In the past year, De La Soul have returned to the rap world in a major way. After a long drought of new material they finally were able to make much of their collection available on streaming services for the first time. This allowed an entire generation of new rap fans to get into their music and sparked newfound interest in the legendary trio. Now those same fans will have a chance to see what they were like in their absolute prime when a legendary show will be livestreamed on YouTube.
De La Soul made the announcement earlier this week that an iconic New York show from 1996 would be livestreaming. “Join us this Friday, April 26th at 2 PM ET for an unforgettable experience as we premiere the full concert “Live at Tramps, NYC, 1996” on YouTube. Witness the magic of that historic night, complete with special guest appearances by @MosDefOfficial, @Common, and @JungleBros4Life,” the tweet they made announcing the livestream reads. Alongside the post they shared a brief sippet of the show letting fans know exactly what they can expect. Check out the announcement post they made below.
Join us this Friday, April 26th at 2 PM ET for an unforgettable experience as we premiere the full concert “Live at Tramps, NYC, 1996” on YouTube. Witness the magic of that historic night, complete with special guest appearances by @MosDefOfficial, @Common, and @JungleBros4Lifepic.twitter.com/oCPwQrnJWS
De La Soul’s comeback continued last month when they got some good news about one of their classic albums. The rap trio’s critically acclaimed 1989 debut 3 Feet High And Rising was officially added to the Grammy Hall of Fame earlier this month. It was joined by yet another iconic rap debut, Mr. Lauryn Hill’s first solo album The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill.
For fans of the group, there might be some feelings of deja vu. They just livestreamed a different concert with Nas and Wu-Tang Clan on Amazon Music last year. What do you think of De La Soul livestreaming a legendary New York concert on YouTube later this week? Do you plan on tuning in to watch the iconic show? Let us know in the comment section below.
Two weeks ago, conscious rapper Yasiin Bey sparked a wave of discussion when he was quoted claiming that Drake’s music is not representative of true Hip Hop. Now, in a recent video shared on Instagram, Bey seeks to clarify his statement and shed light on his perspective.
In the video, Yasiin Bey begins by emphasizing that his comments about Drake’s music were not intended as an attack or a form of disrespect. Instead, he asserts that as an artist and a member of the Hip Hop community, he is entitled to his opinion and to engage in constructive critique.
“I have no hate for Drake,” Bey states firmly. He goes on to explain that he has reached out to Drake directly to express his thoughts, but has yet to receive a response. Despite this, Yasiin Bey extends an open invitation for a face-to-face meeting with Drake, emphasizing his willingness to engage in a respectful dialogue at any time.
Importantly, Bey makes it clear that his critique of Drake’s music does not stem from a place of jealousy or resentment towards the Canadian rapper’s success. “I have no issue with Drake’s success,” he affirms. “I would never try to diminish his talent or his accomplishments.”
Yasiin Bey acknowledges that criticism directed at Drake in the past has often been mean-spirited and unfair, and he makes it clear that he does not wish to contribute to that negative discourse. “I don’t want to be part of that energy,” he states.
However, despite his intentions to offer constructive criticism, Yasiin Bey maintains that Drake is not above critique.
In an interview earlier this month, Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) said of Drake, “Drake is pop to me, in the sense like, if I was in Target in Houston and I heard a Drake song… it feels like a lot of his music is compatible with shopping. Or shopping with an edge in certain instances… It’s likable.”
In an Instagram Live broadcast yesterday (January 29), he said:
“Drake, if you’d like to speak to me directly, you can at any point. I reached out to [Dave] Chappelle, I actually reached out to you. I DM’d you. You are a very talented MC, but for me, I require more of myself and others than just talent or charm or charisma, particularly in times of urgent crisis. And what I would like to see, in terms of creators or creative people in the world, as it relates to our culture, is for people to connect with us beyond the jukebox or the dance floor.
