Definition (song)

"Definition"
Single by Black Star
from the album Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star
ReleasedAugust 26, 1998
Recorded1997–1998
Funky Slice Studios; Brooklyn, NY
GenreConscious hip hop
Length3:26
LabelRawkus Records
Songwriter(s)Dante Smith
Talib Kweli Greene
Tony Cottrell
Producer(s)Hi-Tek
Black Star singles chronology
"Definition"
(1998) 		"Respiration"
(1999)

"Definition" is the first single from Black Star's eponymously titled 1998 album (see 1998 in music). It is produced by Hi-Tek, who samples "The P Is Free" by Boogie Down Productions for the track's beat. In addition, the song's chorus interpolates "Stop the Violence" by Boogie Down Productions. The chorus and the song's lyrics in general deal with the necessity to stop violence in hip hop. An underground hit, the song still reached #60 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It is featured on multiples compilations such as Best of Decade I: 1995–2005, Rawkus Records' greatest hits album. AllMusic writer Jason Kaufman considers it to be a "flawless" track.[1]

A reprise of "Definition" titled "RE: DEFinition" can be found on the Black Star album.

It also appears on MTV Classic's 90's Nation and Yo! Hip Hop Mix.

Track list

A-side

  1. "Definition" (Radio Version)
  2. "Definition" (What We Really Said)
  3. "Definition" (Instrumental to Your Development)

B-side

  1. "Twice Inna Lifetime" (Radiohead Version)
  2. "Twice Inna Lifetime" (Streethead Version)
  3. "Twice Inna Lifetime" (Instrumentally Yours)

Charts

Chart (1998) Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 60
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks 31
U.S. Billboard Hot Rap Singles 3

References

  1. ^ Kaufman, Jason. "Black Star Review at Allmusic". Retrieved June 14, 2007.

See also