No Fear of Time
by Black Star
  • Record Label: N/A
  • Release Date: May 3, 2022
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Consequence
    May 10, 2022
    91
    No Fear of Time is nine great songs filled with incredible rapping. The album is a logical follow-up to Black Star’s first album and shows some things are worth the wait. The game has changed a lot from ’98 to now; however, Kweli and Bey still stand alone because, like they did way back when, they refuse to compromise themselves or their time for anyone or anything.
  2. Rolling Stone
    May 10, 2022
    80
    A concise and seamlessly flowing collection of insurrectionary rhymes and propulsive beats by one of rap’s most heralded duos.
  3. HipHopDX
    May 10, 2022
    78
    Lack of everyday slappers aside, it’s a grand return to form, giving truth to the bars, “Black Star shines eternally,” off their debut single 24 years ago.
  5. Exclaim
    May 10, 2022
    70
    No Fear… lives up to its name thanks to Black Star's bravery against the odds of falling woefully short like nearly all of their fellow MCs would have. The fact that they occasionally come close to pulling off a comeback as towering as their debut will make you wish they don't wait so long to try again.
  6. Pitchfork
    May 10, 2022
    62
    There are few moments across No Fear that feel immediate, timely, or necessary, and their sense of urgency has dulled. For all the hype, fans deserved something better than just good enough.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. AShinyG1ratina
    Jun 21, 2022
    7
    Madlib's biggest carry job of his career and one of the worst album rollouts ever.
  2. vallonicka
    May 13, 2022
    3
    Just bad, I was so excited to hear this, such a surprise to see a new Black Star album, and then to hear it, and be this disappointed. MaybeJust bad, I was so excited to hear this, such a surprise to see a new Black Star album, and then to hear it, and be this disappointed. Maybe it is just the current state of hip hop, but this one does not do justice to the talent involved or their past works, including Madlib's production.… Full Review »
  3. childofthe90s
    May 11, 2022
    10
    This album is super tight from start to finish. Black Star did a really fantastic job with this project and major props to Madlib forThis album is super tight from start to finish. Black Star did a really fantastic job with this project and major props to Madlib for providing the landscape for them. There's not a single track on this album that i did not like at all. It is one of the best projects that i've heard this year so far.… Full Review »
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