A fair-weather friend can hardly be called a friend at all. The people who party with you: that’s cool. But will they show up for you when you’re at the triage?”
Check out the video below.
Yasiin Bey admits Drake is a “talented MC” but wants more substance in his music pic.twitter.com/1VAO5D3dkO
Yasiin Bey, the rapper formerly known as Mos Def, hit Instagram on Monday to talk about Drake once again. This time, Bey stated he was not attempting to slander or clown The Boy.
After saying he doesn’t hate anyone, Bey revealed, “I have reached out to him, I have no responses yet. I’m not keen to talk about people or to them through a screen, I prefer to talk to people directly.
“The young man is very talented, he’s been able to be very successful with that talent, and I have no issue with his success or anything that he’s been able to achieve as a result of his talent.”
Later in the video, Bey referred to Drake as a “very talented MC” and added that he reached out Dave Chappelle to attempt to get in contact.
Drake took an online shot at Yasiin Bey following the “Ms. Fat Booty” rapper claiming the Certified Lover Boy makes Pop Music.
In case you missed it, Bey was on The Cutting Room Floor podcast and compared Drizzy’s music to strolling through Target.
“Drake is pop to me,” Bey said. “In the sense, like, if I was in Target in Houston and I heard a Drake song… It feels like a lot of his music is compatible with shopping.
“Or, you know, shopping with an edge in certain instances.”
Yasiin Bey(Mos Def) says Drake’s music is pop and is compatible with shopping at Target.
Black Star is a prolific and influential rap duo born and bred in Brooklyn, New York, and consisting of Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli. The two MCs have made a massive mark on the hip hop soundscape, together, and in their solo catalogs, with a combined total of over a dozen LPs and mixtapes between them. Through their extensive catalog, Bey and Kweli have pushed the boundaries of the conscious rap sound. The duo first formed in 1996 with an unparalleled blend of intellect, lyrical prowess, and social consciousness, delivered over inventive instrumentation.
Their critically acclaimed 1998 debut album, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, resonated as a groundbreaking masterpiece, elevating the duo to cult status. While the pair continued to collaborate on film soundtracks, feature verses for other rap icons, and many appearances on The Chappelle’s Show in the years following the release of their debut, many fans wondered why they never produced a sophomore effort in the early aughts.
Though Talib Kweli reportedly expressed to media outlets that a second album was underway in 2002, no such effort would arise until the 2022 record No Fear Of Time. Here’s a look into what the MCs have been up to since the origins of Black Star nearly 20 years ago.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 15: Mos Def attends Black Star In Concert at Sony Hallon November 15, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Yasiin Bey recently made headlines due to his criticism of Drake, referring to the rapper’s prolific catalog as pop music, suitable to accompany day-time shopping at commercialized locations like Target. Long before he became known to the public as Yasiin Bey, the Brooklyn native headed Black Star under the stage name Mos Def. In fact, Bey abandoned the Mos Def moniker specifically because he felt that it was becoming more of a brand than an actual name. As a result, the known anti-corporate artist transitioned to publicly using his assumed name taken from the 36th surah of the Qur’an.
As a solo act, Yasiin Bey made waves with landmark releases such as Black On Both Sides, which touted such chart-topping records as “Ms. Fat Booty” and “Mathematics.” The rapper also holds an impressive career in television and film, having appeared in over 50 credited roles per IMDb. Bey most notably starred in films such as 2003’s The Italian Job, 2008’s Be Kind Rewind, and a 5-episode stint in the Showtime series Dexter. In 2016, Bey announced plans to retire from both acting and rapping, though he has continued to tour in the years since.
In 2021, Bey teamed with his Black Star compatriot Talib Kweli and comedian Dave Chappelle to launch The Midnight Miracle podcast. The series is available exclusively through the subscription-based podcasting app Luminary, which also hosts the long-awaited Black Star reunion album.
