There has been recent buzz about Mos Def’s alleged lyrical battle against both Lil Wayne and Jay-Z however, Mos have finally spoken out and clarified the accusations and even questioned the recent title that Jay-Z was given as the “Greatest Rapper Alive.”
    
Mos sat down with radio personality/ rapper Angie Martinez where Mos then addressed a video that included Mos “calling out various rappers.” This is what Mos had to say on The Angie Martinez Show:

“My response was to me seeing an article where [Jay-Z ] was referred to, with trade marks following it, as the ‘Greatest Rapper Alive,'” Mos explained in an interview. “Now that don’t have nothin’ to do with me, but if you saying that, that’s a trade claim…If you saying that, you saying you better than Slick Rick, whose still very alive and well? You saying you better than Rakim? You saying you better than Black Thought? People making that claim have never been in a position to defend that in an open forumn. I’m not talking about making a diss record or trying to go in on somebody’s girl…When people start coming out and making claims they’re gonna have to defend, like, who have you had to defend them against? It’s certainly been with people not on your level.”

In the original footage, Mos speaks about how lyrically he is better than both Jay and Weezy saying:

“You really think that Jay and Weezy can beat me,” Mos asked in a video. “It will never happen. None of them. Whoever. Listen, n*ggas I like, I love Freeway, but come get the money if you think you can. [Beanie Sigel], I love him….[Andre 3000] ,whatever, I’m taking the money back to Brooklyn. I’m taking the money back to Brooklyn. Jay is the best out. I’m taking the ring and I’m taking the belt right back.”

Personally I don’t think Mos even had to address his comments. I think it’s about time that someone stood up and speak the truth. How can either one of them be the best rappers alive when you have lyrical geniuses like Mos Def, Black Thought, Talib Kweli and Jean Grae still breathing? We all have our personal opinions, but line for line anyone of the people I named could easily test the skills some of the more widely known rappers out.

Mos has a new album entitled “The Ecstatic” which hit the stores on June 10, 2009. According to the Zune Insider:

“The name of the album is The Ecstatic. I titled it after one of my favorite novels by Victor LaValle and I’m really excited about it…it’s a lot shorter than some of my previous work but it’s still really full. [Guests include] Slick Rick, Jay Electronica, Black Thought and working with Madlib.”

I don’t know about everyone else, but I’m definitely Ecstatic to here some classic Mos Def! Hopefully those self-proclaimed and even magazine-proclaimed rappers will respond and have a friendly little battle. That would be too dope. Good luck on the album sells Mos!

Geto Boys’ Willie D Facing 20 Years For Wire Fraud

No, “my mind ain’t playing tricks” on me because Geto Boys’ William “Willie D” Dennis has definitely be indicted on several counts of wire fraud that stems from an iPhone scam earlier this year.

According to MyFox News on June 9, 2009:

“Rapper William Dennis, aka Willie D, was indicted Tuesday by a grand jury on 15 counts of wire fraud. The investigation leading to Dennis’ arrest came after one of the overseas purchasers filed a complaint with law enforcement authorities. Wire fraud carries a maximum punishment, upon conviction, of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Dennis is currently on bond pending trial in this case which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sherri L. Zack.”

Damn, times that hard D? KTRK News says that he was initially taken in by authorities sometime last month.

“William James Dennis, also known as “Willie D” is charged with wire fraud stemming from his alleged sales of Apple iPhones through a company known as Texas One Wireless. Dennis was arrested at Bush Intercontinental Airport Wednesday after returning from a trip overseas. If convicted, Dennis could be sentenced to up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, followed by up to five years of supervised release and restitution to the victims.”

See this would have never gone down if people would just quit making these advanced phones. You didn’t hear about wire fraud when the first Nokia’s came out! Willie D now faces various charges stemming from the scam that began last fall and the Houston Press says:

“Beginning in September 2008, Dennis, posing as an electronics salesman, used eBay to establish his credibility with international buyers. Once a buyer showed interest, Dennis allegedly directed them outside of eBay to conduct sales via e-mail. Numerous foreign individuals placed orders with Dennis for iPhones and other electronics. Dennis required payment to be electronically transferred to his bank account and once the transaction was confirmed, Dennis would send tracking numbers for packages that were never shipped. When the buyers complained about not receiving their purchases, Dennis allegedly claimed he had filed a complaint with the U.S. Postal Service or hired carrier and that he could not refund their money until he knew where his goods were. Eventually, Dennis would cease communication with the victimized parties.”

I guess old fashion robbing just ain’t efficient these days! Well good luck to you Willie D. There has been no further information released as of yet.