TBT: The Time Mos Def Made a Commercial for the Air Jordan XVI

The good ol' days.

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In case you missed it, rapper Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) announced his retirement from music via a message posted on Kanye West's website earlier this week. Now, as we bid farewell to one of the most engaging artists of our time, we're looking back on his unforgettable Jordan Brand commercial.

Back in 2001, when Yasiin Bey was still Mos Def, he was tapped by Jordan Brand to help introduce the Air Jordan XVI. The clip was soundtracked by "Umi Says," a poignant cut from the rapper's 1999 masterpiece, Black on Both Sides.

The down-tempo track fit seamlessly with the footage of Jordan Brand athletes like Ray Allen, Eddie Jones, and M.J. himself in action, but, at the time, it was somewhat surprising that an underground MC like Mos would collaborate with one of the biggest brands in the world.

Kick back and reminisce with the full commercial in the clip above.