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
Know That
Mos Def Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I strike the Empire back
I strike the Empire back
Fuck the Empire
High flying like the Millennium Falcon, piloted by Han Solo
I never roll for dolo, fronting on me's a no-no
You understand? Doing this for my family (Brooklyn)
Ha ha, check it out, y'all
Yo, I'm trying to make a dollar out of what makes sense
Add it up, told my daddy I'd be a rich man
You never know when your fate gon' switch hand
Get today's solid ground out of yesterday's quicksand
I was a young boy, who dreamt about being a big man
On small loose leaf sheets I sketched a big plan
Gotta handle business properly, boost up my economy
Store it up and get my mom some waterfront property
Yesterday was not for me but nowaday it's time for me
The streets is watching me, I watch back, that's the policy
Moving along my odyssey like blood through the artery
Navigate the treacherous and make it seem effortless
Let those who make the exodus seeking the North beacon
From beating and hog-eating, from punishment all season
From hands cracked and bleeding, cotton thorns in your palms
It's for y'all that I sketch these songs and it goes
Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow
I fear no man, because faith is the arrow
My vocal chord travel worldwide to block narrow
We can blow with the ammo or go mano-a-mano
Kweli is you wit me? (What up what up?) Let's make it happen
I burn through your argument with action
My eyes stay fastened to tomorrow looking for a brighter day
When y'all want to leave y'all? Right away
Shout it out from East, West (from South to Northern)
The Cakalak' (to California)
From the coldest (to the warmest)
To the borders ('cross the waters), understand
(And know that I love you) yeah, yeah
We got love in the place (yeah, yeah)
Shout out to all the Queens (all the Seeds)
To all the teams (that's getting cream)
From outlaw (to emcee's)
Make it happen (do your thing), understand
(And know that I love you)
Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen
Guess who? The illest MC in the atmosphere, yeah, the Soul Controller
Who roam the frontier like a Buffalo Soldier
I follow the code of honor like a real man gonna
Never disrespect no women 'cause I love my momma
These cats be giving us praise but it ain't that accurate
I give it up to God, all that, love and attachment, get
Scary well-prepared with the shears when it get hairy
Like how these niggas is looking like some fairies
And singing like canaries to the beast
And anybody who will listen to 'em clearly
Y'all don't hear me though, even when I'm coming through in stereo
You make a mockery of what I represent properly
Yo, why you starting me? (Stop)
I take that shit straight to the artery
Intellectual property I got the title and the deed
I pay for rent, with the tears and sweat, and what I bleed (uh, uh)
Mc's imitate the way we walk, the way we talk
You cats spit lyrical pork with no spiritual thought
Plus your flow's a little bit off, you come across soft
Back in the days, niggas like that on stage got tossed off (bounce)
Need to get crossed off the guest list (uh)
It's like you gotta be disrespected and thrown out the exit
To get the message
Sometimes your sunshine get snatched like a necklace (uh)
When you get too drunk on power and your drive get reckless
Check it, MC's in my face after I slug you then I hug you
If I gotta dead you know it's only 'cause I love you
Shout it out from East, West (from South to Northern)
From the richest (to the poorest)
To the elders (in the coffins)
Living native (dying for it), understand
(And know that I love you) yeah, yeah
(Yeah, yeah) we got love in the place
Shout out from up top (to the middle)
To black bottom (sky high)
Whether you colder than December
Or hotter than July
It don't stop 'til we complete this
(And know that I love you) keep this fly
It's so much to life when you just stay black
Stay black, stay black, stay black, stay black
Stay black, stay black, stay black, stay black, stay black
My people, my people
My people, people, p-people (uh, uh, uh)
My people, my people (get love, in love)
My people, people, p-people (love, love, one love)
My people, my people (show love, live love)
My people, people, p-people (give love, we all love)
My people, my people (we all love, we all love)
My people, people, p-people (that's all love, that's all love)
My people, my people (yes, most people)
My people, people, p-people (black sound)
My people, my people (of most people, yeah)
My people, people, p-people
My people, my people (get love, in love)
My people, people, p-people (love, love, one love)
My people, my people (show love, live love)
My people, people, p-people (give love, we all love)
My people (we all love, we all love)
Those people
My people, people, p-people
My peopl
In Mos Def's song "Know That," the lyrics show his deep-rooted values, where he voices his opposition to what he sees as the malevolent forces of the Empire, the lack of respect of women, and the challenge of making a better life for himself and his loved ones. Mos Def highlights his perspective on the world, where he wants to make a positive impact through his music. Mos Def's words shine a spotlight on the importance of working hard to achieve financial stability and taking care of one's family. He recalls his childhood dreams of making it big and overcoming his circumstances through a rigorous work ethic.
