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
Grown Man Business
Mos Def Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Welcome to soundview projects
Bronx new york, 10473
Intersection action ribs touching
New gutter smacks replacing the whole dutchman
Loose mamis fucking, they definite land mines
Empty in the webbings broke and underpaid
Fighting federal cases with legal aids
The unlit stage tonight performing lime desires to eat
Can get you in a 8 by 5, the corner's younger
I smell feel touch and taste they hunger
Next in line to rep these street signs to they blunder
Under, wiping tears from his eyes facing the felony
These niggas wanna be pistol pete -without the penalty
His last words, promise me this much in death
Don't my boy live to retrace my steps
Minne stay safe move quiet and get it
If you encounter opposition get a inch from they face with it
Later amigo, digest the day to end discreetly
Sex money and boss
My ties to hear me see me
True villain
Face covered, driving gloves
Commit by my lonely when push comes to shove
They say that grown men lay on they prey
Took shorts in the street
Came back and made up for that with that white sheet
Revenge is best served cold
Get it the same way you give it
This ain't fear I just need to get away with it
Son stop over here(?), you looking at me like I'm lame
But I'm looking at y'all like y'all call this the drug game
Grand child hosing sims
Put the heroin in queens
Put pops freeman on in the early seventies
I sat in rooms with money machines
Drugs sitting 3 feet off of the floor
Cover the smell of the raw
Chess moves like barksdale, my connects untimely
King henry from 12th street flooded the bronx in the 90's
03 scene mvp and one accord
Boss makes decision paper wins awards
See me, hear me
Welcome to brooklyn, new york city 11206
Roosevelt projects, wild rose water the plant
Son you know what it is
From the moment that you come over the bridge
And if you don't ride with me
I'm gonna show you some shit
I'ma show you where my niggas stay sure on the mix
I'ma show you where the pain and the poetry is
Ghetto young'ns spend a lot of time alone in the crib
Bet on the screen, walls and posters of big
Hustlers getting dough sitting low on the 6
Blazing up the ambro glow over they wrist
Hop in the game knowing the risk
Still down to load up they clip
Gamblers with hopes of rolling the trip
But when you hear head crack there ain't no rolling again
Snatch the dice and everything you want is going it in
This how it happens, good people, bad habits, diabetics, crack addicts
Asthmatics
Searching for the truth leaping through the holy tablet
The bible, the q uran, or the ten crack commandments
Speak on it god, what's today's mathematics
The five day forecast, the dow jones average
The price of beer, cigarettes, bread, milk and pampers
Life is a test and we all got the answer
The streets keep calling its hard not answer
And on my government-my attribute-my all
So it's only natural I holla black and respond
Brooklyn stand up and make 'em all sit down
We do not fuck around
That's what it is (all day)
That's what is niggas (official, official)
That's how it is niggas
Bx, bk live all day
Get with it
Grown man business
The lyrics of Mos Def's song, Grown Man Business, paint a vivid picture of life in the projects in the Bronx and Brooklyn, where residents are struggling to make a living, and their lives are intertwined with crime, drugs, and violence. The mention of soundview projects and roosevelt projects, two notorious housing projects in New York, are first highlighted, and the singer goes on to describe the different experiences in each of them. He illustrates the harsh reality of the projects, where ribs are the main dish, and there is a prevalence of violence that can quickly drag one into a federal case with inadequate legal representation.
The lyrics go on to describe the yearning for success and a better life. The chorus emphasizes seeing and hearing the realities of the rapper's life and the lives of those around him. The final verse is a proclamation of allegiance to the borough of Brooklyn, an expression of pride in one's identity and a call to rise up and fight for what is right. In essence, the lyrics are a glimpse into the life and struggles of Black Americans in urban areas, their poverty, and the harsh realities of the projects.
Line by Line Meaning
Hear me, see me
Pay attention to what I have to say and see me for who I am.
Welcome to soundview projects
You are now in the Soundview Projects in Bronx, New York, where life is tough.
Intersection action ribs touching
There is a lot of activity on these streets, with people in close proximity.
New gutter smacks replacing the whole dutchman
The old ways of doing things have been replaced by new, more violent ones.
Loose mamis fucking, they definite land mines
Girls who are interested in casual sex can be dangerous and unpredictable.
Dudes with no right hustle throwing gang signs
People who aren't involved in gang activity are mimicking the behavior and showing off their ignorance.
Empty in the webbings broke and underpaid
Workers in low-paying jobs have no money, which is why they turn to illegal activities for income.
Fighting federal cases with legal aids
Even those who can't afford proper legal representation will do what they can to avoid getting caught.
The unlit stage tonight performing lime desires to eat
People are taking big risks in order to get what they want.
Can get you in a 8 by 5, the corner's younger
Even young people can get caught up in the criminal justice system and end up in a small cell.
I smell feel touch and taste they hunger
I am aware of people's intense desire for wealth and success.
Next in line to rep these street signs to they blunder
I am ready to follow in the footsteps of those who came before me and continue the cycle of criminal behavior.
Under, wiping tears from his eyes facing the felony
Someone is in trouble with the law and is afraid of the consequences.
These niggas wanna be pistol pete -without the penalty
People want the power and respect that comes with being a gangster, without accepting the negative consequences.
His last words, promise me this much in death
The dying man has a request to make of his friends.
Don't my boy live to retrace my steps
He does not want his son to make the same mistakes he did.
Minne stay safe move quiet and get it
Be cautious and low-key while working towards your goals.
If you encounter opposition get a inch from they face with it
Be aggressive when dealing with obstacles and don't back down.
