No Fear of Time

Black Star - No Fear of Time
Critic Score
Based on 6 reviews
2022 Ratings: #713 / 805
User Score
Based on 391 ratings
2022 Rank: #425
Liked by 56 people
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CRITIC REVIEWS

80
Rolling Stone
The beloved Nineties duo’s new work resounds like a Mandarin manifesto for the 99 percent.
78
HipHopDX
Lack of everyday slappers aside, it’s a grand return to form, giving truth to the bars, “Black Star shines eternally,” off their debut single 24 years ago. It proves authentic, honest voices are impervious to time — especially if an artist is brave enough not to compromise.
70
Exclaim!

No Fear… lives up to its name thanks to Black Star's bravery against the odds of falling woefully short like nearly all of their fellow MCs would have.

70
Albumism
Nearly all parties involved might not be at the peak of their powers, but they created a memorable release that does a lot of things right.
62
Pitchfork
The long-awaited sequel to the duo’s classic debut contains bursts of inspired lyricism, but a lack of chemistry and uninspired production make this a disappointing follow-up.
Rollo_P
82

Don't compare it to their first album.
Don't compare it to their first album.
Do NOT compare it to their first album. Do NOT, do it. DON'T. Even, think about it.
It's been too long, they're straight up different people with different career arches by now, it serves to benefit NO ONE.
Don't do it.

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...Alright fine but just this once.

*wheels out chalkboard, erases previous lesson on Memphis Rap History 101*

Alright, Black Star. It's funny that their first album is ... read more

bigbord
100

BLACK STAR LETS FUCKING GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

this album, is very experimental in its composition. Madlib out does himself yet again and continues to prove why he is the greatest producer alive. after 24 years, they finally linked up again. one thing i ADORE about this project is that it’s so graciously short. 33 minutes is enough time for both Yasiin Bey and Kweli to give their outlook on the world. the pen of both emcees is outrageously unmatched and I LITERALLY LOVE THIS ALBUM OH MY GOD

AllAboutMusic
75

No End of Time is the first album Mos Def and Talib Kweli have made together in 24 years. Their previous album is a hip hop. classic, featuring tracks like Respiration, Brown Skin Lady, and Definition, which are all some of the best hip hop songs of the 90s.

While this isn’t exactly the best follow up to that project, it’s still really dope. For one, Madlib doesn’t miss at all with any of these beats. Madlib went for a certain vibe with these beats, and he approached that ... read more

FakeMrM
0

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andrew_johnston
68

Rating : 68

_V33_
90

88-90
While some parts are definitely lackluster, it’s overall another Black Star banger.
The production from Madlib is great (what else do you really expect from the man at this point though), and Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli rap rap great too.
Some minor complaints that I have with this thing gotta be that Talib Kweli kinda has a raspy voice on here, and that Yasiin kinda sounds sleepy at times, like he’s just barely staying on beat. It also starts kinda weak too, but it does finish ... read more

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Contributions By
Novell_sx, anztec, TeBo47, OPENblinds


Added on: April 8, 2022