Rap career:
Mos Def began his performing career on the television show The Cosby Mysteries in 1994. In 1994, Mos also began his music career, forming the short-lived group Urban Thermo Dynamics (UTD) with his younger brother DCQ and his younger sister Ces. Despite being signed to Payday Records, the group only released two singles and the group's debut album, Manifest Destiny, did not see the light of day until 2004 when released through Illson Media. In 1996 he emerged as a solo artist, working with De La Soul and Da Bush Babees before releasing his own first single, "Universal Magnetic" which was a huge underground hit. After signing with Rawkus Records, he and Talib Kweli released a full length album under the band name Black Star, entitled Black Star. It was released in 1998, with Hi-Tek producing most of the tracks. Mos Def released his solo debut, Black on Both Sides, in 1999. Filled with tracks raving about his hometown, Brooklyn and his love for Hip-Hop, Black on Both Sides also deals with racial profiling of Black men in America, with the track Mr Nigga. Mos Def was also featured on Rawkus' influential The Lyricist Lounge and Soundbombing series compilations. After the collapse of Rawkus, Def along with Kweli signed on to Interscope/Geffen Records, who released his second album The New Danger in 2004. In early 2005 Mos Def was rumored to join Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella record label, but this was later denied by the artist himself claiming "Jay-Z and Roc-A-Fella would never allow me to release songs I plan on putting out there. I ain't down with that commercial non-sense. I'm about to deal with the fake with my next album, from George Bush to 50 Cent." But, after making that comment, Mos Def was featured rapping on a SUV commercial, endorsing the GMC Denali. Mos Def is projected to release his last solo album on Geffen Records, The Undeniable Free Flaco in early 2006. His 4th studio album The Ecstatic was released June 9, 2009 on Downtown Records. It serves as Mos Def's second highest charting album to date. Upon its release, The Ecstatic received general acclaim from most music critics, and it earned Mos Def a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Album. Rolling Stone magazine named it the seventeenth best album of 2009.
Impact on hip-hop
The artistic boundaries of hip-hop and rap music had been redefined by artists such as Brand Nubian, De La Soul, and Public Enemy, whose music was more thematically sophisticated and socially conscious than that of their predecessors. By the early 1990s however, this brand of rap had been eclipsed in popularity by gangsta rap. Socially aware rap music (alternative hip hop) has experienced something of a renaissance in the late 1990s and now the 2000s, in part due to artists such as Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common, The Roots and others. "Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are … Blackstar" Mos Def's collaboration with Talib Kweli was released during the aftermath of the deaths of 2pac and The Notorious B.I.G. sparking a rebirth of "aware" and "intelligent" hip-hop. Def's music often references his Islamic faith and his contention that black artists receive little credit for their role in the birth of rock and roll music.
On Mos Def's 2004 album The New Danger, the rapper took his penchant for experimentation to a new level. Most of the songs were more hip-hop flavored stylings of Blues and Rock, with few actual raps thrown in. This threw off fans who were expecting another full-blown rap album. The New Danger also featured the controversial song "The Rape Over", a parody of Jay-Z's The Blueprint hit "The Takeover":
old white men is runnin this rap shit
corporate forces runnin this rap shit
some tall israeli is runnin this rap shit
we poke out our asses for a chance to cash in
cocaine, is runnin this rap shit
'dro, 'yac and e-pills is runnin this rap shit...
mtv is runnin this rap shit
viacom is runnin this rap shit
aol and time warner runnin this rap shit...
quasi-homosexuals is runnin this rap shit
The lyrics would seem to have chafed with higher-placed executives, who made Mos take the song off of later releases of the album, supposedly for "sample clearance issues".
In September 2005, Mos Def released the single "Katrina Clap" (utilizing the instrumental for Juvenile's "Nolia Clap"), a critical reaction to the lack of response by the Bush administration to the Hurricane Katrina disaster. He probably chose the "Nolia Clap" instrumental because the rapper Juvenile hails from New Orleans, and the song was a hit in the New Orleans area before the hurricane.
Mos Def also collaborated with Kanye West on West's track named "two words" and appeared in the music video.
