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
Habitat
Mos Def Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A place where we come from (place where someone lives, a residence)
(Understand that)
This place that we come from is called home (the, the physical structure)
(Within which one lives, such as a house)
We set out on our travels (a dwelling place with a social unit that occupies it)
We do the best we can (a household)
We travel this big earth as we roam (an environment offering security and happiness)
We all got to have (a place where something is discovered, founded)
To a place that we come from (developed or promoted)
This place that we come from is called home (a source, a headquarters, a home base)
(Understand that)
And even though we may love (although relating to a team's place of origin)
This place on the map (on or into the point)
Said it ain't where ya from (of which something is directed)
It's where ya at (to the center or the heart of people)
I came up in the street around some real wild brothers
With more than one name and more than one baby mother
More than one case, been on more than one run (uh)
Got more than one enemy and more than one gun
Partner, all that's left to want is more
While them cats that's less privileged is just more raw
Less space 'cause the projects laced with more flaws
Less sleep 'cause the nights ain't peace, it's more war
The can is raw like thirsty, rainy season thunder claps
On the block with your old pop pleading number act
To the spot with the red top fiends is huddled at
To the crib where the little kids spend their summers trapped
With the jungle cats, lions and tigers, leopards and cheetahs
For gazelle you get chased like a zebra, they blaze cheeba-cheeba
And dominate the weaker on the street
Hungry bellies only love what they eat and it's hard to compete
When they smiling with your heart in they teeth
And the odds is stacked high beyond and beneath
Son, I been plenty places in my life and time
And regardless where home is, son, home is mine
We all got to have (been in this world)
To a place that where we come from (travelling, travelling, travelling, travelling)
This place where we come from is called home (so many places I go)
We set out on our travels (been in this world)
We do the best we can (travelling, travelling)
We travel this big earth as we roam (roam, roam, roam)
We all got to have, some place where we come from (people all over the world)
I said, the place that we come from is called home
(Got to have some place to call home)
Even though we may love, this place on the map (hey hey, place on the map)
I said, it ain't where ya from (ain't where ya from)
It's where ya at (where you at)
Some people live out in New York City (yeah)
Some people live out in Atlanta (uh-huh, uh-huh)
Some people got to live, Chicago
Some people do live, Miami
All my people that live, California
And other people that live, London
And everybody got to live in the whole big world
Together just you and me (when I think of home)
When I think of home, my remembrance of my beginning
Laundromat helping, ma duke fold the bed linen
Chill in front my building with my brother and them
Spending nights in Bushwick with my cousins and them
Wise town and Beat Street (uh), federal relief
Slowly melting in the morning, grits we used to eat (right)
Sticking to your teeth and teeth is hard to keep
With every flavor Now & Later only a dime apiece
Old timers on the bench playing cards and thangs (right)
Telling tales about they used to be involved in things
(Son, I used to be the man around here)
Start to drinking, talking loud
Cussing up and showing out (where you going? Where you going?)
Get the phone, call the cops (ay, where you-, you better get off me)
Pick 'em up, move 'em out (ooh, oh, ah)
And it's all too common to start wildin'
I'm a pirate on an island seeking treasure known as silence
And it's hard to find
Block parties in dark lobbies (uh)
Funeral homes packed but only dark bodies
I can't sleep hardly, stirred up like Bob Marley
Marley Marl played the symphony, memory recalls
Son, I been to many places in my space and time
And whatever my home is, son, home is mine
We all got to have (been all over this world)
To a place that where we come from (travelling, travelling, travelling, travelling)
This place where we come from is called home (so many places I go)
We set out on our travels (set out on our travels)
We do the best we can (and do the best I can)
We travel this big earth that we roam (with the best I know)
Said, we all got to have (we all got to have)
To a place that where we come from (some place you call home)
This place that we come from is called home
(Some place your heart can be close to, hey)
Even though we may love (we may love)
This place that's on the map (this place on the map)
Said, it ain't where ya from (no, no)
It's where ya at (where you at, where you at)
Said, it ain't where ya from (hey, hey)
It's where ya at
(Huh, say what? Say what?) Said where you at
Said, it ain't where ya from (no, no)
It's where ya at (where you at)
Said, it ain't where ya from (it ain't where you from)
It's where ya at (where you at)
Said, it ain't where ya from (intend to get on to)
It's where ya at (intend to get on to)
Said, it ain't where ya from (ain't where you from)
It's where ya at (where you at)
It's where ya at
The song "Habitat" by Mos Def expresses the importance of having a place to call home, regardless of where it is on the map. The lyrics suggest that home is not just a physical structure, but also a place of security and happiness, where one can feel a sense of belonging. Mos Def highlights the challenges that people face while living in different parts of the world and how some have to deal with the issue of crime and poverty, while others have the luxury of living a normal life. Despite the difficulties, everyone needs to find their own "home" where they can be themselves and feel safe.
The rapper reflects on his own experiences growing up in New York City and highlights the importance of his hometown in shaping who he is today. Despite traveling all over the world, Mos Def understands that his hometown will always hold a special place in his heart. The song is a powerful reminder that no matter where we are in life, we all need a place to call home.
