For months, Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) has said that 2016 would be his last year making music. Whether or not Bey sticks to his declaration, he is ending the year on an incredibly high note. This month, has brought news that Bey has 3 completed albums he intends to share with the world, including his December 99th collaboration album with producer Ferrari Sheppard, released yesterday (December 21), his long-awaited joint album, As Promised, with Mannie Fresh, and his solo endeavor, Negus In Natural Person.

Yasiin Bey Will Release 2 More Albums…Including One With Mannie Fresh

To celebrate the release of the album and, perhaps bid a final farewell, Yasiin performed at the legendary Apollo Theater last night (December 21), and it was quite the treat for fans old and new. He dug deep into his catalog for old favorites like “Hip Hop” and “Umi Says,” and also performed a number of new tracks.

Yasiin Bey Shows He’s At His Best Making Powerful Thought-Provoking Music (Video)

Yasiin also had a few surprises up his sleeve. He was joined by Pharoahe Monch (21:00) for a rousing performance of their 2000 release with Nate Dogg, “Oh No.” After, Monch launched into his classic, “Simon Says.” Later (31:45), Slick Rick took the stage for a performance of “Auditorium,” from Bey’s 2009 album, The Ecstatic.

All of this and more was captured in an extended video, which can be viewed above. Fans in the Washington, D.C. area also will be able to see Bey live at the Kennedy Center, where he will hold a 3-night stand, commencing on December 31.