Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def) – ‘Ni–as in Poorest’ [VIDEO]

On the anniversary of Malcolm X’s assassination, Yasiin Bey, the artist formerly known as Mos Def, incorporates the iconic leader into the video for his re-style of The Throne’s massive hit, “Ni**as in Paris,” along with additional imagery to compliment his latest lyrical assault.

Teaming up with Set Free / High Snob Society on the direction tip, the video compliments Yasiin Bey’s seemingly 99%-influenced commentary on affairs of the world. While some may interpret the interpolation as a criticism of the subject matter spit by Jay-Z and Kanye West, the intention may only be to offer a counterpoint to the “aspiration rap” in the original.

As with many things Mos Def/Yasiin Bey, interpretation can be tricky.

That being said, Yasiin Bey, no matter the name, continues to be an enigmatic and powerful lyricist, and one who never fears spitting against the grain, so his “Ni**as In Poorest,” is certainly worth the ear and eye time. Fans of his will continue to await the possibility of a Black Star reunion album along with fellow Brooklynite Talib Kweli, but as far as we know, there is no official word on that. Bey is currently working on a project entitled Top 40 Underdogs, which “Ni**as IN Poorest” seems to be a part of, telling Hypebeast, “[Top 40 Underdogs] will not be just about reinterpreting or even reappropriating modern day hits. It will deal with a range of various subjects, covering socially conscious and political themes since it is a staple in my life and an expression of who I am.”

In the meantime, in-between time, the video for “Ni**as in Poorest,” here:

Yasiin Bey (FKA Mos Def) – Niggas in Poorest from Highsnobiety on Vimeo.