Yasiin Bey Set to Return with New Solo Material After Five Years

Brooklyn rap legend Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, is set to make a highly anticipated return to the music scene with his first new solo material in five years. On December 15, Bey will debut his new music through a livestreamed performance titled Money Christmas. The performance will be available for streaming on Bey’s Bandcamp page at 2 p.m. EST, with access costing $7.99.

While the details surrounding the new material are currently scarce, Money Christmas promises to be a unique artistic experience. The livestream will be accompanied by striking artwork by Spanish-Moroccan artist Anuar Khalifi, whose painting, Osanta Bin Lyin, adds a layer of political commentary by featuring Osama bin Laden dressed as Santa Claus. This bold visual ties into Bey’s long-standing tradition of blending music with strong political messages.

A New Approach to Music Releases

In line with his unconventional approach to music distribution, Money Christmas will not be available on traditional streaming platforms. Instead, fans can purchase the mastered audio tracks and a full video of the performance on Bandcamp 24 to 48 hours after the livestream. In addition to the music, accompanying merchandise will also be available for purchase. Fans will also be able to get their hands on vinyl copies of the material in the coming months.

This release strategy is consistent with Bey’s previous projects, including his 2019 album Negus, which was only available as a one-time listening experience in museums around the world. Negus was designed to emphasize the importance of Hip Hop as an American art form without the distractions of modern technology. Similarly, Black Star’s 2022 LP No Fear of Time was initially released exclusively through the podcast network Luminary before being made available on physical formats earlier this year, with proceeds supporting global relief efforts.

Money Christmas is just the beginning. According to a press release, this project is part of a series of upcoming releases that will create a deeper connection between Bey’s music, the accompanying artwork, and supporting video footage. The aim is to foster a more creative bond with fans, making the acquisition of his music a more immersive experience.

For fans who have been eagerly awaiting new solo material from Yasiin Bey, Money Christmas marks a much-needed return. With the promise of more releases to come, Bey is setting the stage for a new era of music that continues his tradition of pushing boundaries and defying expectations. As always, the Brooklyn icon is keeping his artistry fresh and relevant, ensuring that his music remains as thought-provoking as ever.