Acting career
The first years of the 2000s have established Mos Def as a notable actor. His performances in Brown Sugar, Monster's Ball, and the HBO made-for-TV film Something The Lord Made have been particularly acclaimed by critics. Having been nominated for several awards, Mos finally broke through, winning Best Actor, Independent Movie at the 2005 Black Reel Awards for his portrayal of Sgt. Lucas in The Woodsman. He also landed the role of Ford Prefect in the long-awaited 2005 movie adaption of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Notably, in 2002 he played the role of Booth in Suzan-Lori Parks' Topdog/Underdog, a Tony-nominated and Pulitzer-winning Broadway play. He has also been a musical guest and participated in many skits on Comedy Central's Chappelle's Show.
In 2004, he hosted the MOBO awards in London, after the original presenter, Pharrell Williams pulled out at the last minute.
He has been the host of the award-winning spoken word show Def Poetry Jam since its inception. The show's sixth season aired in February 2007.
Discography
* 1998 Black Star (released with Talib Kweli under the name Black Star) Priority Records
* 1999 Black on Both Sides Rawkus Records
* 2004 The New Danger Geffen
o nominated for Best Urban/Alternative
Performance, 47th Annual Grammy Awards
* 2006 True Magic
* 2009 THE Ecstatic Downtown Records
* 2010 Mos Dub
Selected Filmography
* Cadillac Records (2009)
* Be Kind Rewind (2008)
* Talladega Nights (2006) (a quick cameo)
* Dreamgirls (2006)
* Bobby (2006)
* The Brazilian Job (2006) (pre-production)
* 16 Blocks (2006)
* The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005).
* Lackawanna Blues (2005)
* Something the Lord Made (2004)
o nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie, 56th Annual Emmy Awards
o nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television, 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards
* Chapelle Show (? year) - Black Delegation Rep for Racial Draft
* The Woodsman (2004)
* The Italian Job (2003)
* Brown Sugar (2002)
* Civil Brand (2002)
* Showtime (2002)
* Monster's Ball (2001)
* Carmen: A Hip Hopera (2001)
* Bamboozled (2000)
* Where's Marlowe? (1998)
In September 2011, Mos Def announced that he planned to use the name Yasiin Bey instead of Mos Def beginning in 2012.
http://www.myspace.com/mosdef
Another World
Mos Def Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Small brats get they ass kicked, me and Mos smash it
Top gun like what comes after the, fist rockin' knife
Check the keys that get played on the roads of life
Yo the rhyme is so heavy like a load of my chest
Travel on these mc's, leave 'em broken like house pets
Priceless like the streets I'm on, my word is born
You like Paula Abdul-ka-ka compared to Sarah Born?
Mc's sayin' damn what got it goin after you
Slam my microphone and do just what I have to do
Hey yo, I'd like to stop and chat but I'm just passing through
You know I'd like to stop and chat but I'm just passing through
I'm on my way back to Louis Avenue
Inside Brooklyn the b-boy capital, lot of cats travel to black eratical
Say, my response is invatically yes
We invatically fresh, you dramatically stressed
These mc's proceed to cease the presidential palace
And burn Babylon like a ?
Strive to maintain balance
With the God given talent
Articulate the article, eliminate the fossical
Black Star Line shine remarkable, they style ain't even talk-able
These socalled criminals is fictional they make the party turn miserable
We document the memorable
Then break 'em up like syllables
Straight down to earth like minerals
Your style is foul like down? chemicals
We five-dimensional, audio, visual, physical, spiritual, lyrical
Another world
Another world, y'all
We transmit another world
Another World, y'all
We transmit another world
Another World, y'all
We transmit another world
Black Star 'bout to shine from what
Yo Mos, ain't it a shame how these people treating life like a game
Ain't gonna give you no fame by callin out your name
Just explain how I do it and, lead by example
Stay away from repetition don't wanna sound like no sample
You can't handle this Messiah
My shit is classical we get bug' like Umfufu, "You treat me like animal!"
Just 'cause you got money, don't mean you made it
Just 'cause you make it don't give you the right to be a ?
