When we heard Yasiin Bey was playing the Shrine in Chicago I knew something special was fittin to go down. I also knew there was only one man who could document it properly: director Cam Be of Camovement fame. But this short film he came back with far exceeded even my wildest expectations. Capturing what look like unforgettable live performances of "Casa Bey"; "The Panties"; "Umi Says" and "Hip-Hop" as well a rare and candid backstage interview, the whole experience--appropriately titled 'A Modern Marvel In Marvelous Times'--feels like one for the ages. Yasiin's all-white raiment, his custom vintage-style ampex (?) mic, the beautiful black and white photography will all put you in the frame of a Cannonball Adderly concert crossed with a Muhammad Ali championship bout in terms of historical weight. Watch below for Bey's insights on the metropolis of Chicago, relocating to New Orleans and why he always travels with his own mic. Then as a special OKP bonus, catch Yasiin and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble performing "New World Water" combined with Fela's "Water No Get Enemy" (shot by Jamaar J. at The Shrine on Friday).
