The formerly known “Mos Def” MC, who now goes by the proper name Yasiin Bey drops a new cut today recorded some time today for his last album; but decided to save it. The Kanye West produced track is titled “The Light Is Not Afraid Of The Dark”, an authentic smooth hip hop joint that highlights the truth in situations that Yasiin constantly encounters  With true talents and rappers like Yasiin who have held onto their longevity  you can always expect a track that tells a story; no gimmick rap, these are real “Slick Rick” type feels that aim to portray an image. Read more and listen to the new cut after the jump!

Artist Yasiin Bey, formally known as Mos Def shoots out his remix to Chief Keef’s “I Don’t Like Track”.. Bey gets extremely offensive as he spits all the things he doesn’t like about society.. You know the things that actually matter like the death of young children and the status of the economy..rather than strippers and phony dudes. Is Yasiin taking a direct jab at someone, or is he aiming at the portion of black culture that chooses not do do better? Either way, these are some real lyrics. Check it out after the jump…

Fat Joe finally lets loose the Hype Williams-directed video for “Pride N Joy” follow some behind-the-scenes clips released a while back. Thoughts on this visual and its extensive roster?

During Mos Def‘s set at the Springfest 2011 on USC’s campus, he payed a tribute to the late great Nate Dogg by performing the classic “Oh No“. Gone but never forgotten, Hip-Hop artist(s) keeps Nate’s spirit alive every chance they get.

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New York City was treated very well last night as Lupe Fiasco performed with The Robert Glasper Experiment at Blue Note Jazz Club. Lupe’s performance wasn’t the only thing that caught the attention of the audience. Lupe had a few surprise guests hit the stage with him and those surprise guest happened to be Kanye West and Mos Def. While they were on stage, they blessed the audience with a 7 minute freestyle.

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Lenny Kravitz & Mos Def are among the headliners for a benefit concert to support relief efforts for those affected by a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Kravitz, who lives part-time in New Orleans, was the first to sign up when asked by Rehage Entertainment president Steven Rehage to participate in Gulf Aid.

The benefit concert will take place on Sunday at Mardi Gras World River City, which overlooks the Mississippi River in New Orleans. Tickets cost $50. Proceeds from the event will benefit fishermen and their families, whose livelihoods depend on the Gulf, and other organizations.

The holidays is usually symbolized by love. So, since I love music so much, I feel the need to admit two things.

1) I have never listened to Jay Electronica. It’s not that I have anything against the guy, I’ve just never been pressed to listen to his music.

2) I hate radio rips. It’s like bragging about getting a hand job. I’d much rather wait for the CDQ to appear (usually hours later) and have my initial listening experience be the real thing. That’s just me though. (No disrespect to my homie Matt who ripped the track show though. I know I’m definitely not in the majority with my sentiment.)

I was thinking the other day about how it’s been awhile since I heard any new music from J. Cole. I know (and appreciate) he’s the type to practice quality control with his product, but it’s 2009, as fans we’re spoiled and we make no qualms about it. Then I saw the homies from around the way dropped the radio rip of a new Reflection Eternal song which featured Cole, Electronica and Mos Def. Next thing I know it’s being dubbed as one of the better tracks of the year. Color me “intrigued.” Like clockwork, the CDQ dropped today and I was allowed to formulate my own decision about “Just Begun.” Instead of merely posting the record, hit the jump for a in depth breakdown of the record.