It was back in 1997 Mos Def & Talib Kweli started to make noise. Mos Def (with producer Shawn J. Period) released his debut twelwe inch "Universial Magnetic" on the independent New York record label Rawkus. On the same label, Reflection Eternal, consisting of members Talib Kweli & DJ Hi-Tek, released their 12 inch "Fortified Live" which also featured Mos Def. A good introduction to the two MC's is the compilation "Soundbombing" by Rawkus which features Mos & Kweli's early material including a freestyle.

Next, they appeared on the hiphop milestone compilation "Lyricists Lounge volume one" released on Rawkus in early 1998. Mos Def together with Q-tip & Tash on 'Body Rock' and Talib Kweli (Reflection Eternal) with "The Manifesto". Then they got together to record 'Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star" which originally was intended as an "Extra EP". But there's more money in albums so due to label pressure, 'Black Star' got a few songs that are really interludes to make it a full length 13 song album.

Released on Rawkus in the fall of 1998, it ain't yet another conventional rap album but a more melodic and musical one. It features production from DJ Hi-Tek, Shawn J Period, J. Rawls, Mr. Walt of the Beatminerz, Geology and 88 Keys. Kweli also did some co-production. Featured guests is Punch & Words, Jane Doe and Common among others. Lyrically the album deals with contemplation, self actualisation, positive and free thinking, a natural reflection of their true spirits.

They now got solo projects coming up. Reflection Eternal (Kweli & Hi-Tek) is supposed to release an LP and Mos Def will also drop solo material soon. They intend to buy a bookshop in Brooklyn. "Having a bookstore is fly. If I can be a part of somebody learning more about themselves that's my idea of being dope" says Mos Def.