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
Love
Mos Def Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Belongs to those who believe
So, I believe (ow)
Yes, ha
I start to think and then I sink
Into the paper like I was ink
When I'm writing, I'm trapped in between the lines
I start to think and then I sink
Into the paper like I was ink
When I'm writing, I'm trapped in between the lines
I escape when I finish
My pop said he was in love when he made me
Thought about it for a second wasn't hard to see
I could hear he was sincere, wasn't game or promotion
The entire affair's probably charged with emotion
When love call your heart I guess you gotta pursue
12-11-73, my life is testament
Praise the beneficent
Element that breath (that's right)
Devoid in the form that make love manifest
I spent my early years in Roosevelt Projects
It was a bright valley with some dark prospects
In '83, Vendy C was the host with the most
I listened to the Rap Attack and held the radio close
I listened to the Rap Attack and held the radio close
This is far before the days of high glamour and pose
Ay, yo, power from the streetlight made the place dark
I know a few understand what I'm talking about
It was love for the thing that made me wanna stay out
It was love for the thing that made me stay in the house
Spending time, writing rhymes
Trying to find words that describe the vibe
That's inside the space
When you close your eyes and screw your face
Is this the pain of too much tenderness
To make me nod my head in reverence?
Should I visit this place in remembrance?
Or build landmarks here as evidence?
Nighttime, spirit shook my temperament
To write rhymes that portray this sentiment
We live the now for the promise of the infinite
We live the now for the promise of the infinite
And we believe in the promise
Love, love, love, love
Love, love, love, love
Love, love, love, love
Yes, yes,, y'all (love)
And we don't stop
Because I start to think and then I sink
Into the paper like I was ink
When I'm writing, I'm trapped in between the lines
I escape when I finish the rhyme
I got love, L-O-V-E and I be
Love, L-O-V-E to emcee
Get love, L-O-V-E and I be (love)
Love, L-O-V-E, I emcee
Get love, L-O-V-E and I be
Love, L-O-V-E to emcee
Get love, L-O-V-E and I be (love, love)
The M-O-S D-E-Finitely
Check it out, y'all (uh), feel me out, y'all (say what? Uh-huh)
Feel me out, y'all (yeah), hear me out, y'all (get down, get down)
Check me out, y'all (uh, get down, get down)
Feel me out, y'all (down, down), check it out, y'all
Now hear me out (bounce), y'all
Check me out, y'all (uh), feel me out, y'all (whole side of the world)
Check me out, y'all, feel me out, y'all
Feel me out, y'all (hear me bounce, y'all) (get down)
Check me out, y'all, feel it out, y'all
My folks said they was in love when they made me
I take the love they made me with to make rhymes and beats
(Can you feel?) The raw deal is all-wheel driven (right)
Contemplate the essence of beats, rhymes and livin'
Speech align with the rhythm (right), designed with the rhythm
Ears and eyes keep in good time with the rhythm
I shine with the rhythm, the Black Star Galactica
You're big number fatin', we ancient like the abacus
After us, I see most proceed to be trees
Sprouting leaves, givin' breeze to the we who believe
I M.C., which means I Must Cultivate the Earth
Straight back, straight facts, heartbeats and hard work
I be the "Funky Drummer" to soften the hard Earth
(Amin) pray Allah keep my soul and heart clean
(Amin) pray the same thing again for all my team
From Restoration to Fort Greene, and on out to Queens
Uptown To Boogie-down, yo, just look around
Shook up the world like Ali in 6-3 (right)
I'm reaching a height that you said cannot be
I'm bringing a light which you said we can't see
Saw the new day comin', it look just like me
Sun bursts through the clouds, my photo ID
I bring light to your day and raise your degree
The universal magnetic, you must respect it
From end to beginning, bright, true and living
Ever changing was a state of magnificent
Building the now for the promise of the infinite
Building the now for the promise of the infinite
Because I start to think and then I sink
Into the paper like I was ink
When I'm writing, I'm trapped in between the lines
I escape when I finish the rhyme
I got love, L-O-V-E and I be
Love, L-O-V-E to emcee
Get love, L-O-V-E and I be
Love, L-O-V-E to emcee
Get love, L-O-V-E and I be
Love, L-O-V-E to emcee
Get love, L-O-V-E and I be
The M-O-S D-E-Finitely
Check it
Mos Def's "Love" is a reflective song about the power of love and its ability to drive one's passion and creativity. The song starts with a statement that the goodness in life belongs to those who believe, emphasizing the importance of having faith in oneself and others. Mos Def then goes on to describe how when he writes, he becomes trapped in between the lines of the paper like he was ink, but he is able to escape when he finishes the rhyme. The idea here is that writing is a form of escape for him, a way to break free from the confines of reality and allow his creativity to manifest.
