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
Casa Bey
Mos Def Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dimensions are perfected
But the static and kinetic is power
Past pressure, and mass beyond measure
You can place son where ever, he "Don't stop"
Magnetic, the flows are athletic
Dimensions are perfected
But the static and kinetic is power
You can place son where ever, he Bed-Stuy "Boogie Man"
Magnetic, the flows are athletic
Dimensions are perfected
But the static and kinetic is power
Past pressure, and mass beyond measure
You can place son where ever, he "Thank you and thank you very kindly"
Magnetic, the flows are athletic
Dimensions are perfected
But the static and kinetic is power
Past pressure, and mass beyond measure
You can place son where ever, he Bed-Stuy forever
The fresh, the author and associates are proud to present
M-Def the Black, fantastic raw
Dynamic, true Ecstatic, ghetto outstanding
Classic active every place, I have
The skill, power, passion, raise your red lantern
Stanzas and anthems based on expansion
A vantage point of the past, present and after
Rapture, mastered the ceremonial master craft
Of the masterminds who craft masters
Master and viber from Brooklyn Island
Legendary asylum, Black Star shining
Bedford-Stuyvesant isn't Strivers
Flatbush blazing like it's smoke of the prophet
And it's constant, remarkable artwork
And God is the author, from Flaco to Archer
We right on target, a ready steady responsive
A black light bright in the darkness, y'all just
A fantastic rawness, good morning, yes
You are rocking with the fresh
You are rocking with the fresh
You are rocking with the Def
With a kiss
Hah, ye-hee-hes
Right now on it alwaaaaays
Soul shocking, never stopping
Always keep the beat rock
Hah, ye-he-he-heees
Ye-hee-he-hes
Right now on it always
Play on all digits
You know you can't stop my go
You can't stop my go
Born to be who I am
(Been born to be who I am)
Bright light from a distant star
(Bright light from a distant star)
Miracles, answered prayers
(Miracles, answered prayers)
Huh, all in together now
You can't stop my go
I've been born to be where I am
A bright light from a distant star
Miracles and answered prayers
You can't stop my go
I've been born to be where I am
Mos light from a distant star
Miracles and answered prayers
Yes, ye-hee-hees
Right now on it always
Soul shocking, never stopping
Always keep the beat on rock
Hah, ye-he-he-hees
Hah, ye-he-heees
Right now on it always
Author and associates are proud to present
Static rhythms of Boogie Man productions
Don't stop the rock
You don't, don't stop the rock
You don't, don't stop the rock
You don't, don't stop the rock
You hear the people say "Don't stop"
Don't stop the rock
You don't, don't stop the rock
You don't, don't stop the rock
You don't, don't stop the rock
You hear the people say "Don't stop"
You can't stop my go
I've been born to be where I am
Bright light from a distant star
Miracles "Don't stop"
The verses of Mos Def's "Casa Bey" are filled with strong imagery and metaphorical lyrics, which emphasize his powerful and dynamic presence as a rapper. The opening lines of the song introduce the themes of athleticism and perfection, which are contrasted with the "static and kinetic" power of the rapper's flow. This suggests that Mos Def's style is constantly in motion, shifting effortlessly from one mode to another, and that his abilities are unparalleled in the rap game.
Further on in the song, Mos Def references his hometown of Bedford-Stuyvesant, which he calls the "Black Star shining," and evokes the idea of artistic and intellectual genius as a form of asylum. The song suggests that Bed-Stuy is a place where creativity and artistry flourish, and where great ideas are given the freedom to grow and evolve. In the final verses of the song, Mos Def asserts that he is "born to be where I am," and that he represents a "bright light from a distant star," an image that suggests his universal appeal and his ability to reach across cultural barriers.
Line by Line Meaning
Magnetic, the flows are athletic
The rapper's flow is captivating and strong.
Dimensions are perfected
The rapper's music has been crafted with precision.
But the static and kinetic is power
The combination of stillness and movement in the music is impactful.
Past pressure, and mass beyond measure
The music transcends the barriers of time and space.
You can place son where ever, he 'Don't stop'
The rapper's talent and message are powerful and unstoppable.
M-Def the Black, fantastic raw
The rapper, Mos Def, is authentically and fantastically himself.
Dynamic, true Ecstatic, ghetto outstanding
The rapper is authentic, lively, and outstanding among his peers from the ghetto.
Classic active every place, I have
The rapper's music is timeless and active in every setting.
The skill, power, passion, raise your red lantern
The rapper's music is skilled, powerful, and passionate, demanding attention.
Stanzas and anthems based on expansion
The rapper's lyrics are expansive and filled with messages for all.
A vantage point of the past, present and after
The rapper has a unique perspective on life, encompassing time.
Rapture, mastered the ceremonial master craft
The rapper has mastered the craft of music in all aspects.
Of the masterminds who craft masters
The rapper is among the best in the music game.
Master and viber from Brooklyn Island
The rapper is a true master of music from his Brooklyn roots.
Legendary asylum, Black Star shining
The rapper is part of a legendary group, Black Star, that stands out.
Bedford-Stuyvesant isn't Strivers
The rapper is from Bed-Stuy and is hard-working and dedicated like the community.