Like Yasiin Bey, Talib Kweli has held a prominent position as one of the most thoughtful and introspective rappers of his generation. In the years since Black Star’s debut, Kweli has gone on to release 8 solo albums, as well as 9 collaborative projects, showcasing his unyielding commitment to hip hop as an art form. Despite releasing most of his chart-topping singles in the early years of his career, Talib Kweli has continued to inspire generations of rap listeners with hard-hitting lyrics, poignant social commentary, and a distinct sound that defies replication.
In 2019, Talib Kweli launched his first podcasting venture, The People’s Party, alongside his co-host Jasmin Leigh. The show has aired over 100 episodes, each taking on a different recognizable guest with a deep dive into what rap means to them. The show has enjoyed the privilege of featuring guest appearances from notable figures such as Ice Cube, Kxng Crooked, Styles P, Black Thought, and others. Kweli’s second venture in podcasting came in the form of the aforementioned Luminary-exclusive Midnight Miracle.
Talib Kweli partnered with Luminary to bring a host of new music to the podcasting app, including the long-awaited Black Star reunion album No Fear Of Time, which released in 2022. Unfortunately, the album has still never been released outside of the Luminary app, leaving many fans without access to the duo’s latest work.
In addition to linking with Yasiin Bey, Kweli also released a memoir in 2021, titled Vibrate Higher: A Rap Story. The following year, the book won a PEN Oakland award. Most recently, Talib Kweli has been engaged in an ongoing feud with Consequence, resulting in the pair throwing near-daily shots at one another on social media, and occasionally dissing each other on wax.
Drake’s commercial success isn’t even surprising to most people anymore. He’s racked up nearly unrivaled success across streaming platforms and various Billboard charts. For more than a decade now he’s been one of the biggest stars in music. So it’s no surprise that in 2023 he was one of the most-listened to artists in almost every country in the world. That included the US where he dropped a number one album on the Billboard 200 with For All The Dogs. That album included numerous smash hit singles like “Slime You Out,” “First Person Shooter,” “Rich Baby Daddy,” and “IDGAF.”
When all of the numbers were tallied up Drake turned up as the second best-selling artist in the US in 2023. He totaled an astounding 10 million total units across streaming, radio, and album purchases. Unsurprisingly, he’s second to the other biggest star in music Taylor Swift. Elsewhere on the list is Doja Cat who turned up as the best-selling female rapper of 2023. Check out the reactions various fans had to Drizzy’s 2023 sales totals below.
In recent weeks, Drake has been dealing with a strange beef with Yasiin Bey, former known as Mos Def. During a podcast appearance Bey was asked about Drizzy’s music. He responded claiming that the music he makes is closer to pop than rap. It started quite a firestorm online as fans debated the merit of pop rap. Some other artists like NLE Choppa and Common came to his defense in the wake of the comments.
Eventually Drake himself responded. First he shared an interview snippet of Method Man talking about how hip-hop is for the culture. Then he followed up with a more direct attack calling Bey a “crackhead.” Fan backlash against Bey got even more intense after a video of him performing at Paris Fashion Week made the rounds online. What do you think of Drake being the second best selling artist of 2023? Let us know in the comment section below.
Earlier this year a pretty unpredictable beef emerged. Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def was asked a somewhat loaded question about Drake during an appearance on a podcast. But his answer didn’t necessarily sit right with people. He claimed that the music Drake makes is closer to pop than actual rap. He justified the claim by saying that it’s the kind of music you hear while shopping. The comments weren’t exactly hateful towards Drake, but they still rubbed a lot of his fans and even some other rappers the wrong way.
NLE Choppa was one of the first high-profile rappers to come to Drake’s defense. That was before Drizzy himself responded, first with a clip from an old Method Man interview discussing rap being about the culture. He doubled down on his response a few days later when he took to his Instagram story to call Bey a “crackhead.” Bey caught even more flack later when he performed during a Paris Fashion Week show. Clips of his performance, which predominately featured him singing instead of rapping, were widely criticized online. Now Common is weighing in on the beef and taking Drake’s side. Check out the full interview where he discussed the beef below.
