Elektra released promotional copies of Black Bastards and a single of "What a Nigga Know?"

The album was re-released in 2001 by Sub Verse Music[7] and again in 2008 by MF Doom's own Metalface Records.

Douglas Siwek of AllMusic said, "The sound of the record is very raw and sounds unfinished due to Elektra shelving the project, but it doesn't take away from the magic that would have made this a suitable follow-up [to KMD's debut album, Mr.

Steven Juon of RapReviews praised the album's lyrics but mentioned he "wish[ed] they would have taken a little more care in mastering and recording".

[5] All tracks are written by Dingilizwe Dumile and Daniel DumileCredits adapted from album's liner notes.