Line by Line Meaning
We all got to have
Every person needs
A place where we come from
A residence, a physical structure where someone lives
(Understand that)
Recognize the importance of this fact
This place that we come from is called home
Refers to the physical structure, the residence
(Within which one lives, such as a house)
Emphasizing that it is a dwelling place with a social unit that occupies it
We set out on our travels
Embark on a journey
We do the best we can
Try our hardest
We travel this big earth as we roam
Exploring the world around us in search of our place
(A valued place, a native habitat)
Describing the importance and value of having a home
(Understand that)
Once again emphasizing the significance of this fact
We all got to have
Every person needs
To a place that we come from
Moving toward a place where we feel comfortable
This place that we come from is called home
Refers to a source, a headquarters, a home base that we develop or promote
And even though we may love
Despite having an affection for
(although relating to a team's place of origin)
Referring to a sports team's hometown
This place on the map
A location or destination on a map
(on or into the point)
Indicating a specific location
Said it ain't where ya from
Highlighting that a person's true identity is not based on their place of origin
(of which something is directed)
Clarifying that it is more about the direction or path a person takes
It's where ya at
Emphasizing that it is more about the present moment
Some people live out in New York City
Acknowledging that people reside in different places all over the world
(yeah)
Casual interjection highlighting agreement
All my people that live, California
Acknowledging that people reside in different states in the US
And other people that live, London
Recognizing that people live in different parts of the world, beyond the US
When I think of home
Reflecting on his own memories of home
my remembrance of my beginning
His recollection of his early life
Laundromat helping, ma duke fold the bed linen
A specific memory of helping his mother with laundry
Chill in front my building with my brother and them
A nostalgic memory of spending time with his siblings outside of their home
Slowly melting in the morning, grits we used to eat
Recalling a specific breakfast food he enjoyed with family members
(right)
Acknowledging the truth of what he is saying
Sticking to your teeth and teeth is hard to keep
Describing the texture and difficulty of eating the food he remembers
With every flavor Now & Later only a dime apiece
Remembering the cost of a specific candy that he enjoyed
Old timers on the bench playing cards and thangs
Describing an older generation of men enjoying leisure time activities together
Son, I been to many places in my space and time
Reflecting on his own journey and experiences
And whatever my home is, son, home is mine
Showing a sense of ownership and pride in his own home, regardless of where it is
Lyrics © DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dante Smith, Talib Kweli, Weldon Erving
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
jayjaydu91
We all got to have, a place where we come from
This place that we come from is called home
We set out on our travels, we do the best we can
We travel this big earth as we roam
We all got to have, a place where we come from
This place that we come from is called home
And even though we may love, this place on the map
Said it ain't where ya from, it's where ya at
I came up in the street around some real wild brothers
With more than one name and more than one baby mother
More than one case, been on more than one run
Got more than one enemy and more than one gun
Partner, all that's left to want is more
While these cats that's less privileged is just more raw
Less space 'cause the projects laced with more flaws
Less sleep 'cause the nights ain't peace, it's more war
The can is raw like thirsty, rainy season thunder claps
On the block with your old pop pleading number act
To the spot with the red top fiends is huddled at
To the crib where the little kids spend their summers trapped
With the jungle cats, lions and tigers, leopards and cheetahs
For gazelle you get chased like a zebra, they blaze cheeba-cheeba
And dominate the weaker on the street
Hungry bellies only love what they eat and it's hard to compete
When they smile with your heart in they teeth
And the odds is stacked high beyond and beneath
Son I been plenty places in my life and time
And regardless where home is, son home is mine
We all got to have, a place where we come from
This place that we come from is called home
We set out on our travels, we do the best we can
We travel this big earth as we roam
We all got to have, a place where we come from
This place that we come from is called home
And even though we may love, this place on the map
Said it ain't where ya from, it's where ya at
Some people live out in-New York City
Some people live out in-Atlanta
Some people got to live-Chicago
Some people do live-Miami
All my people at-California
And other people got to live-London
And everybody got to live in the whole big world
Together just you and me
When I think of home, my remembrance of my beginning
Laundromat helping ma dukes fold the bed linen
Chillin in front my building with my brother and them
Spending nights in Bushwick with my cousins and them
Wise town and Beat Street, federal relief
Slowly melting in the morning grits we used to eat
Sticking to your teeth and teeth is hard to keep
With every flavor Now & Later only a dime apiece
Old timers on the bench playing cards and thangs
Telling tales about they used to be involved in things
Start to drinking, talking loud, cussing up and showing out
On the phone, call the cops, pick'em up, move'em out
And it's all too common to start wildin'
I'm a pirate on an island seeking treasure known as silence
And it's hard to find
Block parties in dark lobbies
Funeral homes packed but only dark bodies
I can't sleep hardly, stirred up like Bob Marley
Marley Marl played the symphony, remember we recall
Son I been to many places in my space and time
And whatever my home is, son home is mine
We all got to have, a place where we come from
This place that we come from is called home
We set out on our travels, we do the best we can
We travel this big earth as we roam
We all got to have, a place where we come from
This place that we come from is called home
And even though we may love, this place on the map
Said it ain't where ya from, it's where ya at
Kahjeem Wilson
This album is so underrated I swear. Such a great piece of work.
Tobi
not underrated man. It's like a staple of hip jop
Kahjeem Wilson
@Tobi I said its underrated bc it doesn't get much recognition like a "Illmatic" or a "Reasonable Doubt" or a "Ready to Die" & we could go on & on about every other hip hop classic albums. I feel like this album could hold its own with every other hip hop classic albums
Donald Johnson
Top 10 album of all time that's just how i feel
Kahjeem Wilson
Mathematics idk about better but most definitely its a classic album fasho tho.
Ed gAr
This song is underrated
MICHAEL GEER
Just revisited this song while working outside in the beautiful blue sky and warm sunshine and the flow, the singing, the music, and the imagery he painted here made me feel GOOD!!
Mark Andrew
Love sent to all who feel this ..... we all need to be strong and don’t let us get separated
Kapitan Skaggit
The beat is the beatiful artistic cover of a book and the lyrics are the poetic words within.
spysun04
Mos Def at London Astoria in May 2000 live with a full band performing the ''Black on Both Sides'' LP of his. Still the best live hip hop show that I've ever been to and I've been to many. Too many. Word Up to the brother.