Matter fact stay out my face
I can't take it like them stupid big horse bills
Your defense is nill, my chatter, shatter your force field
Kweli and Mos Definition with more lines then a petition
Yo my mission is to break shit in half, like intermission
Then get missin' with Hi-Tech or anyone like that
Costin' one million pounds 'cause it sound so fat
Lay you flat like the carpet
Take the tobacco out my spliff before you spark it
The only tye I rock is chocolate
Makin' profits like Spacely Sprockets, you can't stop it
The topic, we always gonna be black like markets
From the underground, look around and tell me what you see
Another picture painted perfectly by yours truly
Another world, y'all
Say what, another world
Another world, y'all
Say what, another world
Travellin' through, time and space
On the the Black Star galactica
Yo, another world
'nother 'nother, 'nother, 'nother, 'nother world
Never never never soap opera
Whether you, Indian, Dominican, Jamaican or Bolivian
No matter what disc recorder or part of town you livin' in
I recommend you listenin' to these distinguished gentlemen
Who take the proper measurement to represent
The solo's ? chrome is known to built on
Gleam on the measurement
Master MC carpentry
Talib kwa, the Kweli in quality
Put the groundation down properly
You can't trespass the property
Ain't takin' or breakin', robbery
Got the whole owner blast-back policy
Follow me, descendant of the grand master armery
Where cats rock the Wallabe and Kangols, MC's exchange flows
The same goes on, they'll be here when we gone
Hope they heart stay strong for
The other world
The other world y'all
Say what, another world
Another, 'nother 'nother 'nother
Say what, another world
'nother 'nother 'nother
In “Another World,” Mos Def and Talib Kweli combine their lyrical excellence to deliver a powerful message about staying true to oneself and standing up for what is right. The opening lines of the song set the tone for what is to follow, with Mos Def boasting about his and Talib's exceptional rapping abilities while denigrating amateurs. He emphasizes his skill with similes, comparing himself to a "Top Gun" and saying that his rhymes are as "heavy like a load off my chest." He and Talib then move on to denounce society's materialism and suggest being true to oneself and setting an example for others. Mos Def stresses that "just 'cause you make it don't give you the right to be a..." and then highlights his commitment to his art by declaring that the only "tie" he wears is "chocolate."
The two rappers then drive home their message by exhorting their listeners, regardless of ethnicity or cultural background, to listen to their music and follow the principles of authenticity and standing up for oneself. It's possible to interpret the refrain of “Another World” as a call to action to step outside of one's present experience and to consider other possibilities. Ultimately, Mos Def and Talib Kweli use their fantastic lyrical abilities to assert that they and their listeners represent “Another World” that is more authentic, meaningful, and optimistic than the world in which they find themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
We fantastic, flippin' on tracks like gymnastics
We are amazing and versatile on beats like a gymnast performing flips.
Small brats get they ass kicked, me and Mos smash it
Inexperienced rappers get defeated easily while Mos Def and I dominate the rap game.
Top gun like what comes after the, fist rockin' knife
We are at the top of our game like the best weapon after fist and knives.
Check the keys that get played on the roads of life
Take note of the important elements that come into play in the journey of life.
Yo the rhyme is so heavy like a load of my chest
The lyrics are so deep and meaningful that they weigh heavily on my heart.
Travel on these mc's, leave 'em broken like house pets
We demolish other rappers and leave them in a pathetic state.
Priceless like the streets I'm on, my word is born
My value is immeasurable like the streets I walk on, and my words are authentic and true.
You like Paula Abdul-ka-ka compared to Sarah Born?
Your skills are inferior, like comparing Paula Abdul to the talented Sarah Vaughan.
Sayin', what did I do to be so black and blue
Wondering why I have to endure discrimination for my race, which hurts me physically and emotionally.
Mc's sayin' damn what got it goin after you
Other rappers are intimidated by my talent and don't want to follow my performance on stage.
Slam my microphone and do just what I have to do
I perform with great passion and energy, giving my best to the audience.
Hey yo, I'd like to stop and chat but I'm just passing through
Although I want to engage in a conversation, I have to move on since I am in a hurry.
I'm on my way back to Louis Avenue, Inside Brooklyn the b-boy capital, lot of cats travel to black eratical
Heading back to my hometown Louis Avenue in Brooklyn, where many Hip-hop lovers gather to watch talented performers.
Say, my response is invatically yes, We invatically fresh, you dramatically stressed
My answer is an emphatic Yes, we are extraordinarily talented and fresh, while you are struggling and stressed.
