Mos Def

"The New Danger"

Geffen Records

Grade: B-

Mos Def is back. Well, sort of.

After several years of just appearing as a feature act on other artist albums, he has finally put out a new album of his own. But his die-hard fan base may feel slightly unmoved as this rapper changes up his style to create a different sound.

The album is a bit slower than his past albums and could even be classified as more of an alternative/jazz album rather than a hip hop one.

The first track, "The Boogie Man Song," sends listeners to a soothing place with its tranquil sound. The song can even be compared to the smooth sounds of acclaimed jazz singer Nina Simone, along with the track "Modern Marvel."

But the rapper switches his style on "The Rape Over," where he complains of politics, drugs, war and alcohol. The song focuses on these issues that are affecting society, but Mos Def still is able to use his notable rhyming skills to make the song a hit.

Yet, the rest of the album doesn't seem to convey the same sentiments. The rapper talks about the same vulgar and pointless subjects that are present in most rap rhymes in tracks like "The Panties," and "Sex, Love & Money." He makes up for it in the songs like "The Easy Spell" and "Life is Real."

So if listeners are looking for an album that makes them want to get up and dance, then this is definitely not the album for them.

But if they are looking for a little soul searching, political banter and all around head nodding, they just might want to check this one out.

-- By Brittany Wall, Staff Writer