When discussing Drake’s genre, Common referenced back to the rapper’s early days. “To me, I think Drake comes from Hip Hop. When I first heard him rhyming, I was like, ‘Yo, this dude rhyming.’ And if he goes out and makes songs that are popular, then that’s what it is. He’s still an MC,” he explains.
“The dude is an incredible songwriter, he’s an incredible artist. You can’t touch that many people, for as long a time as he’s been doing. This man has touched different aspects of culture and been able to continue to do it. You gotta have some respect and know that this dude is a very talented artist” Common concluded. What do you think of Common’s defense of Drake? Do you think his music is closer to pop than rap? Let us know in the comment section below.
Appearing on Ebro In The Morning on New York’s Hot 97 Wednesday morning (January 24), the Chicago rapper shared his take after being asked for his opinion by host Ebro Darden. “I think Drake comes from hip-hop,” he said, in more-or-less direct contradiction to Bey’s viewpoint. “When I first heard him rhyming, I was like, ‘Yo, this dude rhyming.’ And if he goes out and makes songs that are popular, then that’s what it is. He’s still an MC… The dude is an incredible songwriter, he’s an incredible artist… You gotta have some respect and know that this dude is a very talented artist.”
After the host’s joked that Yasiin’s take was “very on-brand for him,” Common was also very complimentary to his rapper-turned-actor, saying, “He has poetry within his rap. He can style on anything. He can do a lot.”
Bey set of days of intense debate within the hip-hop world when he said during an interview, “Drake is pop to me, in the sense like, if I was in Target in Houston and I heard a Drake song… it feels like a lot of his music is compatible with shopping.” While some hip-hop heads (mostly those who likely stopped listening to new rap music sometime in 2005) agreed, others felt that the take was unfair to Drake or idealized hip-hop as an artform, since early rappers were equally as materialistic in their music.
Meanwhile, Drake himself pointed out that he could never NOT be hip-hop, using an old Method Man quote as an example and pointing out the hypocrisy inherent in Bey’s comments as someone who once fought for the expansion of artistic expression in hip-hop. “What umi say again?” he wrote, nodding to Bey’s 1999 single “Umi Says,” in which Bey sings, “My Umi said shine your light on the world / Shine your light for the world to see.”
Of course, there’s also Lil Wayne’s take, which simplified all Drake hate down to one simple reason.
Watch Common’s interview with Ebro In The Morning above.
Yasiin Bey, also known as Mos Def, is a hip hop legend from Brooklyn, New York, best known for his work on tracks such as “Oh No,” “Ms. Fat Booty,” and “Mathematics.” The rapper has an extensive catalog of hit solo records and serves as one-half of the iconic hip-hop duo Black Star alongside fellow Brooklyn MC Talib Kweli. Though many young listeners may not be familiar with Yasiin Bey’s work, a brief glance at his bio showcases his versatility and influence on the modern rap sound.
Currently, the rapper is making headlines in the news for referring to Drake as a pop star who makes commercial music for mass consumption. While these comments are objectively true, some have taken issue with Yasiin Bey’s wording, misinterpreting the comments as a diss. Regardless, hip hop heads have long revered the legendary emcee for his thoughtful lyrics, capable rhymes, and powerful social commentary. Here’s a brief look at Bey’s career, examining the artist’s life and legendary career.
Yasiin Bey was born Dante Terrell Smith and raised by his mother in Brooklyn. In his youth, Bey encountered a range of traumatic issues in his community, including gang violence, drug use, and poverty. A particularly traumatic moment occurred when the rapper saw a car hit his five-year-old brother. Though his younger brother survived the incident, Bey chose to avoid the streets as much as possible in the years following the event.