Later amigo, digest the day to end discreetly
Goodbye friend, let's reflect on the day privately.
Sex money and boss
These are the things that many people crave and are willing to do whatever it takes to obtain them.
My ties to hear me see me
I am well-connected and have a powerful presence in this community.
True villain
I am a dangerous and feared person.
Face covered, driving gloves
I am trying to hide my identity and avoid leaving evidence behind.
Commit by my lonely when push comes to shove
I am ready to act alone if necessary.
They say that grown men lay on they prey
People who are powerful and successful often take advantage of those who are weaker or less fortunate.
Took shorts in the street
I had setbacks or losses earlier in my criminal career.
Came back and made up for that with that white sheet
My financial success came from drug dealing.
Revenge is best served cold
It is more satisfying to get revenge when it is well-planned and executed over time.
Get it the same way you give it
Treat others the way you want to be treated in return.
This ain't fear I just need to get away with it
I am not afraid, I just want to get away with my criminal activities.
Son stop over here(?), you looking at me like I'm lame
Come here, and don't underestimate me or think I'm weak.
But I'm looking at y'all like y'all call this the drug game
I see others who are not as experienced in the criminal world as myself.
Grand child hosing sims
I am referencing drug activity in Queens.
Put the heroin in queens
Drugs are distributed throughout Queens.
Put pops freeman on in the early seventies
I am referencing a musical artist from the 70s.
I sat in rooms with money machines
I have been in rooms where drug sales and large amounts of money are being exchanged.
Drugs sitting 3 feet off of the floor
Drugs are kept in plain sight and easily accessible.
Cover the smell of the raw
Measures are taken to conceal the smell of drugs being produced or distributed.
Chess moves like barksdale, my connects untimely
I make strategic decisions like the criminal characters in the TV show The Wire, but sometimes my connections let me down.
King henry from 12th street flooded the bronx in the 90's
I am referencing a drug dealer and the impact of his criminal activity on the Bronx during the 90s.
03 scene mvp and one accord
I was very successful in my criminal activity in 2003.
Boss makes decision paper wins awards
A successful criminal leader makes the right decisions and is rewarded with money and status.
Welcome to brooklyn, new york city 11206
You are now in Brooklyn, New York, with a different set of experiences and dangers.
Roosevelt projects, wild rose water the plant
This is a specific area in Brooklyn where crime is rampant.
Son you know what it is
You are aware of what's going on here.
From the moment that you come over the bridge
As soon as you cross the bridge into Brooklyn, you can feel the difference.
And if you don't ride with me
If you're not willing to cooperate with me.
I'm gonna show you some shit
I'm going to make you regret not being on my side.
I'ma show you where my niggas stay sure on the mix
I'll introduce you to my associates who are involved in criminal activity.
I'ma show you where the pain and the poetry is
I'll show you the gritty realities of life in Brooklyn, which can inspire creativity and artistry.
Ghetto young'ns spend a lot of time alone in the crib
Children growing up in poverty often have to be alone at home while their parents are working long hours.
Bet on the screen, walls and posters of big
They keep themselves entertained with TV and music, especially that of Biggie Smalls and other influential rappers.
Hustlers getting dough sitting low on the 6
Drug dealers make a lot of money while sitting low in a car on Route 6.
Blazing up the ambro glow over they wrist
They show off their wealth and jewelry by smoking marijuana and making their jewelry sparkle in the light.
Hop in the game knowing the risk
People are aware of the potential dangers but still get involved in criminal activity.
Still down to load up they clip
They are ready to use weapons to defend themselves or their drugs.
Gamblers with hopes of rolling the trip
Drug dealers and users take risks with the hope of getting a big reward.
But when you hear head crack there ain't no rolling again
Once violence occurs, there is no going back to the way things were before.
Snatch the dice and everything you want is going it in
Once someone cheats or steals, they will do whatever it takes to keep the ill-gotten gains.
This how it happens, good people, bad habits, diabetics, crack addicts
Anyone can fall into criminal activity or addiction, regardless of how good or bad they may seem.
Asthmatics
People with asthma are not immune to the lure of drugs and crime.
Searching for the truth leaping through the holy tablet
People are looking for guidance and meaning in their lives, turning to religious texts for answers.
The bible, the q uran, or the ten crack commandments
People turn to different texts for guidance, some of which may condone illegal behavior.
Speak on it god, what's today's mathematics
God, help us understand what is happening and what we need to do to succeed.
The five day forecast, the dow jones average
People pay attention to the news to try to predict the future and anticipate opportunities.
The price of beer, cigarettes, bread, milk and pampers
People care about everyday expenses and need to manage their money effectively.
Life is a test and we all got the answer
Life is challenging, but we all have the ability to succeed if we play our cards right.
The streets keep calling its hard not answer
The lure of the streets and the opportunities for wealth and power are difficult to resist.
And on my government-my attribute-my all
I value my community and my role in it above everything else.
So it's only natural I holla black and respond
I am proud of my heritage and will always stand up for myself and my community.
Brooklyn stand up and make 'em all sit down
We need to assert ourselves and make our presence known to those who would doubt or underestimate us.
We do not fuck around
We are serious about our goals and our determination to succeed in life.
Get with it
Join us in our pursuits or be left behind.
Grown man business
This is serious, adult-level criminal activity that requires a certain level of skill and ruthlessness to succeed.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARK RICHARDSON, DANTE SMITH, BARRY EUGENE WHITE, BARRY WHITE, MARK RICHARSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ajesam George
on Ms. Fat Booty
https://soundcloud.com/.../sudenly-by-da-george-prod-by...