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
Kalifornia
Mos Def Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They say
People come from far far far away
To find their dreams
Chasin' down these meteors and comets called dreams
(Chasin' em chasin' em chasin' em)
In the sky of life
In certain hotspots where these meteors and stars have a tendency to fall
That California is one of those spots
I believe that to be true
They say
This the place where stars are born
They say
This is the place where legends are made
They say
This is the place where angels come play
They say
That this is the place where it all can happen
For you, for you, for you, for you
California, knows how to make dreams seem so sweet
California, knows how to whisper in your ear and tell you
You're a star, you're a star, you're a star, you're a star
And you keep on staring
Pretty girls by the ocean side
Softly refuse to shine
Tasties on your mind
California knows how to party indeed
In the city of la
They say the angels come play
In the city, city of compton all over the world
In the city of good old watts
Beat don't stop, beat don't stop
In the city
California don't stop don't stop
All the ways from la to the bay indeed
Stars fall down here that's what they say
Indeed
All the way from la to the bay indeed stars fall down here
That's what they say
Its everything they say, its everything they say
Its the lights from across the bay
California!
Oh
Its the see-a-l-I-f-o-are-n-I-a
California knows how
To make me smile at ti-I-I-I-mes
Yes they do
California hey knows how to do what they do when they do what they do when they
Do what they do to me and you too
Hey
California
Hey ay ay
Phenomena phenomena worldwide original stop indeed
Mos def on the profile indeed
Attitude by the new so very will
(Worldwide original stop indeed
Mos def on the profile indeed
Attitude by the new so very will
Attitude by the new so very will
Attitude by the new so very will
Attitude by the new so very will
Whoo
In the city
Of la
It's everything they say
It's everything they say
It's everything they say
It's everything they say
It's everything they say
The lyrics of Mos Def's song Kalifornia depict California as a hotspot for dreams and aspirations. People from far away come to find and chase their dreams, which are compared to meteors and stars falling from the sky of life. California is considered as the place where stars are born, legends are made, and angels come to play: a place where everything can happen for anyone. The lyrics also highlight the party culture of California, specifically in cities like LA, Compton, and Watts, where the beat of music never stops. The song's overall message is that California has a special aura and energy that inspires and motivates people to dream big and make those dreams a reality.
The lyrics of Kalifornia are not only a tribute to California's culture, but they also reflect Mos Def's personal journey as an artist. Mos Def was born in Brooklyn, New York, but moved to California in pursuit of his career as a musician and actor. The song could be seen as Mos Def's acceptance and appreciation of California's influence on his artistry.
Line by Line Meaning
This is the place
This particular location is significant and worthy of note
They say
According to popular belief or common knowledge
People come from far far far away
Individuals travel great distances
To find their dreams
To pursue their aspirations and desires
Chasin' down these meteors and comets called dreams
Actively pursuing and striving for their hopes and ambitions
(Chasin' em chasin' em chasin' em)
Continuously seeking after their goals
In the sky of life
The atmosphere of existence and experience
In certain hotspots where these meteors and stars have a tendency to fall
In specific areas where success and achievement are attainable
And legend has it
According to tradition, rumor, or hearsay
That California is one of those spots
California is believed to be one of those areas
I believe that to be true
I have faith in that claim
This the place where stars are born
This location is where successful and influential individuals originate
This is the place where legends are made
This locale is where exceptional and remarkable individuals are created
This is the place where angels come play
This is where significant and gifted people gather and work
That this is the place where it all can happen
This is where significant events can occur
For you, for you, for you, for you
For everyone's benefit
California, knows how to make dreams seem so sweet
California is adept at providing a sense of possibility and richness
California, knows how to whisper in your ear and tell you
The state has a way of instilling hope and confidence
You're a star, you're a star, you're a star, you're a star
You possess exceptional talent and skill
And you keep on staring
You continue to gaze and contemplate
Pretty girls by the ocean side
Attractive women on the beach or shoreline
Softly refuse to shine
Deliberately holding back their potential or beauty
Tasties on your mind
Desire for physical pleasure or gratification
California knows how to party indeed
The state is skilled at providing enjoyment and festivity
In the city of la
Within the confines of Los Angeles
They say the angels come play
It is rumored that highly skilled and influential individuals gather here
In the city, city of compton all over the world
Compton is known globally as a hub of talent and creativity
In the city of good old watts
Within the neighborhood of Watts
Beat don't stop, beat don't stop
The rhythm and pulse of the music is constant and unrelenting
California don't stop don't stop
The state never ceases to provide opportunity and excitement
All the ways from la to the bay indeed
From Los Angeles to San Francisco
Stars fall down here that's what they say
Successful and important individuals are discovered and originate in this location
Its everything they say, its everything they say
The claims and rumors regarding California are accurate
Its the lights from across the bay
The illumination and energy from San Francisco are palpable
California!
