Pitchfork

Photo by Aaron Vanimere

It seems the mighty Mos Def doesn't always use that might constructively. According to a TMZ report, the Brooklyn rapper and thespian, born Dante Terrell Smith, has a warrant out for his arrest following an alleged altercation with a photographer in Las Vegas back in August.

Mos and the shutterbug in question, one Volker Corell, reportedly clashed at the Men's Apparel and Garment Industry Convention (MAGIC) in Vegas, at which Corell was an official photographer. TMZ reports that Corell's picture-taking raised the ire of Smith, who apparently responded by forcibly removing the camera from Corell's neck, smashing it on the ground, and absconding with the pieces-- allegedly injuring Corell's hand in the process. "Marvelous Times", indeed.

Smith reportedly faces charges of felony robbery and malicious destruction of private property. But hey, at least he's in good company. Mos Def's publicist has not yet responded to requests for comment.

In other, happier Mos Def news, the rapper has a new album coming our way soon. The Ecstatic is due from Downtown on November 25, according to an Amazon.com listing, [UPDATE: A press release says it won't be out til December] and you can still check out single "Life in Marvelous Times" via the Forkcast link below. The track is also available for purchase on iTunes right now.

Barring any protracted legal tie-ups, Mos has a show on December 13 at Seattle's Moore Theatre. Might want to leave your PowerShots at home for this one, kids.