Formed in 1996, the duo is composed of rappers Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) and Talib Kweli.

The duo is named after The Black Star Line, a shipping company founded by Marcus Garvey.

[2] Their critically acclaimed debut album Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star was released on September 29, 1998.

[3] They, together with other members of the Native Tongues Posse, helped shape underground alternative rap, bringing it into the mainstream.

[3] In 2001, Black Star performed "Money Jungle" with Ron Carter and John Patton for the Red Hot Organization's compilation album Red Hot + Indigo, a tribute to Duke Ellington, which raised money for various charities devoted to increasing AIDS awareness and fighting the disease.