Mos Def: The Ecstatic

The two records preceding Mos Def's 1999 solo début 'Black On Both Sides' never really lived up to the first's brilliance and though there were bits and pieces of genius lacing them both, it was almost a step backwards in terms of potential. 

So here it is, Dante Terrel Smith a.k.a Mos Def's fourth venture into alternative hip-hop after three years of musical silence (though he's been in and out of decent movie roles since) and thankfully, it's pretty good.

Lyrically, he's back on form and his flow has gotten even more intricate, switching between lightning quick couplet delivery and slow but detailed rhythmic patterns. Wahid's multi-syllabic rhyming scheme gets better the more you repeat it (especially its insane intro) and on The Embassy he sounds akin to Lupe Fiasco in delivery and timing. In fact that's probably a good way to describe the feel of the entire record; it's like a lesser version of Lupe Fiasco with a slightly more laid-back feel.

Though the record entertains, it has to be said that his beats are a little generic at times. There are some tracks which have a wildly alternative melody and atmosphere but they tend to highlight the inferior tracks a little too much. Life In Marvelous Time does nothing for the record and though the lyrics are gritty and biting at points, it's too anthemic and radio-friendly to fully enjoy. The same goes for Roses which is ruined by the female guest-vocals of Georgia Anne Muldrow. It sound too much like a forgettable R'n'B track for Mos's usually edgy, witty, political rapper persona.

Even though he wanders into rather mundane territory at times, you have to hand it to him, as far as rap goes, he's most definitely one of the more engaging and likeable characters from within the genre. He's clever with his words, he stays mainly within alternative territory and his voice matches his flow brilliantly. 

On Revelations he spits venomously over an odd, old-school beat as he layers his voice over and over again at the chorus, sounding like a maddening argument with just a single person. Sure it's another foray into black-power musings but he does it with such ease and finesse that it's never overbearing. "Lay off the bacon and the smokes, and quit laying off the good-working folks, quit the hoax, and lay off the corny colour jokes" he demands before continuing: "Keep them out your face, keep them in your prayers, even that or keep them in the cross-hairs. Better still, keep an even dose of each 'cos until you get justice you wont get peace." It's original and better than anything you'll find on any other rap album out this year (we're looking at you Mr. Mathers).

The Ecstatic is a return to form of sorts for Mos Def and though it's not as coherent as we would've liked it and features a few too many forgettable tracks, it still fizzles with electricity and becomes more enjoyable the more times it's played.