JEFF'S JOINT

Jeff Khurgel

Good things to come

It has been a while, 1996 to be exact, since I first heard Mos Def bless the Mic on De La's "Big Brother Beat." His rhyme flow and reggae-like vocals were original and let us face it, how many new rappers come out original?

The Brooklyn representative was then helping Da Bush Babees make their 1996 album "Gravity" and appeared on several tracks. It was one of the most slept-on albums of the year. I remember listening to the album nodding my head and thinking to myself, this kid is very nice.

But it did not hit me until about six months ago. It happened late at night on the southbound 405 Freeway. Black Star, a group featuring Mos and Kweli, had its new single "Definition" premiered on the "Wake-Up Show."

I nearly broke my neck from bobbing my head so hard. Many local DJ's got sick of me requesting that song over the next few months. This is one of the top ten hip hop joints of all time. You all know how much I love to rate things, but do not take my word for it. On Sept. 29, the Black Star album will be in stores and for the true hip hop head, it is a dream come true. Oh, and in case you are curious about what type of moral ground these cats stand on, here is a line from Mos' "Children's Story," "life is more than what your hand can grasp."

Also on the 29th, look for the new ATCQ album, "The Love Movement." I have already heard about half of it and must say, do not believe the hype! Tribe never fell off and they are here to prove it.

Tip has recently been talking about his post-Tribe plans and has said he wants to do an album with Busta Rhymes before putting out his first solo album. Peace.