The Ecstatic
by Mos Def
  • Record Label: Downtown
  • Release Date: Jun 9, 2009
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Rolling Stone
    60
    With shadowy beats from Madlib and the late J Dilla, plus dense rhymes about Darwin and a rough Brooklyn upbringing, Mos Def's fourth solo album is both mildly strange and a clear step up from his dismally undercooked 2007 record, True Magic.
  2. Under The Radar
    60
    The songs are brief and direct, the best of them hit hard and make a real impression, and the worst breeze by innocuously, instead of lingering like Mos' painful past failures.

Awards & Rankings

64
#64 Best Album of 2009
81
#81 Most Discussed Album of 2009
24
#24 Most Shared Album of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 71 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 71
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 71
  3. Negative: 4 out of 71
  1. MikeW.
    Jun 10, 2009
    10
    Great uplifting album that serves as a reminder of how blessed we really are to be alive (even in these difficult times)! I am so happy that Great uplifting album that serves as a reminder of how blessed we really are to be alive (even in these difficult times)! I am so happy that we got Mos from Black on Both Sides back! Although there is some pretty tough subject matter, Mos always maintains that hopeful tone throughout the album and reminds us: "Don't Worry we are forgiven"! The Ecstatic is just pure bliss coming from a very talented sublime rapper!… Full Review »
  2. Urbanlistener
    May 8, 2015
    10
    Without any doubt his best LP since his 1999 Black on both sides. The album is lyrically perfect, Mos Def stands as one of the last great rapWithout any doubt his best LP since his 1999 Black on both sides. The album is lyrically perfect, Mos Def stands as one of the last great rap poets still alive, rough, emotional and joyful themes are on the album as you'd expect from him. The beats are very good, more like his old school albums and the guests are awesome, Slick Rick's appearance is a great surprise and welcomed nostalgia element. Auditorium is definitely the best song on the album.… Full Review »
  3. rafingal23
    May 15, 2014
    9
    This album was like a 'Welcome Back' party for Mos Def. He nailed it with his wide variety of beats. I can't stop singing 'Quiet Dog BiteThis album was like a 'Welcome Back' party for Mos Def. He nailed it with his wide variety of beats. I can't stop singing 'Quiet Dog Bite Hard' and 'Casa Bey' as the fast pace and smooth beats took me away. Thank you for this. Thumbs up!… Full Review »
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