We live in generation obsessed with hyperboles that allows various artists to casually and frequently throw around statements claiming that they’re the “best,” and frankly, Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def) has had enough.
Back in 2009, Bey issued an open challenge to rappers to come together and battle it out to defend these same claims—if a rapper wanted to be called the best, they would have the platform to finally prove it. He had proposed the idea to have a full head-to-head battle that would include a battle of the MCs, as well as the DJs and producers.
Unfortunately, his original plan never materialized, but it seems like he hasn’t given up on the idea just yet. With all of these diss tracks floating around lately, rappers have puffing up their chests and talking slick. So it only seems right for Yasiin Bey to reissue this rap battle challenge, because he’s not here for all of these “back and forth corny records.” Bey enlisted Black Thought of The Roots and King Los for his crew and sounds ready to battle whoever is up for the challenge.
King Los immediately responded, admitting that he’s always ready to battle. Lupe Fiasco took to his Facebook to accept the challenge, all while keeping with the current meme response trend. Hopefully more people will join in and this rap battle can finally happen.
Watch Yasiin Bey explain his original idea around the 5:00 mark, and a classic Mos Def vs. Kanye West battle below.
