Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def) has responded to Lupe Fiasco who recently accepted his challenge to battle any rapper - anytime, anywhere.

If you recall, Bey was on camera challenging rappers to a lyrical duel. “Tired of these dudes pretending like they dope. You alright but relax...We don’t have to do make no back and forth corny records about it, we can put it on its feet for the world to see...we’ll battle anyone!” he boasted.

In a recent interview with Ferrari Sheppard (spotted via Pigeons and Planes), the Black on Both Sides creator backtracked a little on his comments. But he also reiterated that he didn’t want to create a "Fight Night" tournament with his fellow rap peers.

"I stand behind the statement,” he told Sheppard, “but at the same time I’m not trying to arrange some sort of exhibition.”

Bey added that the video was filmed during a private conversation that wasn't intended for the public to see. Nevertheless, he didn't want his opinion to be considered a free-for-all for rappers to battle him. "There’s a lot of people out here who’s asses I think I could kick," he said, "but I’m not out here trying to arrange fights with them.”

Bey also recommended that people read a Pitchfork article that he says has “a very interesting analysis of this whole circus type of atmosphere" regarding the rap battle between Drake and Meek Mill.

In the end, Bey is focusing on other things in his life and is not interested in battling every rapper in the game.

"There's so many things in my life personally that are much more important...than some sort of supremacy in rap land, which nowadays is looking more like PT Barnum in a circus tent," he said. "I'm not here to compete with anybody."

Are you disappointed that a rap battle between Yasiin Bey and Lupe Fiasco is not going to happen? Tell us in the comments below.

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