The second verse is a reflection of Mos Def's upbringing in the Roosevelt Projects, a tough area with dark prospects. He talks about how love for music kept him going, spending time writing rhymes and trying to find words that describe the vibe inside the space. He questions whether this pain is too much tenderness or if it is something else. Mos Def contemplates whether he should remember this place or create landmarks as evidence.
Line by Line Meaning
They say the goodness in life
According to popular belief, the positivity and joy in life
Belongs to those who believe
Belongs to those who have faith and trust in something greater
So, I believe (ow)
Therefore, I have faith and trust in the power of belief
Yes, ha
Yes, indeed
I start to think and then I sink
I begin to contemplate and get lost
Into the paper like I was ink
Immerse myself into the world of writing as if one with the ink
When I'm writing, I'm trapped in between the lines
While I create through writing, I feel confined within the boundaries and structure of words
I escape when I finish the rhyme, ay, yo
I find liberation and freedom when I complete the rhyme and express myself fully
My pop said he was in love when he made me
My father expressed that he was deeply in love when I was conceived
Thought about it for a second wasn't hard to see
Reflecting on it briefly, it was easy to understand
I could hear he was sincere, wasn't game or promotion
I could sense his genuine emotions, without any ulterior motives
The entire affair's probably charged with emotion
The whole experience is likely filled with intense feelings
When love call your heart I guess you gotta pursue
When love beckons your heart, you must follow and pursue it
12-11-73, my life is testament
On December 11, 1973, my birth date, my existence becomes a statement of love
Praise the beneficent
Express gratitude and admiration for the benevolent force
Element that breath (that's right)
The essential aspect that gives life and vitality
Devoid in the form that make love manifest
Lacking in the physical presence that embodies love
I spent my early years in Roosevelt Projects
During my childhood, I resided in the Roosevelt housing complex
It was a bright valley with some dark prospects
Although there were moments of happiness, the future seemed uncertain
In '83, Vendy C was the host with the most
In 1983, Vendy C was the prominent host of a popular show
I listened to the Rap Attack and held the radio close
I eagerly listened to the Rap Attack show, embracing the radio closely
This is far before the days of high glamour and pose
This was in a time when there was less emphasis on extravagant appearance and posing
Ay, yo, power from the streetlight made the place dark
The influence and energy from the streetlights created a unique atmosphere
I know a few understand what I'm talking about
I am aware that only a select few can grasp the depth of my words
It was love for the thing that made me wanna stay out
It was a passion for the art form that compelled me to remain outside
It was love for the thing that made me stay in the house
It was a deep affection for the craft that kept me indoors
Spending time, writing rhymes
Devoting time to crafting lyrics
Trying to find words that describe the vibe
Attempting to capture the essence of the feeling
That's inside the space
That exists within the realm of creativity
When you close your eyes and screw your face
When you shut out distractions and focus intensely
Is this the pain of too much tenderness
Is this the overwhelming ache caused by an abundance of sensitivity
To make me nod my head in reverence?
That makes me bow my head in deep respect and admiration
Should I visit this place in remembrance?
Should I revisit this state of being as a form of reminiscence
Or build landmarks here as evidence?
