MP3: Mos Def – “N****s in Poorest” (Jay-Z & Kanye West Cover)

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The artist formerly known as Mos Def (he goes by his Muslim name Yasiin Bey now) is embarking on the massive undertaking that is his Top 40 Underdog project, quasi-covering big radio hits. The first track to undergo the treatment is Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “N****s in Paris” – “N****s in Poorest” to Bey, who tweaks the original’s nonstop stream of brags into an anthem for the 99% by cutting up the beat sometimes beyond recognition. “Who the f**k is Margiela?” he spits at one great moment. It’s awesome to hear how something with the same beat and rhythm can have such a different sentiment. Check it out.

YASIIN BEY (MOS DEF) – “N****s in Poorest”

by Genevieve Oliver on January 17, 2012 ‡ 110 reactions