Philly cult favorites The Yah Mos Def reunite, perform at Boot & Saddle 12/14

Locally acclaimed rap duo The Yah Mos Def (YMD) will return to the stage this December 14th at Boot & Saddle. After playing copious amounts of shows in the 2000s, building a cult following and releasing Excuse Me, This Is The Yah Mos Def in 2008, YMD went on a five-year hiatus, but they’re ready to bring their energetic and fun show back into the minds of local hiphop and indie rock fans.

YMD could be referred to as Philadelphia’s Beastie Boys. Using samples from rock tracks by bands such as Bikini Kill, Minor Threat, and Cap’n Jazz, the beats made by this group are crazy and out there. On top of that, the duo yells lyrics like punks, making them even more raucous (think the very young Beasties you heard on Some Old Bullshit). Their delivery style is one of insanity. Raw, radical, and quick; the two switch off and match the intensity of the music backing them up, rapping lines like “The Yah Mos!, Runnin’ both coasts, it don’t matter, reminiscent of Crew Jones, but way radder. I’m going international like I’m Bob Dylan, and my face is prettier than Paris Hilton.”

YMD keeps their music in the space between kitschy and ridiculous. If you see them live, expect them to be jumping around and going crazy. Listen to their album Excuse Me, This Is The Yah Mos Def here and find tickets to their show with Prowler and Tygerstrype here. Below, check out a video of YMD playing a First Friday set at AKA Music WTHN circa 2007.