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True Magic [First Version]
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  • Record Label:
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True Magic [First Version] Image
Metascore
45

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

User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

  • 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. RapReviews.com
    70
    The beautiful mess of Mos Def makes for a bumpy listen.
  3. Tiny Mix Tapes
    70
    Mos Def’s third album is worth a careful listen: it’s not a happy record, and there are few, if any, genius rhymes. But it speaks volumes about the frustration and resignation of the underprivileged.
  4. Pitchfork
    45
    Everything about this album is half-assed: From the bafflingly bare packaging to the at-times miserable mix, True Magic is a mess.
  5. 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
  6. Prefix Magazine
    30
    Quite possibly the worst record by a great emcee in recent memory.
  7. Billboard
    20
    Like its predecessor, the equally undercooked "The New Danger," there is a sense that a deadline crawled up before the music was cemented. [13 Jan 2007]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. wout
    Dec 30, 2012
    9
    I listened to this album in 2012 before reading any reviews. I was just getting to know mos def and I really liked it. I think there areI listened to this album in 2012 before reading any reviews. I was just getting to know mos def and I really liked it. I think there are definitely a few classics on this one, definitely a lot better than new danger, which I didn't really like.… Expand
  2. andrew
    Feb 20, 2007
    8
    I really don't get all the bad press. This album is much better than the disappointing New Danger. Not as good as Black on Both Sides, I really don't get all the bad press. This album is much better than the disappointing New Danger. Not as good as Black on Both Sides, but still solid. I don't get all the hate. Had this since December and I've been rocking it on the regular ever since. Sure, the beats are minimalist, but that's fine with me. The New Danger was way overproduced anyways.… Expand
  4. Ed
    Apr 20, 2007
    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 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
  5. GaborA
    Jan 19, 2007
    7
    Even when he makes a bad album, this is leagues ahead of most of what hip hop has to offer these days. Not as intelligent as black on both Even when he makes a bad album, this is leagues ahead of most of what hip hop has to offer these days. Not as intelligent as black on both sides but alive and creative nontheless.… Expand
  6. mariop
    Feb 20, 2007
    7
    I must agree with Daniston M. The tracks are killa, they way live instruments are used is enchanting. I was expecting more lyrical content. I must agree with Daniston M. The tracks are killa, they way live instruments are used is enchanting. I was expecting more lyrical content. Hopefully his next album will not disappoint any.… Expand
  7. JimmyZ
    Jan 23, 2007
    7
    Critics were expecting way too much out of this album. It's got great production, and lyrically it was alright. However some of the Critics were expecting way too much out of this album. It's got great production, and lyrically it was alright. However some of the songs sounded like filler tracks. I know I've heard better, but Mos Def still works for me.… Expand
  8. Mr.Snake
    Jan 28, 2007
    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 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

See all 10 User Reviews

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