To stay away from crime and poverty, Yasiin Bey took up acting at a young age. By the time he was a Sophomore in high school, he had already flown out to Los Angeles to film a season of the short-lived sitcom You Take The Kids and appeared in leading roles in multiple stage shows. Before long, Bey quit school to perform full-time. As he began to launch his rap career, he had already shared the screen with legendary performers of both music and film, including Michael Jackson, Bill Cosby, Deion Sanders, and many more.
Later, Bey launched his solo rap debut Black On Both Sides under the moniker Mos Def in 1999, with the chart-topping single “Ms. Fat Booty.” Throughout the early 2000s, Mos Def found massive success in both film and music by frequently collaborating with the likes of Kanye West, Q-Tip, Dave Chappelle, and many other prolific artists. His largest screen acting credits include works such as 2003’s The Italian Job, 2005’s The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and a 5-episode stint in the Showtime series Dexter.
In September 2011, the rapper elected to legally change his name to Yasiin Bey and retire the Mos Def moniker. He explained that after years of cultivating a diverse media career, the title of Mos Def had become more of a product or brand than an actual person. During interviews, the rapper clarified that close friends and family members had been calling him Yasiin for over a decade. He expressed his readiness to officially adopt the name in all aspects of his life.
The name Yasiin is derived from the 36th surah of the Qur’an, holding special significance for the artist formerly known as Mos Def due to his roots in the Islamic community. During an interview with The Guardian, the rapper explained, “Mos Def is a name that I built and cultivated over the years, it’s a name that the streets taught me, a figure of speech that was given to me by the culture and by my environment, and I feel I’ve done quite a bit with that name… it’s time to expand and move on.”
In January 2016, Yasiin Bey announced his retirement from film and music. His final screen acting credit came later that year for his appearance in the film Tour de France. His final album, December 99th, serves as a collaborative effort with producer Ferrari Sheppard and debuted in December 2016. Despite his claim to retire, Bey has continued to tour and appear on tracks as a featured artist. In March 2019, he performed songs from an unreleased album, Negus, at Art Basel Hong Kong. According to a press release from the artist, the album is not intended for mass consumption through digital or physical means. Instead, he plans to release the music exclusively through a series of live installations.
Podcasting, Future Ventures, And Return To Black Star
In 2021, Yasiin Bey teamed with Dave Chappelle and Talib Kweli to launch The Midnight Miracle, a podcast series available exclusively through the subscription-based platform Luminary. As part of an ongoing promotion for the podcast hosting service, Kweli has released several albums available only through streaming on the Luminary app, including a Black Star reunion project with Bey in 2022. Though the long-awaited project No Fear of Time has gained a cult following by die-hard fans of the duo, the inaccessibility of the platform has left many fans to miss out on the 2022 release.
Still, this marks a turning point in Yasiin Bey’s career, leaving many fans to wonder what’s next for the visionary artist. For now, only time will tell, though Bey has continued to tease new music since his alleged retirement.
A lyrical virtuoso and master of storytelling, Yasiin Bey has consistently pushed the boundaries of rap with fire tracks. Since he was known as Mos Def of Black Star, the rapper has used his unique blend of intelligence, wit, and social consciousness to craft songs that transcend time and trends. As a result of his impact and immense talent, he is often cited as one of the greatest, yet underrated rappers of all time.
For some days now, Yasiin Bey has been trending since he claimed Drake’s music is more pop than rap. Following his statement, the rapper has faced backlash from Drizzy, as well as from his fans. In the same vein, Bey has also been supported by another sect of listeners. Regardless of their current beef, both emcees are Hip Hop heavyweights, albeit from different eras. Yasiin Bey has been making music for over three decades now. Many Hip Hop heads would call him a rapper’s rapper, and admittedly, he has some very influential songs in his catalog. Here’s a list of some of the best ones in his solo discography.