His lyricism draws attention to the challenges he faced and how he overcame them. Mos Def takes pride in his roots and pays homage to those who came before him, making it possible for him to follow his dreams. His lyrics reflect on the struggles of communities, the current state of society, and his dedication to making a positive change.
The song "Know That" was a commercial success, gaining attention in both the hip-hop and pop worlds. It was released in 1999 on Mos Def's album "Black On Both Sides." The album received critical acclaim, with many considering it a masterpiece of its genre. "Know That" was a standout single, with Mos Def's flow and lyrics showing his immense talent as a rapper.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, hey, hey man
Introduction
I strike the empire back
Rejecting the dominant power structures
High flying like the millennium Falcon, piloted by Han Solo
Feeling powerful and in control
I never roll for dolo, fronting on me's a no-no
Preferring to be with others, disrespect is not tolerated
Understand? Doing this for my family
Motivated by love and obligation to those closest to him
Yo I'm trying to make a dollar out of what makes sense
Using his skills and intelligence to make money
Add it up, told my daddy I'd be a rich man
Making a promise to his father and striving for success
You never know when your fate gon' switch hand
Acknowledging the unpredictability of life
Get today's solid ground out of yesterday's quicksand
Moving away from past failures and towards future stability
I was a young boy, who dreamed about being a big man
Hoping to achieve great things despite humble beginnings
On small loose leaf sheets I sketched a big plan
Using creativity and imagination to shape his future
Gotta handle business properly, boost up my economy
Focusing on making money and building wealth
Store it up and get my mom some waterfront property
Planning to use his success to provide for his family
Yesterday was not for me but now a day it's time for me
Leaving behind past struggles and moving forward
The streets is watching me, I watch back, that's the policy
Being aware of his surroundings and protecting himself
Moving along my odyssey like blood through the artery
Moving through life with purpose and determination
Navigate the treacherous and make it seem effortless
Overcoming challenges with ease and grace
Let those who make the exodus seeking the North beacon
Encouraging others who seek a better life
From beating and hog-eating, from punishment all season
Referring to the struggles of oppression and slavery
From hands cracked and bleeding, cotton thorns in your palms
Describing the physical pain of labor on plantations
It's for y'all that I sketch these songs, and it goes
Creating music to inspire and uplift others
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow
Referencing Psalm 23 and facing difficult challenges
I fear no man, because faith is the arrow
Putting trust in divine power and not being afraid of people
My vocal chord travel worldwide to block narrow
Using his voice to spread his message around the world
We can blow with the ammo or go mano-a-mano
Fighting together or alone, depending on the situation
Kweli is you wit me? (What up what up?) Let's make it happen
Collaborating with fellow artists to make music together
I burn through your argument with action
Proving his point through actions, not just words
My eyes stay fastened to tomorrow looking for a brighter day
Remaining optimistic about the future
When y'all want to leave y'all? Right away
Asking when people want to leave and saying it's okay
Shout it out from East-West (from South to Northern)
Acknowledging people from all over the country
From Cakalak' (to California)
Referring to North and South Carolina and across to California
From the coldest (to the warmest)
Referring to different climates across the country
To the borders ('cross the waters) understand
Including people from all over the world
"and know that I love you"
Sending a message of love and unity
We got love in the place
Emphasizing the importance of love and community
Shout out to all the Queens (all the Seeds)
Acknowledging women and their importance
To all the teams (that's getting cream)
Recognizing those who are successful and making money
From outlaw (to emcee's)
