Yasiin Bey, the rapper formally known as Mos Def, just debuted a new song called "Local Time" that you can hear above. It's produced by writer Ferrari Sheppard, and it seems like they go under Dec 99th together.

The jazzy new track features a deep bass riff offset by morning lark whistling as Bey contemplates his position in life and how time isn't real.

"The local time is now/Whoever you are, no matter no how/The moon and the waves, the breeze and the clouds/Wherever you are the local time is..."

The new single is accompanied by a simple yet spiritual explanation. "The local time is always now. Forever is a current event."

Yasiin Bey was in the news earlier this year when he shocked fans by announcing his retirement from rap back in January. While he is currently behind bars in South Africa for violating the country's immigration policy, the Brooklyn-born rapper took the opportunity to announce that he would release his last album in 2016 and then bow out of the rap game. Kanye West released the audio announcement of Bey's retirement, which Bey called "No More Parties in S.A."

“Related but not directly related to this, I’m retiring from the music recording industry as it is currently assembled today. And also from Hollywood, effectively immediately. I will be releasing my final album this year and that’s that,” said the rapper towards the tail end of the 10-minute message.

So, "Local Time" could either be a teaser to Yasiin Bey's final solo project or, in a strategic twist, it could be a new chapter in his musical journey. Either way, catch it up top.

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