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
Definition
Mos Def Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whoa
One two three, Mos Def and Talib Kweli
We came to rock it on to the tip-top
Best alliance in hip-hop,
I said, one two tree, Black Star shine eternally
We came to rock it on to the tip-top
And Hi-Tek make the beat drop
RE DEFinition, turning your play into a tragedy
Exhibit level degree on the mic, passionately
Niggas is sweet so I bet if I bit I'd get a cavity
Living to get high, you ain't flyer than gravity
We Die Hard like the battery done in the back of me by the mad MC
Who think imitation is the highest form of flattery, actually
Don't be mad at me, I had to be the one to break it to you
You get kicked into obscurity like judo, no Menudo
Cause you pseudo, trying to compete with reality like Xerox
Towards destruction you spiraling like hair locks, wipe them teardrops
Chasing stars in your eyes, playing games with your lives
Now the wives is widows soaking up pillows, weeping like willows
Still mo' blacks is dying, kids ain't living they trying
"How to Make a Slave" by Willie Lynch is still applying
Regardless, the Mos is one of my closest partners
Rocking ever since before Prince was called The Artist
Rocker before Funkmaster Flex was rocking Starter
When 'Pac and Biggie was still cool before they was martyrs
Life or death, if I'm choosing with every breath I'm enhancing
Stop, there comes a time when you can't run
What, lyrically handsome, call collect a king's ransom
Jams I write soon become the ghetto anthem
Way out like Bruce Wayne's mansion, move like a phantom
You'll talk about me to your grandsons
Cats who claiming they hard be mad fag
So I run through em like, flood water through sandbags
Competition is mad, what I got, they can't have
Sinking they ship, like Moby Dick, did Ahab
Son I'm way past the minimum, enter a millennium
Where cats will hold a gat to your back, like Palestinians
Ancient Abyssinian, try to ? the ?
Official b-boy gentlemen won't turn off at the interim
Born inside the winter one, day after December 10
These simpletons they mentioning the synonym for feminine
Sweeter than some cinnamon or danish rings by entammen
Rush up on adrenaline, and get they asses sent to them
(Gentlemen) you got tenement, well then assemble it!
Leave your unit trembling like herds of moving elephant
Intelligent embellishment, follow for your element
From Flatbush settlement, SKIN possess melanin
Hotter than tales of crack peddlin, making 'em woop
Like blue gelatin, swing like Duke Ellington
Broader than Barrington Levy, believe me
The hot oppression rent who burn down your chief tepee
You see me?
One two three, Mos Def and Talib Kweli
We came to rock it on to the tip-top
Best alliance in hip-hop, wayohh
I said, one two tree, Black Star shine eternally
We came to rock it on to the tip-top
Because we rulin hip-hop, yes we is rulin hip-hop
Talib Kweli is rulin hip-hop
Say we Black Star we rule hip-hop-ah-ahh-ah-ahh-ahh
Whoah!
The song Re: Definition by Mos Def and Talib Kweli is a declaration of their status in the world of hip hop. The first verse is a call-and-response between the two rappers, boasting of their skills and their alliance as Black Star. The second verse is a critique of the state of hip hop, with a condemnation of those who imitate others and those who live only to get high. A reference is made to the Willie Lynch letter, a supposed document that contains instructions for how to control slaves, to illustrate how the problems are still persistent in modern society.
The song's title, "Re: Definition," suggests that the rappers are redefining what it means to be a hip hop artist, and this is evident in the lyrics. Instead of focusing on material wealth and drug use, they emphasize skill and authenticity. The beat, produced by Hi-Tek, is simple yet effective, utilizing a repeated sample from the jazz/funk song "The Big Beat" by Billy Squier. The combination of the beat, the lyrics and the vocals results in a memorable and powerful track that showcases the talents of both rappers.
Line by Line Meaning
What what what, what what, what what, what what
Introducing the start of the song with energy and excitement.
