“Speed Law” is a manifesto to what might be called the “slow rap” of Mos Def and other members of the rap underground. Track 5 on his "Black on Both Sides", plays with the analogy of velocity for emceeing. He refers to “gassed up” rival emcees who need to slow down and “observe the speed law.” Observe can have two meanings here, however: the more literal meaning of “observe” a law, and the secondary metaphorical meaning of “observe” your surroundings.

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