Flatbush blazing like it's smoke of the prophet
The rapper's Flatbush neighborhood is on fire with creativity.
And it's constant, remarkable artwork
The music from the rapper's neighborhood is consistently creative and notable.
And God is the author, from Flaco to Archer
The rapper recognizes the divine power in creativity and shouts out his community.
We right on target, a ready steady responsive
The rapper is on point with his music and is responsive to any situation.
A black light bright in the darkness, y'all just
The rapper's music is a beacon of light amidst any darkness, superior to other music.
A fantastic rawness, good morning, yes
The rapper's music is excellent in its unpolished, authentic state.
Play on all digits
The rapper's music is played in all locations.
You know you can't stop my go
The rapper is unstoppable in his music and message.
Born to be who I am
The rapper has a clear sense of identity.
Bright light from a distant star
The rapper is a beacon of light from a far-off place.
Miracles, answered prayers
The rapper's success is seen as a miracle or answer to prayers.
Don't stop the rock
The listeners are encouraged to keep experiencing the music.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EDU LOBO, DANTE SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ultimatedj6688
[Intro]
"Boogie Man"
Magnetic, the flows are athletic
Dimensions are perfected
But the static and kinetic is power
Past pressure, and mass beyond measure
You can place son where ever, he... "Don't stop"
Magnetic, the flows are athletic
Dimensions are perfected
But the static and kinetic is power
Past pressure, and mass beyond measure
You can place son where ever, he Bed-Stuy "Boogie Man"
Magnetic, the flows are athletic
Dimensions are perfected
But the static and kinetic is power
Past pressure, and mass beyond measure
You can place son where ever, he... "Thank you and thank you very kindly"
Magnetic, the flows are athletic
Dimensions are perfected
But the static and kinetic is power
Past pressure, and mass beyond measure
You can place son where ever, he Bed-Stuy forever
[Verse]
The fresh, the author and associates are proud to present
M-Def the Black, fantastic raw
Dynamic, true Ecstatic, ghetto outstanding
Classic active every place, I have
The skill, power, passion, raise your red lantern
Stanzas and anthems based on expansion
A vantage point of the past, present and after
Rapture, mastered the ceremonial master craft
Of the masterminds who craft masters
Master and viber from Brooklyn Island
Legendary asylum, Black Star shining
Bedford-Stuyvesant isn't Strivers
Flatbush blazing like it's smoke of the prophet
And it's constant, remarkable artwork
And God is the author, from Flaco to Archer
We right on target, a ready steady responsive
A black light bright in the darkness, y'all just
A fantastic rawness, good morning, yes
[Pre- Chorus]
You are rocking with the fresh
You are rocking with the fresh
You are rocking with the Def
With a kiss...
[Chorus 1]
Hah, ye-hee-hes
Right now on it alwaaaaays...
Soul shocking, never stopping
Always keep the beat rock
Hah, ye-he-he-heees...
Ye-hee-he-hes...
Right now on it alwaaaaays...
[Chorus 2]
Play on all digits
You know you can't stop my go
You can't stop my go
Born to be who I am
(Been born to be who I am)
Bright light from a distant star
(Bright light from a distant star)
Miracles, answered prayers
(Miracles, answered prayers)
Huh, all in together now
You can't stop my go
I've been born to be where I am
A bright light from a distant star
Miracles and answered prayers
You can't stop my go
I've been born to be where I am
Mos light from a distant star
Miracles and answered praaaaaayers...
[Chorus 1]
Yes, ye-hee-hees...
Right now on it alwaaaaays...
Soul shocking, never stopping
Always keep the beat on rock
Hah, ye-he-he-heeees...
Hah, ye-he-heees...
Right now on it always
Author and associates are proud to present
Static rhythms of Boogie Man productions
[Bridge]
Don't stop the rock
You don't, don't stop the rock
You don't, don't stop the rock
You don't, don't stop the rock
You hear the people say "Don't stop"
Don't stop the rock
You don't, don't stop the rock
You don't, don't stop the rock
You don't, don't stop the rock
You hear the people say "Don't stop"
[Outro]
{*Repeat 5X to fade*}
You can't stop my go
I've been born to be what I am
Bright light from a distant star
Miracles "Don't stop"
@KonchokChotak
Mighty Mos said in an interview “if I was to die today and had to pick one song to best represent me; listen to Casa Bey.” 🎵 much love Yasiin! You been one of my favorite MC’s since the 90’s!
@nicstanfield9021
Every time I come back to this song I see myself in 20 years. Maybe it’s a family reunion or a holiday. And I put this song on and look at my grandkids and say “what y’all know about this?”
@xtin192
2024 because this will never die
@215jphilly
The harmony and soul at the end or last min is so dope ✊🏽
@izsincere8445
Dat Part
@dmd805
It has taken me years, but I finally found it!
@dbmeiamdee
Yasiin Bey makes me proud to be Black and Muslim. And that’s #realtalk 🖤
@kidpastproductions3951
I love this song so much man. I wish hip hop now was anything like this.
@gillroygarlic3616
This came out 10 years ago. I listened to the ecstatic during the 09 summer, besides my beautiful dark twisted fantasy, the last hip hop album I listened front to back. Shame mos def doesn’t care enough to drop another classic.
@ninipeabody6976
Dam u took my comment