Yasiin Bey and Ferrai Sheppard were supposed to release a collaborative LP called December 99th last Friday (Dec. 9). Unfortunately, the release date came and went with no sign of the album. A Country Called Earth, a global multimedia and design conglomerate founded by Bey and Sheppard, has now issued a cryptic statement about the project's status.

"Dark bodies, bright crest, the kings grew nervous," the statement reads. "A boy drew a gun, and then sold the portrait. And then used the cash to heat the stove at the palace. Soon. Very soon."

Sheppard took to Facebook on Sunday (Dec. 11) and claimed the album will be released. He also said that he was not to blame for the delay.

"Yes, the album is coming out," Sheppard wrote. "Delay not my fault..."

The December 99th album is one of three projects that the former Mos Def plans to release. Negus in Natural Person and the Mannie Fresh-produced As Promised You are due out after Bey and Sheppard's collaboration.

In addition to these prospective albums, Bey is also doing a short tour billed as his final shows in the United States. The Apollo Theater and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will host the Black Star member's swan song, which begins next week. Check out the dates below.

Dec. 21 – New York, N.Y. – Apollo Theater
Dec. 31 – Washington, D.C. – Kennedy Center
Jan. 1 – Washington, D.C. – Kennedy Center
Jan. 2 – Washington, D.C. – Kennedy Center

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