Mos Def Brings Out Diddy, Talib Kweli & Jay Electronica at NYC Concert [Video]

Mos Def brought out a star-studded lineup during his performance at New York City’s Highline Ballroom last night (January 17).

Jay Electronica was one of the many special guests to take the stage. Sporting his characteristic fez hat, the enigmatic emcee, first set off his cameo with a performance of “Exhibit A.” His now trademark “Exhibit C” then followed, with Diddy making his way from VIP onstage to play hypeman. [Watch below]

Earlier in the night, Mos performed the entirety of his Grammy-nominated album, The Ecstatic. “Quiet Dog” saw Mos hop on the drums for a solo and his Black Star rhyme partner Talib Kweli joined him for “History,” as well as “Respiration,” Throughout, a video montage of Muhammad Ali played in the background as Mos paid tribute to the icon on the fighter’s birthday. Another of the night’s heaviest themes was the tragedy in Haiti, with Mos addressing the situation in numerous mid-song speeches and even endorsing Wyclef Jean for President of Haiti. “I’m not joking,” he said.

Mos is expected to play at the end of the month with indie rap favorite DOOM. The duo will hit Manhattan’s Nokia Theatre on January 30. —Devin Chanda