These mc's proceed to cease the presidential palace, And burn Babylon like a ?
Other rappers want to bring down the government and represent the oppressed people, symbolized as burning Babylon.
Strive to maintain balance, With the God given talent, Articulate the article, eliminate the fossical
I endeavor to balance my talent given by God and use it to express meaningful and original ideas, while eliminating outdated and shallow concepts.
Black Star Line shine remarkable, they style ain't even talk-able
The Black Star group's talent and style are so remarkable that they surpass words.
These socalled criminals is fictional they make the party turn miserable, We document the memorable, Then break 'em up like syllables
These rappers who want to present themselves as criminals are fake and only bring negativity to the party. We, on the other hand, document the important and memorable moments, which we effortlessly break down like syllables in our rhymes.
Straight down to earth like minerals
Our style is natural and organic, like minerals from the earth.
Your style is foul like down? chemicals
Your rap style is repulsive like toxic chemicals that harm the environment.
We five-dimensional, audio, visual, physical, spiritual, lyrical
We excel in five aspects: sound, vision, body, soul, and wordplay.
Another world
We aim to create something unique and different that sets us apart from others.
Travellin' through, time and space, On the Black Star galactica, Yo, another world'nother 'nother, 'nother, 'nother world, Never never never soap opera
Our journey through Hip-hop is like traveling through different dimensions, using our talent to create something extraordinary. It's not like a mundane soap opera that repeats the same storylines.
Whether you, Indian, Dominican, Jamaican or Bolivian, No matter what disc recorder or part of town you livin' in, I recommend you listenin' to these distinguished gentlemen
Regardless of one's background and where they reside, I suggest they pay attention to us, the talented rappers, as we represent the best of Hip-hop.
Who take the proper measurement to represent the solo's ? chrome is known to built on, Gleam on the measurement
We measure and represent the essence of solo Hip-hop perfectly, and our style shines like the measurement of chrome.
Master MC carpentry, Talib kwa, the Kweli in quality, Put the groundation down properly
We are experts in constructing and mastering the art of MC-ing. Talib Kweli is especially renowned for his impactful and high-quality rhymes, setting a solid foundation for Hip-hop as a genre.
You can't trespass the property, Ain't takin' or breakin', robbery
You cannot invade our domain or take anything from us without permission, as we never steal or rob from others.
Got the whole owner blast-back policy
We safeguard our territory and have our own policies to block off any intrusion and respond if necessary.
Follow me, descendant of the grand master armery
Please follow my lead, as I am a descendant of the great master of Hip-hop.
Where cats rock the Wallabe and Kangols, MC's exchange flows, The same goes on, they'll be here when we gone, Hope they heart stay strong for the other world
Our Hip-hop community is where people wear iconic brands like Wallabees and Kangols. MCs rap, exchange rhymes, and pass on the legacy. They will keep this tradition alive when we're gone, and I hope they remain passionate and committed to creating something fresh and unique for the future.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DANTE SMITH, JONATHAN BAKER, S GILBERT, TALIB KWELI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Poetics
"We document the memorable/ and break em up like syllables/ stay down to earth like minerals". "We 5-dimensional... audio, visual, physical, spiritual, lyrical". Mos Def and Talib Kweli are both in the top 10 MCs of all time. They're way too brilliant to be ovalooked. It's cuz of artists like them that make Hip Hop more than just some music genre... artists like them represent true Hip Hop - the movement!
Ms. Sherry Sherrill
Ase. Amen.
Bryan Peña
Mos Def killed it!! Classic verses 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Trent Yates
Kweli is one hell of a lyricist. This joint is underrated. Real hip hop to the fullest
aBSOpinion
Blackstar never ceases to amaze me. Mos Def and Talib Kweli are the best MCs ever. This song is just more proof as far as I am concerned. Too bad they don't get as much exposure as other MCs on MTV and BET especially since they are so much better.
RealSupervillain
They really define current conscious hip-hop in my mind. No other cats are doing what they do. I'm still loving hip-hop
Djsignify
real banger this one... "wide angles" might be one of the most slept on albums of all time
Iman A
Hell yeah man. Respiration is one of my favorite songs of all time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HEEMIN
two of the greatest stars in hip hop, Black Star and Gang Starr
RNN
Wouldn’t both examples be constellations?