Black Star is an American hip hop duo formed in 1996, from Brooklyn, New York City. The duo is composed of rappers Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli. The duo is named after The Black Star Line, a shipping company founded by Marcus Garvey. Their critically-acclaimed debut album Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star was released on September 29, 1998. After decades of only releasing singles and appearing on compilations, Black Star released their sophomore studio album No Fear of Time May 3, 2022 on the podcasting platform Luminary.
Members Kweli (left) and Yasiin Bey performing at the 2012 Ilosaarirock festival
Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, is an American rapper. A prominent figure in conscious hip hop, he is recognized for his use of wordplay and commentary on social and political issues, such as police brutality, American exceptionalism, and the social status of African Americans.
Yasiin Bey performing at the 2012 Ilosaarirock festival
Yasiin Bey in 1999
Yasiin Bey performing at Rock the Bells in New York