the Taste of Chicago. Their classic and surprisingly the only album they released, Mos Def and Talib Kweli Are Black Star, has stood the test of time over 20 years and serves as a torch with regard to what real rap is.
Over the years, both artists have managed to forge their own successful careers as individuals and they have carved out their own piece of hip-hop history.
The highlight of the evening was the performance of their song “Redefinition” that sounds like a prototypical rap song then flips midway and opens up another musical direction.
We spoke to Amina Norman-Hawkins about her experience at the show.
“The Black Star concert at the Taste of Chicago was incredible, especially for a huge Black Star, Mos Def, and Talib Kweli fan like myself,” she said. “I haven’t been to the Taste of Chicago in over a decade but there was absolutely no way my husband and I were gonna miss seeing some of our favorite emcees! I loved the fact that they performed songs from both artists’ repertoires as well as Black Star songs. It was like three shows in one. I knew almost every song. Although the heat was unbearable at times, nothing compared to being amongst so many true hip-hop fans and listening to the music we love so dearly being blasted throughout Grant Park. I had a fabulous time. Would love to see more veteran hip-hop artists in Grant Park.”
Take a look at a few pics from the concert below:
