yasiin bey - The Ecstatic

yasiin bey, the legendary artist formerly known asMos Def, today announced a new partnership withRhymesayers Entertainment, with the first release being the long-awaited reissue of his seminal 2009 album,The Ecstatic. It will be reintroduced on all physical formats August 14th, marking the first time it has been available for worldwide distribution in more than a decade-and-a-half. The album is also available today via exclusive streaming partnerQobuz.

Rooted in a mutual commitment to superior sound fidelity and equitable pay for creators, this alliance reflects yasiin’s own artistic principles and his longstanding advocacy for artist rights. By joining forces with a platform known for its high-quality audio and expert human curation, bey is highlighting alternatives for those who prioritize artistic integrity and the inherent value of art.

In addition to offeringThe Ecstatic for high resolution and lossless digital downloads, Qobuz is launching free trial subscriptions providing unlimited access to the album as well as more than 100 million other tracks. The campaign celebrates a work that reaffirmed bey’s status as one of hip-hop’s most adventurous and intellectually engaged voices. 

Physical Pre-orderHERE

Qobuz StreamHERE

Among The Ecstatic variants is a deluxe package pressed on double LP 180-gram black vinyl, which also includes a translucent red 7” vinyl single featuring the previously unreleased bonus tracks “The Size” and “The Tournament.” It is bolstered by a 120-page hardcover book loaded with photos by Cognito, who documented a two-year span of yasiin creating and promoting the original 2009 release, along with lyric quotes and some of bey's handwritten notes from the era. All vinyl orders will receive instant digital downloads of the full album. Fans are also encouraged to visitCasaBey.com for news and special announcements from yasiin bey, as well asThe Ecstaticapparel. 

Originally released on Downtown Recordsa decade after his celebrated solo debutBlack on Both Sides,The Ecstatic was widely regarded as bey’s strongest work in years. The album earned near-universal praise for its lyrical breadth and eclectic production and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Album, weaving a global sonic tapestry shaped by a roster of visionary producers includingMadlib,J Dilla,Oh No,Preservation,Mr. Flash,Chad Hugo (ofThe Neptunes), andGeorgia Anne Muldrow.

The reissue brings the album’s jazz, soul, and Middle Eastern inflections back to the analog format, allowing listeners to experience tracks like “Supermagic” and the Grammy-nominated “Casa Bey” with the warmth and depth the production deserves. The album also features iconic guest performances from hip-hop royalty Slick Rick andTalib Kweli.

PRE-ORDER THE ECSTATIC HERE