Mos Def was apparently outraged with New York Observer column writer D.M. Levine, based on his coverage of a party hosted by Dame Dash’s new DD172 venture. The January article states that Mos Def was seen drinking a beer at the event, something that Mos is very much against. The passage reads as follows:

On a recent blustery December night, rapper Mos Def was in the house. Dressed in brown slacks, shiny dress shoes, jean jacket and a cabby hat tilted to the side, he sipped a bottle of Rolling Rock, taking in the vibe. “It’s like a cross between early Hitsville, Andy Warhol’s Factory and a little bit of the Algonquin roundtable,” he told me. “But it’s something completely different.”

While the letter was not printed by the Observer, blogger Jeff Rosenthal of The Real transcribed it for all to see. It reads as follows:

TO THE EDITOR:

My name is Yasiin Dante Smith Bey, a.k.a. Mos Def.

I’m responding to the “Wannabe Warhol” article in which the writer claims that he saw me drinking “a Rolling Rock” and “in the mood to record” after “a few drinks.”

For the record, none of that ever happened … and we both know this, Mr. Levine (if that is your name). I don’t drink alcohol, and have never in your company or presence. I spent no more than a very brief moment talking to you, and only after you pleaded with me to do so on more than one occasion where I politely declined.

“Follow your first mind,” my grandmother says.

On top of NOT printing what I DID say, you printed what I DON’T do. You are telling the people a lie, Mr. Levine (if that is your name), and if you’ll lie about something so small, to “add color” to your “piece,” what you have to report about me or any person, place or thing is unreliable to say the least.

peace & good day sir.

MR. SMITH-BEY

PKA MOS DEF

Observer writer Levine has since responded to the letter, publically releasing a statement to Gawker.com.”I saw Mos Def’s note in the Observer this week. Very poetic! But I stand by the story.”