An expression of excitement or joy regarding the state
Its the see-a-l-I-f-o-are-n-I-a
A play on the pronunciation of 'California'
California knows how
California has expertise and confidence
To make me smile at ti-I-I-I-mes
To bring me happiness and positivity occasionally
Yes they do
This state successfully brings joy and satisfaction
California hey knows how to do what they do when they do what they do when they
The state has a way of meeting and exceeding expectations with ease
Do what they do to me and you too
Impacting and influencing everyone in a positive way
Hey
An exclamation of enthusiasm or agreement
Phenomena phenomena worldwide original stop indeed
The exceptional and remarkable individuals from California are known and recognized globally
Mos def on the profile indeed
Mos Def is recognized for his artistic ability and influence
Attitude by the new so very will
The progressive mindset held by the younger generation
Whoo
An expression of excitement, enthusiasm, or satisfaction
In the city
Within the urban areas of California
Of la
Within the boundaries of Los Angeles
It's everything they say
The reputation and expectations of the city are accurate
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RONALD HOOKS, RONALD HUDSON, JOHN MC LAUGHLIN, DANTE SMITH, LARRY TROUTMAN, ROGER TROUTMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
tony brigman
This is the place
They say
People come from far far far away
To find their dreams
Chasin' down these meteors and comets called dreams
(Chasin' em chasin' em chasin' em)
In the sky of life
In certain hotspots where these meteors and stars have a tendency to fall
And legend has it
That California is one of those spots
I believe that to be true
They say
This the place where stars are born
They say
This is the place where legends are made
They say
This is the place where angels come play
They say
That this is the place where it all can happen
For you, for you, for you, for you
California, knows how to make dreams seem so sweet
California, knows how to whisper in your ear and tell you
You're a star, you're a star, you're a star, you're a star
And you keep on staring
Pretty girls by the ocean side
Softly refuse to shine
Tasties on your mind
California knows how to party indeed
In the city of la
They say the angels come play
In the city, city of compton all over the world
In the city of good old watts
Beat don't stop, beat don't stop
In the city
California don't stop don't stop
All the ways from la to the bay indeed
Stars fall down here that's what they say
Indeed
All the way from la to the bay indeed stars fall down here
That's what they say
Its everything they say, its everything they say
Its the lights from across the bay
California!
Oh
Its the see-a-l-I-f-o-are-n-I-a
California knows how
To make me smile at ti-I-I-I-mes
Yes they do
California hey knows how to do what they do when they do what they do when they
Do what they do to me and you too
Hey
California
Hey ay ay
Phenomena phenomena worldwide original stop indeed
Mos def on the profile indeed
Attitude by the new so very will
(Worldwide original stop indeed
Mos def on the profile indeed
Attitude by the new so very will
Attitude by the new so very will
Attitude by the new so very will
Attitude by the new so very will
Whoo
In the city
Of la
It's everything they say
It's everything they say
It's everything they say
It's everything they say
It's everything they say
Dan Nunes
LYRICS - TOP SONGS - BIKER BOYZ -
BRASIL SÃO PAULO - 2023
Mos Def
(Softly)
This is the place They say
People come from far far far away
To find their dreams
Chasin down these meteors and comets called dreams
(Chasin em Chasin em Chasin em...)
In the sky of life
In certain hotspots where these meteors and stars have a tendency to fall
And legend has it (break) that California is one of those spots
I believe that to be true...
