Fans of the legendary hip-hop duo known as Black Star have been salivating for a formal reunion and new music from Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli. While the rumors of new music being worked on by the two MCs may turn out to be false, Saturday night provided some excitement when Bey and Kweli performed together at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City, as Stereogum reports.
The performance was a part of the massive residency that Robert Glasper has going on throughout the month at the club. Glasper will play 48 shows over the course of 24 days, and Saturday night was certainly a highlight of the residency. Black Star happens to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their one and only album, the influential landmark in hip-hop that is known as Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star. Along with Robert Glasper, the two rappers ran through some of their most beloved songs, including “Thieves in the Night” and “Love Language.” Check out the videos below.
Black Star making an appearance at the show was not the only highlight. Additionally, Anderson. Paak came on stage to play a medley of songs with Glasper and Bey. You can see that video below.
Yasiin Bey has experienced some personal turbulence over the last few years. First, he was arrested for illegally residing in South Africa, due to passport issues. After being arrested and eventually released in South Africa (and returning to the United States), he promptly announced his retirement from music and film — which as of now has not really stuck. Since then, he has appeared at festivals like The Meadows in New York City and The Breaks in Chicago as a solo performer.
Things have been quieter for Talib Kweli, but only barely. He recently released a new album in November of 2017, titled Radio Silence. Additionally, he decided to cancel show at the Kansas City venue The Riot Room when they booked controversial band Taake, who’ve been accused of everything from homophobia to anti-Semitism.
Photo Credit: Brett Padelford
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