Not since Nas' Illmatic has there been a solo debut more anticipated than Black On Both Sides, the debut full-length by Brooklyn actor/musician/poet Mos Def. Balancing live instrumentation (played predominantly by Mos himself) and dusty grooves provided by guest producers DJ Premier, Diamond D, Beatnut Psycho Les and Ali-Shaheed Muhammad, the album is a poignant celebration of black culture through masterful lyricism and advance sonic knowledge. The dynamics range from spirituality uplifting hip-hop tracks to Roy Ayers-styled soul fusion to a cerebral funk jam called "Rock N Roll," which explodes into a rowdy testament to Brooklyn hardcore that would shatter the teeth of Billy Milano. You will not hear a better album in 1999. - CMJ New Music Report (October 25, 1999). Black On Both Sides lived up to the hype and has stood the test of time in the true definition of a classic album. The album also featured production from 88 Keys, Ayatollah, and Mr. Man of Da Bush Babees, as well as appearances from Q-Tip, Talib Kweli, Busta Rhymes, Vinia Mojica, and Ghostface Killah (if you include "Ms. Fat Booty Pt.2" on more recent reissues). I'd originally included the album stream below, but since the homie DJ Filthy Rich blessed us with a 20th Anniversary mix for the album, I'm updating this post. In a collaboration with Soles of Mischief and The Flyer Vault, DJ Filthy Rich's tribute mix features album tracks, loosies, and the samples used for the album’s production. “I had to put out this mixtape in tribute to one of the most influential albums in my life,” Filthy Rich said. “In 1999 when the Jiggy era of Hip-Hop was reigning, Rawkus Records and Mighty Mos were carrying the torch for that real underground Hip-Hop sound. This classic LP covered a wide range of topics including the global water crisis, the shady music industry, love, police harassment, and even an ode to his parents.” Unfortunately, these tributes get taken down with the quickness, so you'll have to settle for YouTube, while it's available. Dig into the mix below...