They say...This the place where stars are born
They say...this is the place where legends are made
They say....this is the place where angels come play
They say...that this is the place where it all can happen
)for you 4x)
california..knows how to make dreams seem so sweet
california..knows how to whisper in your ear and tell you (your a star 5x)
and you keep on staring
pretty girls by the oceanside
softly refuse to shine
tasties? on your mind
california knows how to party indeed
In the city of LA
They say the angels come play
In the city..City of compton All over the world
In the city Of good old watts
(Beat dont stop 2X)
In the city
California dont stop dont stop
All the ways from La to the bay indeed
stars fall down here thats what they say
indeed
all the way from LA to the bay indeed stars fall down here
thats what they say
its everything they say 2X
its the lights from across the bay
California!
ohhh
Its the c-a-l-i-f-o-r-n-i-a
California knows how
to make me smile at ti-i-i-i-mes yes they do
california hey knows how to do what they do when they do what they do when they
do what they do to me and you too
heyyy
California
hey ay ay
phenomena phenomena worldwide original stop indeed
mos def on the profile indeed
attitude by the new so very will
(worldwide original stop indeed
Mos def on the profile indeed
attitude by the new so very will--4X)
whoo
in the city
of LA
(its everything they say 5X)
Oneness100
@Elijah I just know that the music today is mostly garbage. I grew up where you had actual musicians that all knew how to play a musical instrument. You study either self taught, private lessons and/or going to a music school to learn how to play. It's a lot of HARD work to be able to reach a level where someone will call you up and get paid to do a gig, etc. It's a LOT of work.
Taking a sample of someone else's work is easy. Any 5 year old can learn how to do it. And the problem is there's not much in the way of intelligence, heart, soul and emotion behind taking a sample of someone else's musical performances, taking a couple of measures out of context to THEIR music and then cut, copy, paste, paste paste paste is just a few mouse clicks.
The whole concept of learning to play a musical instrument and become accomplished in a variety of different styles of music like Blues, Jazz (different styles), Latin, and other music forms from around the world, can actually be combined into new forms of music. That's where things become new and different.
But you have been educated in computer based music and how to effectively plagiarize someone else's hard work and act like it's YOURS. I'll bet you any amount of money that 99% of the people that listen to this song NEVER heard of Mahavishnu Orchestra, NEVER heard of the song it's based on, and NEVER knew that the music of this song was created by other musicians and you think Mos Def played all of the instruments or created it all himself.
His vocal part sounds literally like he sat back, smoked HUGE amounts of weed while he raps some stupid lyrics, tries to sing, but can't and it just sound stupid.
But since you are so attached to Mos Def, someone like me comes around, exposes the truth and you take it personally. Don't. I'm not attacking you, I'm attacking someone with no actual talent effectively stealing someone else's hard work and making money from it and probably more than the musicians involved with this song. is that fair?
Thunder Heads410
I remember watching Biker Boyz back when it came out and i liked it. I liked the glam it shows with the women and the attention. I wanted to ride motorcycles afterwards and i watched a few movies about riding, i watched the Isle Of Man, i watched MotoGP, Endurance Motorcycle racing for 8 hours or more per race, i watched top fuel drag race, i watched street racing. I watched enduro and cross country and world riding.
When i got my wheels, i had all but forgotten this movie and amazing song. What i learned to appreciate, what i learned that was not for me, was the things in Biker Boyz. I learned the sad peacefulness of your 4 cylinders buzzing underneath you at 5,000rpm, cruising and just minding your own business. I learned to love the solitude it bought and the smiles i found in unexpected places. I learned to love the heat of the road, when the sun cooks your leathers at over 100°F and tje heat of the exhaust climbing up you pant legs from the egine fan. I love the feeling of the frame heat from the engine roasti g your boots, the pain from being on the bars and the way the bike wants to throw you off at over 140mph. I learned to love it, hate it. I learned motorcycles, how they can change your attitude and demeanor. How motorcycles can change your thinking, when to go, what you can do and knowing when to trust the tires underneath you when you are unsure of the road. I learned how when you ride you get confidence and start to take things harder and faster than before, how your confidence can make you feel good and how it can bite you in the ass.
