Mos Def’s “Umi Says,” which he released in 1999, has been covered by Joey Bada$$ in a languid, sensual manner.
The performance was a part of triple j’s Like a Version series, which has also featured viral renditions of songs by Denzel Curry (Rage Against the Machine’s “Bulls On Parade”), 6LACK (Erykah Badu’s “On & On”), Childish Gambino (Tamia’s “So Into You”), and 6LACK (Tamia).
With the help of emerging Zimbabwean-born, London-raised, Melbourne-based vocalist KYE and a live band, Joey gave Yasiin Bey’s spiritual ballad “Umi Says” a beautiful makeover.
In a post-performance interview, Joey referred to “Umi Says” as “one of my favorite songs of all time.” The original was included on Mos Def’s critically acclaimed first album Black On Both Sides, which the Recording Industry Association of America has since certified as gold (RIAA).
Watch Below:
Joey Bada$$ also sang his own popular song “Show Me” from his most recent album 2000, which he released in July, elsewhere during his trip to triple j.
Diddy, Westside Gunn, J.I.D, Chris Brown, Larry June, and Capella Grey made cameos on the album, which debuted at No. 25 on the Billboard 200 chart.
