Earlier this month, it was reported that Brooklyn rapper Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) was unable to reenter the United States, and was subsequently forced to cancel his upcoming U.S tour. But according to a man claiming to be a friend of Yasiin’s, those reports are completely untrue.
The alleged friend, Abdi Hussein, spoke to the Johannesburg, South Africa-based The Times about Yasiin’s reported predicament. Hussein says the New York City lyricist was never denied entry into the U.S. and instead “moved the dates” for his tour due to other projects he was working on.
“[Mos Def] has never attempted to enter any country and been refused. It’s a complete lie,” Hussein said while speaking to The Times. “In fact, if there was anything criminal against you, they would invite you back so they could lock you up.”
Similar to Yasiin, Hussein is from Brooklyn, New York, but currently lives in Cape Town, South Africa. Hussein, who goes by the stage name Whosane, recently appeared alongside Yasiin on the Ski Beatz-produced track, “Taxi.”
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Roughly one week ago, a website for the Together Boston music festival released a statement, which read:
“We regret to inform you that due to immigration / legal issues Yasiin Bey is unable to enter back into the United States and his upcoming U.S. tour has been canceled, including May 15th, Together Boston’s show at The Wilbur Theatre. Individual ticket refunds for this show are available at point of sale.”
Yasiin Bey has yet to speak on the matter directly.
RELATED:Yasiin Bey F/K/A Mos Def Discusses Move To South Africa
