Black star Biography

Black Star is an American hip hop duo formed in 1996, hailing from Brooklyn, New York City. The duo consists of esteemed rappers Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, and Talib Kweli. Their name is derived from The Black Star Line, a shipping company established by Marcus Garvey. Black Star gained recognition for their thought-provoking lyrics, and their influence on the underground rap scene is significant.The duo's critically acclaimed debut album, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, was released on September 29, 1998, under Rawkus Records. While the album did not achieve substantial commercial success, it played a crucial role in shaping the underground alternative rap sound of the late 1990s and bringing it to wider audiences. Black Star is also affiliated with the collective Native Tongues Posse, which includes notable hip-hop groups such as A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and Jungle Brothers, further expanding their influence and reach within the genre.Throughout their career, both Bey and Kweli have ventured into successful solo projects, contributing to significant advancements in hip-hop. Despite focusing on their individual endeavors for many years, they have occasionally collaborated and reunited for specific projects. One of their notable appearances was in the film Dave Chappelle's Block Party, where they showcased their talent alongside other artists and contributed a new track titled "Born & Raised" for the film’s soundtrack.In 2009, members of Black Star collaborated with The Black Keys on the BlakROC Project, which integrated hip-hop with alternative rock. This project included contributions from prominent figures like RZA, Jim Jones, and Q-Tip, further indicating their versatility and connection within the music industry. The collaboration demonstrated Black Star’s willingness to experiment and connect with different musical styles beyond traditional hip-hop.After years of speculation about a follow-up album, Black Star officially released their sophomore studio album, No Fear of Time, on May 3, 2022. This album was significant as it marked their return after a lengthy hiatus from releasing full-length projects, and can be found on the podcasting platform Luminary.