
Released: 2004
On his second album, Mos Def fleshes out his unique staccato rhyme patterns with equally unique production. “Champion Requiem” is a cluster of keys and soft guitar, and Mos traverses the landscape brilliantly, catching the beat at every turn. The Kanye West–helmed “Sunshine” is laced with swelling strings and samples Melba Moore, while Mos spits boastful and confident rhymes. “Modern Marvel” clocks in at nine minutes and consists of Mos gently crooning over a soul beat. This is a layered, complex and surprising song collection.