Remember, when we told you about the conflicting dates for the release of Mos Def's new album Tru3 Magic last month? We reported (hesitantly) that it was coming out January 9. Well, according to MTV, turns out Geffen freaked and instead released it on Friday, December 29, just about the worst possible time you could release an album.
Geffen decided to prematurely release Tru3 Magic after the album leaked online in early December. Additionally, according to MTV, "sources close to Mos Def said the rapper also wanted to move forward with Tru3, which is his last contractual obligation to Geffen under his current deal, according to a label rep." As soon as they both realized how little time there was to market the album, Mos and Geffen decided to push the release date back -- but it was too late. The CDs were already shipped to stores, and even though they officially "recalled" the album, it's up to the stores whether or not to send the albums back.
The solution? Release two albums! The over 11,000 copies of Tru3 Magic that sold (and all the ones sitting in stores) are now touted as a limited-edition "pre-release." A second, re-released version, which will contain FULL artwork (not this) and a slightly altered tracklist, will be released in the springtime.
So, go download Tru3 Magic now, and as soon as they release the tracklist info for the second version, alter your MP3s and you'll already have the re-released version. Shit, maybe they'll release a third version!