Released on September 24, 2002, “Brown Sugar” is a part of the soundtrack for the rom-com film, Brown Sugar. The song is soulful, masterfully produced by Kanye West, and features expertly executed rap bars from Yasiin Bey. In addition, in usual Kanye fashion, he samples the song “Invitation” by Norman Connors. Not only is this track a masterpiece in terms of rap performance, but also in terms of production. Both Yasiin Bey and Kanye West exhibited amazing chemistry on what is unarguably one of Bey’s most unforgettable tracks.
6. “Hip Hop” (1999)
Appearing on his debut solo album, Black On Both Sides (1999), “Hip Hop” is a raw, gritty, and thought-provoking song. Besides its impressive production, the lyrics of “Hip Hop” are a poignant commentary on the commercialization and commodification of Hip Hop. Furthermore, Yasiin Bey’s delivery is passionate and energetic, perfectly complementing the rebellious tone of the song. “Hip Hop” is conscious rap at its peak. It is one of the standout tracks in a stellar catalog that Yasiin Bey should always be proud of.
“Oh No,” released on November 28, 2000, is a part of the Lyricist Lounge 2 compilation album. While it is known for its infectious and groovy production, the song is also a masterclass in songwriting. Emphatically, the verses on the song display the lyrical prowess of the performers as they flawlessly ride the beat. Additionally, this track has been a perfect example to subsequent generations of rappers of what a successful collaboration between rappers should sound like. Nate Dogg and Pharoahe Monch’s verse is also worthy of note for its succinct lyricism.
4. “Mathematics” (1999)
This standout track from Yasiin Bey’s solo debut album has been renowned and acclaimed by listeners since its release. It features a production style that allows the rapper’s lyrics to take center stage. Furthermore, the lyrics of “Mathematics” address a wide range of social, political, and economic issues. On what is undoubtedly one of his most influential tracks, Yasiin Bey uses mathematical concepts as metaphors to discuss these issues. While it failed to chart, “Mathematics” remains a timeless song and a seminal piece of Hip Hop in Bey’s discography.
3. “Umi Says” (1999)
Another stellar entry in the musical catalog of Yasiin Bey, “Umi Says” is often regarded as one of his signature tracks. The song is notable for its smooth and jazzy production, as well as Bey’s poetic lyricism and soulful delivery. With lyrics that delve into the rapper’s personal reflections on life and identity, “Umi Says” expresses Bey’s yearning for freedom and individuality. Accordingly, the song’s timeless message has contributed to its enduring popularity, making it a fan favorite and critical success. “Umi Says” never achieved mainstream chart success. However, it is recognized as a defining track in Yasiin Bey’s discography.
2. “Auditorium” Ft. Slick Rick (2009)
Without a doubt, “Auditorium” is one of the best tracks Yasiin Bey recorded on his fourth album, The Ecstatic. Not only is it a collaboration with legendary Hip Hop producer Madlib, but it also features a sick verse from Slick Rick. The beat features a blend of jazz, soul, and psychedelic elements, creating a captivating backdrop for Bey’s lyricism. Each verse is a poetic exploration, and the rappers’ delivery is both introspective and socially conscious. Since its release, “Auditorium” has received widespread acclaim from fans, which comes as no surprise, considering its excellence. As far as Yasiin Bey tracks go, this is undoubtedly one of the rapper’s most influential.
1. “Ms. Fat Booty” (1999)
Arguably the most quintessential of Yasiin Bey tracks, “Ms. Fat Booty” was released as the lead single from his debut album. The song is celebrated for its storytelling, clever lyrics, and memorable production. It is also notable for its iconic sampling of Aretha Franklin’s “One Step Ahead.” Interestingly, that exact same sample was used in JID’s recent viral hit, “Surround Sound.” “Ms. Fat Booty” remains a defining track in the rapper’s discography. Additionally, it is often cited as one of the greatest Hip Hop songs of its era. Its massive cultural impact makes it arguably Yasiin Bey’s most influential track.
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