Mos Def, known as Yasiin Bey since a name change in 2011, is a versatile and pivotal figure in the realms of hip hop and activism. Born Dante Terrell Smith on December 11, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York, he has crafted a career that interweaves exceptional musical talent with poignant social commentary. His breakthrough into the mainstream came with his debut solo album, "Black On Both Sides," released in 1999, which is heralded as a classic and showcased his deft lyricism and a deep understanding of social issues. Throughout his career, Mos Def has garnered critical acclaim for his sharp insights and melodic intuition.

Beyond music, Mos Def has made a name for himself as an actor, featuring in a variety of film and television productions that furthered his influence beyond the music industry. His discography includes a range of influential albums that have resonated within and beyond the hip hop scene, such as "The New Danger" (2004) and "TRUE MAGIC" (2006). Despite his shift away from music in recent years to focus on other interests and activism, his earlier releases, like the energetic "Sex, Love & Money," continue to receive recognition, and performances like "Mos Def - Live at Benaroya Hall" capture the dynamic presence and intellectual fervor that have defined his career. Mos Def's contributions to the art form and his impact on the cultural landscape endure, marking him as one of hip hop's enduring talents.

Genres

Conscious Hip Hop

East Coast Hip Hop

Hip Hop

Related Artists

Common

Q-Tip

Talib Kweli

The Roots

De La Soul

A Tribe Called Quest

Kendrick Lamar

Black Thought

Pharoahe Monch

MF DOOM

Erykah Badu

Lupe Fiasco

Latest Release

Sensei On the Block

Mos Def

Single - Released August 28, 2015