Mos Def Bouts With the Observer and Wins (Kind Of)

By Imran J. Khan

February 25, 2010

After the New York Observer‘s D.M. Levine wrote a story involving Mos Def sipping “a bottle of Rolling Rock” (a brand of beer), Mos Def valiantly defended the allegation in a letter to the editor, making proud Muslims all over these United States of America. Although the letter wasn’t posted on the Observer‘s website, the transcription from the print edition is below:

TO THE EDITOR:

My name is Yasiin Dante Smith Bey, a.k.a. Mos Def.

I’m responding to the “Wannabe Warhol” article in which the writer claims that he saw me drinking “a Rolling Rock” and “in the mood to record” after “a few drinks.”

For the record, none of that ever happened … and we both know this, Mr. Levine (if that is your name). I don’t drink alcohol, and have never in your company or presence. I spent no more than a very brief moment talking to you, and only after you pleaded with me to do so on more than one occasion where I politely declined.

“Follow your first mind,” my grandmother says.

On top of NOT printing what I DID say, you printed what I DON’T do. You are telling the people a lie, Mr. Levine (if that is your name), and if you’ll lie about something so small, to “add color” to your “piece,” what you have to report about me or any person, place or thing is unreliable to say the least.

peace & good day sir.

MR. SMITH-BEY

PKA MOS DEF

So there you have it, Brother Yasiin’s a Muslim dammit and he won’t stand for your baseless accusations and tyranny, New York Observer.

Mos Def, we’re all proud of you, please continue being spectacular.

Photo by David McNew/Getty Images

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