Yasiin Bey Announces New Solo Project ‘Money Christmas’ With Production by Large Professor
Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, is ending a five-year hiatus with the release of Money Christmas, a bold solo project featuring production from the legendary Large Professor. The album continues Bey’s tradition of unconventional releases and political commentary, solidifying his reputation as one of hip-hop’s most thought-provoking artists.
A Political and Artistic Statement
Accompanying Money Christmas is striking artwork by Spanish-Moroccan artist Anuar Khalifi. The piece, titled “Osanta Bin Lyin,” features a provocative depiction of Osama bin Laden in a Santa Claus costume, underscoring the Black Star MC’s penchant for merging political commentary with his art. This visual statement adds another layer to the project’s message.
Unorthodox Release Strategy
True to form, Yasiin Bey is bypassing traditional streaming platforms for Money Christmas. The album premiered on December 15 during an exclusive livestream event. Fans who missed the initial stream can purchase the playback video this week, with the album set to launch on Bandcamp for $9.99. A vinyl release is also in the works, providing a tangible format for collectors.
This unconventional approach aligns with Bey’s history of rethinking how music is consumed. His 2019 album, Negus, was available only as a museum listening experience, and Black Star’s 2022 LP No Fear of Time debuted exclusively on the Luminary podcast network before later becoming available in physical formats.
A Glimpse Into Money Christmas
Fans have already gotten a taste of the album through a preview of “Condition of Terms,” a track produced by Large Professor. This collaboration marks a significant addition to the project, as Bey’s choice of collaborators often reflects his commitment to hip-hop’s roots and evolution.
More to Come
According to a press release, Money Christmas is just the beginning. The project will kick off a series of releases that aim to connect music with visual art and video content, fostering a deeper relationship between Bey and his fans.
This initiative promises to expand on Bey’s vision of integrating creativity and social consciousness, as seen in his past projects like Negus and No Fear of Time.
A Legacy of Artistic Innovation
Yasiin Bey has long been known for his boundary-pushing approach to music and art. From redefining how albums are experienced to addressing social and political issues, his work challenges norms and invites reflection.
With Money Christmas, Bey not only breaks his musical silence but also sets the stage for a new chapter in his storied career—one that continues to prioritize authenticity, creativity, and connection over conventional industry practices. Fans and newcomers alike can look forward to exploring this latest offering when it drops on Bandcamp and vinyl in the coming months.