Whoa
Expressing surprise or amazement.
One two three, Mos Def and Talib Kweli
Naming the two performers who are going to be rapping.
We came to rock it on to the tip-top
Announcing the purpose of the song.
Best alliance in hip-hop,
Claiming that the two performers are the best combination in hip-hop music.
I said, one two tree, Black Star shine eternally
Repeating the intro and adding the name of the group, Black Star, who they represent.
We came to rock it on to the tip-top
Reiterating the purpose of the song.
And Hi-Tek make the beat drop
Acknowledging the producer of the music they are rapping to.
RE DEFinition, turning your play into a tragedy
Beginning the verse stating that the redefinition of a situation can make it go from good to bad.
Exhibit level degree on the mic, passionately
Describing how Mos Def and Talib Kweli rap with great skill and feeling.
Niggas is sweet so I bet if I bit I'd get a cavity
Insulting other rappers for being fake and weak like candy.
Living to get high, you ain't flyer than gravity
Disparaging those who only care about getting high, saying that they aren't even as cool as gravity.
We Die Hard like the battery done in the back of me by the mad MC
Comparing their perseverance to a dying battery and a crazy rapper.
Who think imitation is the highest form of flattery, actually
Disagreeing with those who think copying someone else is a good thing.
Don't be mad at me, I had to be the one to break it to you
Saying that sometimes they have to be the ones to tell the truth, even if it's not what people want to hear.
You get kicked into obscurity like judo, no Menudo
Comparing the downfall of a rapper to a judo throw, and making a reference to the boy band Menudo who were once popular but are now forgotten.
Cause you pseudo, trying to compete with reality like Xerox
Criticizing fake rappers who try to imitate what's real, like a Xerox copy.
Towards destruction you spiraling like hair locks, wipe them teardrops
Saying that these fake rappers are heading towards their own destruction, and should stop crying when things go wrong.
Chasing stars in your eyes, playing games with your lives
Saying that these rappers are chasing things that can't be caught, and are not focusing on important matters.
Now the wives is widows soaking up pillows, weeping like willows
Describing the women who are left behind when rappers die, mourning and crying.
Still mo' blacks is dying, kids ain't living they trying
Bringing attention to the continuing problems of violence and poverty in the black community.
"How to Make a Slave" by Willie Lynch is still applying
Referencing a historical document that was used to keep black people enslaved, saying that its influence is still felt today.
Regardless, the Mos is one of my closest partners
Saying that Mos Def is a good friend and collaborator.
Rocking ever since before Prince was called The Artist
Stating how long they've been in the music industry, and making a reference to a popular musician.
Rocker before Funkmaster Flex was rocking Starter
Stating their longevity in the industry, and making a reference to a popular DJ and clothing brand.
When 'Pac and Biggie was still cool before they was martyrs
Referencing two famous rappers who were killed and saying that they knew them before they died.
Life or death, if I'm choosing with every breath I'm enhancing
Saying that they live their lives to the fullest, and always try to improve themselves.
Stop, there comes a time when you can't run
Reflecting on how there are times when you have to face your problems and stop running away from them.
What, lyrically handsome, call collect a king's ransom
Boasting about their lyrical skills and the amount of money they make.
Jams I write soon become the ghetto anthem
Saying that their music resonates with people in the ghetto and becomes popular there.
Way out like Bruce Wayne's mansion, move like a phantom
Comparing their coolness to the wealthy and elusive Bruce Wayne, and saying that they move like a ghost.
You'll talk about me to your grandsons
Saying that their influence will last for generations.
Cats who claiming they hard be mad fag
Making fun of rappers who pretend to be tough but are actually weak.
So I run through em like, flood water through sandbags
Saying that they can easily defeat these fake rappers.
Competition is mad, what I got, they can't have
Saying that other rappers are jealous of their skills and can't replicate them.
Sinking they ship, like Moby Dick, did Ahab
Using the story of Moby Dick to describe how they can defeat their enemies.
