Sound: A diverse collection of indie hip-hop beats that bounce between exotic—psychedelic Bollywood, mystical Middle Eastern, funky samba —and domestic—nostalgic soulful, spooky cinematic and synthetic anthemic. Mos Def handles the majority of the vocals—mostly rapping but some singing, too—as the only guest rhymes come from the legendary Slick Rick and Mos’ former Black Star partner Talib Kweli.
Heavy Rotation track: “Revelations”
Medium Rotation tracks: “Auditorium” featuring Slick Rick; “Roses”; “Pretty Dancer”; “The Embassy”
Recommended: The Ecstatic is definitely more inspired and captivating than Mos Def’s last two albums, but it is dense and challenging. Its bold eclecticism and the fact that most songs feel like sketched fragments—ending just as they hit their stride—make it difficult for the listener to get in a groove. And there really aren’t any true standout tracks. But The Ecstatic has several rhymes and even more beats to get excited about.
Grade: B

Listen to Tracks/Buy Music:
On iTunes
On amazon.com