Mos Def Readies Indie Debut With Kanye West

After sour sales and lackluster reviews for his last major label release, 'True Magic,' Mos Def is preparing to release his independent label debut on Downtown Records.

There's no release date for the as-yet-untitled album, but label head Josh Deutsch is already touting the project and its production. According to Deutsch, Kanye West, who's mother passed away suddenly last weekend, is on tap to produce some tracks.

In addition to working on the album, Mighty Mos will appear a bevy of upcoming flicks, including 'Be Kind Rewind' (2008), 'Stringbean and Marcus' (2009), and 'Touissant' (2009).