I learned how good it feels to be alive when you should have died and busted your head. I've had high sides, tank slappers and broke traction at 7,000rpm in 3rd gear and felt the bike slide behind me on the rear ture as i keep the throttle open. I've had low sides and oil slicks, went over the bars and scrambled away from vehichles as they may soon hit and kill you.
Riding motorcycles taught me life and it started, unbeknownst to me, hearing Mos Def and watching this movie. Riding bikes man, this song is paramount to the attitude i have. Everyone rides different, so i ride alone and make sure others are in my mirrors and no one sees me. Motorcycles are a very personal and selfish relationship with a machine. It truly is who you are and when others see you, it's a personal anonymity becuase they see someone who they think is cool behind the helmet. As one of the grestest sporting champions, Ayrton Senna said "the helmet hides emotions that cannot be seen."
So when you see a biker, know that you never really see them. Even if it's for fame.
MUD >MANUTENÇÃO DE PC ONLINE<
This is the place... where you say
People come from far, far, far away to find their dreams
Chasin' down these meteors and comets
(chasin' 'em, chasin' 'em, chasin' 'em down)
Called dreams, in the sky of life
(chasin' 'em, chasin' 'em, chasin' 'em down
Chasin' 'em, chasin' 'em) There certain hot spots
Where these meteors and stars have tendency to fall
And legend has it that California is one of those spots
I believe that to be true
They say this is the place stars are born
They say this is the place (place) legends are made
They say this is the place where angels come again, ay ay
They say that this is the place where it all can happen for you
(for you, for you, for you)
California knows how to make dreams seem so sweet
California knows how to-
Whisper in your ear and tell ya you're a star
You're a star, you're a star, you're a star, you're a star (star)
You're a star and you keep on shinin'
(you're a star, you're a star, you're a star, you're a star)
Pretty girls by the oceanside (side)
Stars that refuse to shine (shine, shine)
This is on your mind (i-i-i-ind-i)
California knows how to party (indeed)
In the city of L.A. (ay ay ay ay ay ay ay)
They say that angels come again
In the city, city of Compton (Compton, Compton, Compton, Compton)
Black people all over the ?other side?
In the city of good ol' Watts (Watts, Watts, Watts, Watts, Watts)
Make them stop, make them stop
In the city, California don't stop (don't stop)
All the way from L.A. to the Bay (indeed)
Stars fall down here, that's what they say (indeed)
All the way from L.A. to the Bay (indeed)
Stars fall down here, that's what they say (indeed)
It's everything they say, it's everything they say
Distant lights from across the Bay
California! It's the C-A-L-I-F-O-R-N-I-A
California knows how to make me smile sometime
Yes they do (woo) yes they do
California-hey-ay knows how to do what they do
When they do what they do
When they do what they do to me and you too, hey-ay
California-how-hey-ay-ay (phenomenon, phenomenon)
Worldwide original style (indeed)
Mos Def on the profile (indeed)
Adamsville droppin' you so very well
Worlwide original style (indeed)
Mos Def on the profile (indeed)
Adamsville rockin' you so very well
Worldwide original style (indeed)
Mos Def on the profile (indeed)
Adamsville rockin' you so very well (indeed)
Worldwide original style (indeed)
Mos Def on the profile (indeed)
Adamsville rockin' you so very well (woo)
In the city of L.A. (ay ay ay ay ay ay ay)
It's everything they say, it's everything they say
It's everything they say, it's everything they say
It's everything they say
Ganja God🙏
If you're listening this in 2023 till infinity, you're a legend man don't let this song die
Croftpotter
no u
Jaypesobeatz
You knowww
Panther
Yes we are
ronin. Seyi
Ayyyyyyy
Alex Cruz
4eva
Mr.Tailormade
The intro to this movie (biker boyz) with this song playing in the background was so mesmerizing and hypnotizing. I was hooked by this song instantly.
Damon Adams
DAAAAMMMN RIGHT FAM!!![999]
MeechGoinCrazy-
Only reason why I’m here right now 😂 CRAZY !!
Concrete Wave
Fax