In October, Yasiin Bey revealed his plans to retire but not before releasing new music. Bey shared more details on his forthcoming music by announcing that he will be releasing a new album titled December 99th—a collaborative effort between him and producer Ferrari Sheppard. The two have shared music as Dec. 99th previously and are ready to share more new music on December 9.
Along with news of his forthcoming album and retirement, Bey also gave fans news they had been waiting to hear for a long time—he'll be performing live in the US once again. Bey is set to perform four farewell shows in New York and Washington D.C. On the first of the four nights, he will take the stage at Harlem's famous Apollo Theater. While many assumed Bey would perform music from his new album as well as some classics, it appears the veteran has even more tricks up his sleeves.
While attending a few events at Miami's Art Basel, Yasiin Bey performed unreleased music during his Boiler Room set and announced during an interview with WNL Radio that he plans to release two new albums in addition to December 99th. Bey will share one album titled Negus In Natural Person, and his long-awaited collaboration project with Mannie Fresh—now-titled As Promised.
Ferrari Sheppard confirmed to Okayplayer that Bey will include music from all three of his forthcoming albums in his set at the Apollo on December 21. In the meantime, listen to snippets of Bey's guest appearance on WNL Radio as well as previews of new music below.
Mos Def debuting new music over Tame Impala #YasiinBey#ArtBaselpic.twitter.com/DM6tEo7au9
— Mikey Fresh (@MikeyFresh1) December 3, 2016
Yasiin Bey debuted #SmileyMan in Miami #ArtBasel#MosDefpic.twitter.com/3zfrzm2m8L
— Mikey Fresh (@MikeyFresh1) December 3, 2016
Mos Def aka Yasiin Bey just debuted this in Miami #ArtBasel2016pic.twitter.com/vLt8izh3CC
— Mikey Fresh (@MikeyFresh1) December 3, 2016
New Yasiin Bey aka #Turnt ... I think @MannieFresh produced it ? pic.twitter.com/ltZUT8yQjY
— Mikey Fresh (@MikeyFresh1) December 3, 2016
Mos Def aka Yasiin Bey Announced 2 new albums. One with @manniefresh! pic.twitter.com/N1DXAtrI00
— Mikey Fresh (@MikeyFresh1) December 3, 2016
Yasiin Bey "Turnt" live in Miami #ArtBasel2016#NewAlbum#OnTheWaypic.twitter.com/zADWTtSXbH
— Mikey Fresh (@MikeyFresh1) December 3, 2016