Talib Kweli and Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) released their debut Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star back in 1998, but they’re ready to record its follow-up. Speaking with Billboard.biz, Blacksmith CEO Corey Smyth said that after several failed attempts at getting the two in the studio, the duo will head to Africa in 2012 to record new music and possibly their sophomore release – though concrete plans are pending.

“It’s in the ether,” he said. “We’ve had a few false starts in the past, but it just feels right this time.”

Black Star, which will continue to perform shows next year, recently released “Fix Up” and “You Already Knew” off their Aretha Franklin-inspired mixtape Aretha. Though a release date isn’t set in stone, the group plans to drop the offering before the end of the month.

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