According to Mos Def's official webby, "the rumors are not false." Mos Def's forthcoming album, Tru3 Magic, is set for release January 9, 2007... probably. The release date has been moved a couple times now, and a post on Mos Def's website still has conflicting dates (1) (2), but we're pretty sure... at least fairly certain... well, I mean, it's probably going to come out January 9, but we don't know for sure. Dude, WTF. Seriously, why do we have to fucking tell you RIGHT NOW?!? Can't it wait?!? Calm the fuck down, asshole.
Asshole! Anyhoo, Tru3 Magic features "Dollar Day (Surprise Surprise)" (formerly titled "Katrina Clap" and originally released in September 2005), a scathing critique of the Bush administration's response to Hurricane Katrina, which was, according to Kanye West (look ma, he's a rapper too), racist. Mos Def was even arrested because of the song when he performed it on the streets the day of the 2006 MTV VMAs. Okay, okay, he was arrested for playing without a permit, but that's still pretty cool.
Since Image Award and Teen Choice Award nominations just aren't enough -- they just aren't -- the Grammys has nominated Mos Def's "Undeniable" for Best Rap Solo Performance, up against T.I., Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, and Lupe Fiasco. I don't know about you, but I find it kind of odd that he's nominated for such a dry track. His acting is where it's at. I mean, did anyone else catch his riveting portrayal of himself in that one GMC Denali sport utility vehicle commercial? Shit blows Common's Gap commercial completely out of the water.