He has been warning us all year that 2016 was to be his last in the music industry, but now Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) has officially called time, announcing the dates for his last live shows.
It has been a strange year for Bey, and Bey fans. In January, he was charged with “producing an unrecognised ‘world passport’ which was declined by immigration officials” when attempting to travel from Cape Town in South Africa. Apparently a “world passport” is a real thing, but is not generally accepted by, well, anyone.
The 42-year-old then posted a message/freestyle via Kanye West’s website which sounded as if it was recorded on a Motorola RAZR V3 outlining his plans to hang up the boots.
Although the bizarre message did proclaim that his retirement was “effective immediately,” the Brooklyn born legend has played numerous gigs throughout the year after he apologised to officials and the charges were dropped.
His farewell US performances will be in New York and Washington on both sides of the new year with his last ever gig in the ‘States to be at The Kennedy Centre in D.C. on the 2nd of January, 2017. As reported on Billboard the events will be a celebratory party for one of hip-hop greats and will feature a host of surprise special guests.
He is also playing two shows at the 02 Forum in London on the 26th and 27th of January.
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