On December 9, Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def) was scheduled to release December 99th, the debut album from Dec. 99th, his collaborative project with Ferrari Sheppard. It was planned as a Tidal exclusive. Four days later, however, the record has yet to appear on Tidal or any other service. There have not been any updates on Bey's Facebook page, nor the website or social media accounts of A Country Called Earth, the “global multimedia and design conglomerate” founded by Bey and Sheppard. Two days after the LP’s expected arrival, on December 11, Sheppard wrote on his Facebook that “the album is coming out,” and the “delay [is] not [his] fault.”

When reached for comment, an unnamed representative for A Country Called Earth cryptically replied:

Dark bodies, bright crest, the kings grew nervous.

A boy drew a gun, and then sold the portrait. And then used the cash to heat the stove at the palace.

soon. very soon.

Tidal could not offer any more information on the album's release. Pitchfork has also reached out to Sheppard.

December 99th is set to include the previously shared “N.A.W.” and “Local Time,” but not “Hymn”–currently the only Dec. 99th song available to stream. Days before the album’s scheduled release, Bey debuted new music in Miami. Throughout the year, he has maintained that he is retiring from music. On January 2, he will perform at what he says is his final United States show.