No Fear of Time
Black Star · 2022
33 min · 9 tracks · alternative hip-hop
A contemplative blend of jazzy instrumentals and introspective lyrics that reflect on time, identity, and artistic legacy.
Top tracks — play these first
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o.G. — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its reflective lyrics and smooth instrumentation, establishing a deep connection with listeners right from the start.
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Freequency — This standout track features intricate wordplay and a vibrant beat, showcasing Black Star's lyrical prowess while addressing themes of connectivity and awareness.
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My favorite band — A poignant homage to influences and nostalgia, this track cleverly intertwines humor with heartfelt sentiments about the role of music in personal identity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends introspective lyrics with jazzy instrumentals, showcasing a mature evolution while maintaining a distinct sound.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of jazzy instrumentals, with live instrumentation prominent in several tracks, creating a laid-back atmosphere.
- Each track typically includes multiple verses from both artists, often alternating lines rather than verses, which enhances the conversational tone.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for reflection
- introspective moments of wisdom
- thoughtful listening during commutes
- gradual emotional peaks throughout
- short tracks encouraging replay
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone hits
Where this album fits
- Career context
- No Fear of Time marks Black Star's first album in over two decades since their seminal debut, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star. Released in 2022, the album showcases a matured perspective from the duo, who have both evolved as solo artists while reuniting to explore themes of growth and resilience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- A Tribe Called Quest· De La Soul· Talib Kweli
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing
The song emphasizes focus amidst life's distractions through a clever repetition that underscores its central message.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 o.G. 3:57
- 2 So be it 4:08
- 3 Sweetheart. Sweethard. Sweetodd. 2:10
- 4 My favorite band 2:08
- 5 the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing 3:51
- 6 Yonders 2:40
- 7 Supreme alchemy 2:13
- 8 Freequency 6:53
- 9 No fear of time 5:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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