From outcasts to musical performers
Make it happen (do your thing) understand
Encouraging people to pursue their dreams and passions
Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen
Addressing the audience and preparing them for what's to come
Guess who? The illest MC in the atmosphere, yeah the Soul Controller
Boasting about his skills and talent as an MC
Who roam the frontier like a Buffalo Soldier
Moving forward courageously like a soldier
I follow the code of honor like a real man gonna
Being true to his values and principles
Never disrespect no women cause I love my momma
Respecting women and their value
These cats be giving us praise but it ain't that accurate
Acknowledging that people may not fully understand his message
I give it up to God, all that, love and attachment, get
Acknowledging his faith and giving credit to higher power
Scary well-prepared with the shears when it get hairy
Being ready to face challenges when they arise
Like how these niggas is looking like some fairies
Critiquing the appearance of others who he perceives as weak
And singing like canaries to the beast
Appeasing the dominant forces
And anybody who will listen to em clearly
Addressing those who believe in the message being conveyed
Y'all don't hear me though, even when I'm coming through in stereo
Feeling like people are not listening to his message
You make a mockery of what I represent properly
Being offended that people do not understand what he stands for
Yo why you starting me? I take that shit straight to the artery
Challenging those who oppose him head on
Intellectual property I got the title and the deed
Stating his ownership of his intellectual creations
I pay for rent, with the tears and sweat, and what I bleed
Sacrificing a lot to achieve his goals
MC's imitate the way we walk, the way we talk
Feeling like he is being copied and imitated by others
You cats spit lyrical pork with no spiritual thought
Criticizing others who do not have deep meaning in their music
Plus your flow a little bit off, you come across soft
Critiquing others who he deems as weak or not up to standard
Back in the days, niggas like that on stage got tossed off
Describing how people who were not authentic were not welcomed
Need to get crossed off the guest list
Suggesting that those who are not authentic should not be welcome
It's like you gotta be disrespected and thrown out the exit
Feeling like people need to be forced out if they are not true to themselves
To get the message
Saying that sometimes people need to learn the hard way to understand something
Sometimes your sunshine get snatched like a necklace
Being robbed of what is rightfully yours
When you get too drunk on power and your drive get reckless
Losing sight of what is important due to achieving power
MC's in my face after I slug you then I hug you
Being willing to fight someone, but also showing love and compassion
If I gotta dead you know it's only cause I love you
Being willing to kill someone if necessary to protect
From the richest (to the poorest)
Including all people, regardless of their economic status
To the elders (in the coffins)
Including those who have passed away
Living native (dying for it) understand
Including those who are fighting for their land and culture
Yea, yea, we got love in the place
Emphasizing the importance of love and community
Shout out from up top (to the middle)
Acknowledging everyone from all parts of society
To black bottom (sky high!)
Including those from the poorest parts of society
Whether you colder than December
Acknowledging those who have faced hardship and coldness
Or hotter, than July
Acknowledging those who have faced challenges and heat
It don't stop 'til we complete this
Continuing to struggle until the goal is achieved
(and know that I love you) keep this fly
Sending a message of love and encouraging people to stay fly
It's so much to life when you just
Realizing the many opportunities in life
Stay black
Embracing one's identity as a black person
My people, my people, my people people p-people
Addressing and acknowledging the community
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Burt Bacharach, Dante Smith, Hal David, Lamont Darrell, Talib Greene
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ajesam George
on Ms. Fat Booty
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