We previously got wind of a potential new album from hip-hop duo Black Star, composed of Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) and Talib Kweli, and producer Madlib. Now, Yasiin has confirmed that this new collaboration is definitely on the way.
It was during Madlib’s set at San Francisco’s Noise Pop Festival that the beatmaker brought out Yasiin as a special guest. "It's a big moment for me," he said to the crowd. "I hope it's a big moment for you. But let's get it fresh." The Brooklyn-born rapper would soon be joined onstage by another special guest in the form of Dave Chappelle as the crowd was treated to a set of legends.
Before Yasiin left the stage, he dropped off an important nugget of information and revealed to the crowd that he recorded the first verse of many that are set to appear on the Black Star album the day before, and he proceeded to rap it live fore lucky audience members.
Previously, Yasiin popped up during one of Madlib’s shows in Denver, Colorado where he delivered on the first wave of revelations about a new Black Star and Madlib collaboration. Since then, all parties kept a tight lip on further developments up until Yasiin’s appearance on Thursday in San Fran.
“I’m so excited, I don’t even know how to feel,” he said. “I fuck with the Bay Area.”
The first and only Black Star album, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, was released back in 1998. Considering that the classic project will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in September of this year, the return of the duo is all too fitting.