Mathematics (song)

Mathematics (song)

"Mathematics" is a b-side single from Mos Def's solo debut album, Black on Both Sides. It contains lyrics about various social issues and asks the listener to add them up and come to conclusions about them. Many references to numbers are found in this song and at times, Mos Def rhymes statistics in numerical order. The song highlights the differences between the White and African-American citizens of the US and uses the lyrics "Do your math..." (from Erykah Badu's "On & On") telling young African-American's to 'do their maths' so they can avoid being part of the numerous degrading statistics he raps about in the opening and third verses of the song. The song is produced by DJ Premier whose famous scratch samples make up the song's bridge. Premier has called it one of his favorite beats.

It can be found on the soundtrack of Madden NFL 2002. The song is also played briefly in the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episode "Crate 'n' Burial".