Black Star is a full-length, studio album by American MC’s Mos Def and Talib Kweli, who formed the duo in 1997. The album, recorded and mixed at Electric Lady Studios, was released on August 18, 1998 to critical acclaim. Black Star arose from the New York underground, and helped shape the alternative rap scene, launching it into the mainstream. The lyrics and album art spoke their message loudly, referencing social consciousness and political issues.
Notable Mention: The album was released in the wake of the deaths of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls, and helped fill the void left by these two vocal leaders of the rap scene in the late 90s.