New Mos Def: New York Is Killing Me (Gil Scott-Heron)

Well, we called it. Twice!

When we originally wrote up the single, “New York Is Killing Me” from Gil Scott-Heron, the spoken word artist, poet, writer, singer who many call the Godfather of Rap, we predicted how “remixable” it was, expecting an immediate jumping on by other prolific New York MCs.

Nas was the first to do so, blazing original lyrics over the track in early April. Despite the previous proclamation from BirthplaceMag.com creator and producer/remixer Manny Faces that the track was “ripe for a Mos Def verse,” Nas popped the cherry and certainly did the idea justice.

But wait! It appears as if Manny Faces’ hip hop clairvoyance abilities are alive and well, as now the Mighty Mos Def has indeed laced the sparse instrumental with his trademark melodic spitfire. And any Mos Def is good Mos Def, so enjoy!

Download/Listen: Gil Scott Heron ft. Mos Def – New York Is Killing Me