Son I'm way past the minimum, enter a millennium
Saying that they've accomplished more than the bare minimum, and are entering a new era.
Where cats will hold a gat to your back, like Palestinians
Referencing the violence in the Middle East, and saying that it exists in their own community too.
Ancient Abyssinian, try to ? the ?
Referencing Ethiopia, and questioning the authenticity of others who aren't from there.
Official b-boy gentlemen won't turn off at the interim
Saying that they'll always be true to themselves, even if they have to wait for success.
Born inside the winter one, day after December 10
Describing their birthdate and astrological sign.
These simpletons they mentioning the synonym for feminine
Making fun of other rappers who use big words incorrectly, or don't know what they mean.
Sweeter than some cinnamon or danish rings by entammen
Saying that they're smooth and sweet, like a dessert.
Rush up on adrenaline, and get they asses sent to them
Saying that they're ready for any challenge or competitor that comes their way.
(Gentlemen) you got tenement, well then assemble it!
Encouraging others to come together and make something great out of what they have.
Leave your unit trembling like herds of moving elephant
Saying that they can inspire and motivate others to follow them.
Intelligent embellishment, follow for your element
Saying that they use smart and creative language to convey their message, and encouraging others to do the same.
From Flatbush settlement, SKIN possess melanin
Describing their origins and the color of their skin.
Hotter than tales of crack peddlin, making 'em woop
Saying that they're even more exciting and interesting than stories about drug dealers.
Like blue gelatin, swing like Duke Ellington
Saying that they're smooth and cool like gelatin and famous jazz musician Duke Ellington.
Broader than Barrington Levy, believe me
Saying that they have a wide influence like the popular reggae musician Barrington Levy.
The hot oppression rent who burn down your chief tepee
Using Native American imagery to describe how they can defeat their enemies.
You see me?
Ending the verse with a confident and challenging question.
One two three, Mos Def and Talib Kweli
Repeating the intro again to bring back the focus to the two performers.
We came to rock it on to the tip-top
Reiterating the purpose of the song one final time.
Best alliance in hip-hop, wayohh
Asserting their dominance once again.
I said, one two tree, Black Star shine eternally
Ending the song with a repetition of the group's name and their legacy.
We came to rock it on to the tip-top
Ending the song with a final repetition of the purpose.
Because we rulin hip-hop, yes we is rulin hip-hop
Asserting their dominance and influence over the genre one final time.
Talib Kweli is rulin hip-hop
Acknowledging Talib Kweli's individual talent and success.
Say we Black Star we rule hip-hop-ah-ahh-ah-ahh-ahh
Using the group's name to make a final claim of dominance.
Whoah!
Ending the song with a final exclamation of excitement and energy.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DANTE SMITH, TALIB KWELI GREENE, TONY COTTRELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@djfedezaza
Fucking jaw dropping song. Even after all these years it sounds so fresh and dope
@jarvasedundy1
Facts
@andreamorgan6578
💯
@Slamdog500
hey uhm, I made a Top 10 Mos Def Verses video and just uploaded it. I bet ya you gonna enjoy this! Definition is in it. But which place? check it out :D (it turned out more like a Mos Def Tribute video than a hard fact Top 10 Verses) ❤ and of course with special guest Talib Kweli cause Def and Kweli close like Bethlehem and Nazareth ❤❤
@mountcomfort740
Absolutly
@MYNEWMOKE
indeed
@alexeikuznetsov1450
Mos Def is one of those once in a lifetime artists.
@simonking5381
actually hes twice inna lifetime :D
@LoganThomasSnyder
I'll give that the hundredth like, hell yeah.
@barriereid9244
I carried this on a Sony MP3 player in the Sahara Desert for ten years...did not meet a nomad or traveller who did not like the album. This has brought back many happy memories....and now I get to see those who made this magic happen. Stay safe and my regards from Scotland.