Or create lasting reminders as proof of its existence
Nighttime, spirit shook my temperament
During the nighttime, my inner being is shaken, affecting my mood
To write rhymes that portray this sentiment
To compose lyrics that convey this emotional state
We live the now for the promise of the infinite
We embrace the present moment, anticipating the limitless potential
And we believe in the promise
And we have faith in the optimistic outlook
Love, love, love, love
Endless love
Yes, yes,, y'all (love)
Indeed, understood, my people
And we don't stop
And we continue to persist
I got love, L-O-V-E and I be
I possess love, spelled out as L-O-V-E and I am
Love, L-O-V-E to emcee
Love, spelled L-O-V-E, is what fuels my skills as an emcee
Get love, L-O-V-E and I be (love)
Receive love, spelled L-O-V-E, and that is what I embody (love)
Love, L-O-V-E, I emcee
Love, spelled L-O-V-E, is a significant part of my identity as an emcee
Get love, L-O-V-E and I be
Receive love, spelled L-O-V-E, and that is what I am
Love, L-O-V-E to emcee
Love, spelled L-O-V-E, fuels my abilities as an emcee
Get love, L-O-V-E and I be (love, love)
Receive love, spelled L-O-V-E, and that is what I embody (love, love)
The M-O-S D-E-Finitely
The artist known as Mos Def, with certainty
Check it out, y'all (uh), feel me out, y'all (say what? Uh-huh)
Listen attentively, my people, understand my perspective, my people (expressing determination)
Feel me out, y'all (yeah), hear me out, y'all (get down, get down)
Comprehend my intentions, my people, pay attention to what I have to say, my people (encouraging active engagement)
Check me out, y'all (uh, get down, get down)
Pay attention to my presence, my people (encouraging observation)
Feel me out, y'all (down, down), check it out, y'all
Comprehend my essence, my people, observe what I have to offer, my people
Now hear me out (bounce), y'all
Now listen carefully, my people (expressing urgency and anticipation)
Check me out, y'all (uh), feel me out, y'all (whole side of the world)
Observe my presence, my people, understand my perspective, my people (highlighting global significance)
Check me out, y'all, feel me out, y'all
Pay attention to my presence, my people, comprehend my essence, my people
Feel me out, y'all (hear me bounce, y'all) (get down)
Understand my intentions, my people (encouraging active involvement)
Check me out, y'all, feel it out, y'all
Observe my presence, my people, truly comprehend my essence, my people
My folks said they was in love when they made me
My parents claimed to be deeply in love during the conception of my being
I take the love they made me with to make rhymes and beats
I utilize the love they instilled in me to create lyrics and musical compositions
(Can you feel?) The raw deal is all-wheel driven (right)
The challenging circumstances provide the motivation to propel forward (asserting resilience)
Contemplate the essence of beats, rhymes and livin'
Reflect on the core qualities of music, lyrics, and life itself
Speech align with the rhythm (right), designed with the rhythm
The words synchronize with the music, intentionally crafted to fit the rhythm
Ears and eyes keep in good time with the rhythm
Listen and observe attentively, maintaining harmony with the rhythm
I shine with the rhythm, the Black Star Galactica
I excel in sync with the rhythm, representing the Black Star Galactica (emphasizing brilliance)
You're big number fatin', we ancient like the abacus
You're highly significant, while we are timeless like the abacus (elaborating on importance)
After us, I see most proceed to be trees
Following our legacy, I observe that many merely become ordinary, unremarkable (envisioning mediocrity)
Sprouting leaves, givin' breeze to the we who believe
Growing foliage, providing refreshing air to those who possess faith (emphasizing the role of belief)
I M.C., which means I Must Cultivate the Earth
As an emcee, it is my duty to nurture and uplift the world
Straight back, straight facts, heartbeats and hard work
Reliable and honest, emphasizing dedication and effort
I be the "Funky Drummer" to soften the hard Earth
I act as the rhythmic force to bring harmony to the harsh reality (symbolizing influence)
(Amin) pray Allah keep my soul and heart clean
(Amin) I pray to Allah to maintain purity in my soul and heart (expressing spirituality)
(Amin) pray the same thing again for all my team
(Amin) I pray for the same blessings for my entire team (emphasizing unity and collective welfare)
From Restoration to Fort Greene, and on out to Queens
From the Restoration neighborhood to Fort Greene and extending to Queens (mentioning locations)
Uptown To Boogie-down, yo, just look around
From Uptown to the Boogie-Down, my people, simply observe the surroundings
Shook up the world like Ali in 6-3 (right)
Disrupted the world like Muhammad Ali in '63 (highlighting impact and disruption)
I'm reaching a height that you said cannot be
I am accomplishing great success that you claimed was impossible
I'm bringing a light which you said we can't see
I am illuminating with a radiance that you believed was beyond perception
Saw the new day comin', it look just like me
Anticipated the arrival of a better future, resembling myself
Sun bursts through the clouds, my photo ID
The sun breaks through the clouds, like my personal identification photo (conveying triumph)
I bring light to your day and raise your degree
I brighten your day and uplift your spirits (symbolizing inspiration)
The universal magnetic, you must respect it
A force that attracts universally, demanding reverence (asserting influence)
From end to beginning, bright, true and living
Spanning from the end to the start, vibrant, genuine, and alive (expressing wholeness)
Ever changing was a state of magnificent
Constantly evolving, a condition of greatness
Building the now for the promise of the infinite
Constructing the present moment with the anticipation of limitless possibilities
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Charles Njapa, Dante Smith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ajesam George
on Ms. Fat Booty
https://soundcloud.com/.../sudenly-by-da-george-prod-by...