It was in 2012 when news first broke that Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) had partnered with producer Mannie Fresh for what would prove to be a series of collaborative releases, including a then-unnamed joint album pairing the Brooklyn, New York MC’s lyrical prowess with the New Orleans, Louisiana beatmaker’s signature Bounce stylings. The news of the unlikely pairing was embraced by the Hip-Hop community, as it signified a departure for all parties involved, and a bold new take on pushing Hip-Hop’s sound forward. However, the LP never materialized, and all seemed to be forgotten as Yasiin moved out of the country and announced plans to retire.

Mannie Fresh and Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def) Release Some New Bounce Just in Time for Summer (Audio)

However, at a recent radio appearance during Miami, Florida’s Art Basel weekend, Yasiin reportedly announced that not only is the mysterious LP actually happening, it’s got a title and a forthcoming premiere performance. According to Okayplayer, Yasiin told WNL Radio “I will be premiering my new album, Negus In Natural Person, and me and Mannie Fresh’s project, which is called As Promised, at The Apollo on December 21.”

Yasiin Bey Has Announced a New Album & It’s Arriving Really Soon

Heads may recall that Yasiin shared news of his forthcoming retirement in conjunction with a handful of “farewell” performances, including the December 21 performance he mentioned above. Three more shows will take place, each in Washington D.C. at the Kennedy Center, on consecutive nights beginning December 31. However, dates are still pending with regard to the release of Negus In Natural Person and As Promised. These two albums are in addition to December 99th, yet another collaborative project, this time between Yasiin Bey and Ferrari Sheppard.