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True Magic [First Version] - Mos Def
True Magic [First Version] Image
Metascore
45 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.2 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: Kanye West and Pharrell Williams are among the producers for the rapper's follow-up to 2004's 'The New Danger.' This version of the album is no longer officially available for sale; a second version with new artwork and a new tracklisting will be released in the spring of 2007.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 4 out of 9
  1. NOW Magazine
    80
    A Wu-Tangy darkness permeates the whole album, which is cluttered with gems both musical (live sax and jazz flute) and lyrical.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    58
    A large chunk is bogged down by extended outros and lyrical inanities. [19 Jan 2007, p.81]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. The New York Times
    30
    Mos Def may not be flossy or raw at this stage in his celebrated career, which is fine. But what he offers instead is lukewarm nostalgia and obligatory indignation. [8 Jan 2007]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. Ed
    8
    It's alternative, so not for everyone's taste. But if it's your taste (as it is mine) then it's top notch. It's refreshing to hear stuff like this alongside the more homogenous mainstream stuff. Plus I do like a retro nod.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. TM
    5
    I appreciate the raw approach to this album. I also agree that it does play more like an underground tape than a major release (and if the stripped down packaging was a move to lower the container deduction, I think Mos deserves to take a bow!) All bets are usually off when an artist(s) are trying to get out of a contract (Phrenology is a good example of this), so while this isn't Black on Both Sides, It does take some creative liberties, which is refreshing in itself.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. Mr.Snake
    3
    What happened to this guy? Can't be the same Mos that was one half of Black Star. I think working with big names like Bruce Willis and Mark Wahlberg is getting to him.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 9 User Reviews

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