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
Travellin
Mos Def Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Inner city
Inner city travellin' man
I'm a travellin' man
I wanted to become an aviator,
and I wanted to become a great singer.
The dream was I'm singing for hundreds of thousands of people,
and be with the people, and I got standing ovations.
And then about being an aviator, I always thought ?
I know that you're letting me go
I'm leaving
Inner city travellin' man
Well go ahead and leave
The call heard around the world from the wisest emcees
These cats is paying more than half a pound ?
? but we could probably run the back of town
Scenarios like this is tear jerkers
For the modern emcee, I ain't no blue-collar worker
Cause this thing called rhyming, ain't no different from coal mining
We both on assignment to unearth the diamond
When you start climbing and them eyes start shining
You be struggling and striving and they think you prime timing
Maintain and keep silent, make note and observation
It's confrontation, this is the daily operation
My concentration, stay focused on my recitation
About to reach my destination with no pause or hesitation
Baby make the preparation, cause this ain't no recreation
This is pro ball, and we're letting you know y'all
At the show y'all, doing this for dough, y'all
Get the phone call, and I'm ready to blow, y'all
About to go, y'all, been a pleasure to know you all
And I'm letting you know
Inner city
Inner city travellin' man
I'm a travellin' man
God willing, I'll be back home
To drop these heavy ass bags up off my backbone
Around the world with a catalog of rap songs
My baby girl is walking, been away for that long
? how it seem to me
My hometown is like a whole different scenery
The old timers on the stoop leaning leisurely
The new jacks up in the park smoking greenery
Easily taken for granted when you're up in it
But it's sweet-scented when you've been down for a minute
Move around city limits, breaking down with the business
The innovative, classical B-Boy image
Collect the winnings, cause that's the reason that we came here
The thing is not a game here, the fortune not a fame here
From the New York to the ?, Cali to the Cadillacs
Chicago know we innovate, infiltrate Virginia State
D.C. make me stimulate, really tho we penetrate
Doujah make us generate, lets set a date to get the pace
The celebrating my jams in foreign lands
Even your mans in Japan know who I am
? make everybody ?
Ichiban ?
Phenomenal, excuse me, that's a phone call
It's the show y'all, trying to get this dough, y'all
About to go, y'all, been a pleasure to know you all
And I'm letting you know
Inner city
Inner city travellin' man
I'm a travellin' man
The song "Travellin' Man" by Mos Def is about his experience as a musician traveling around the world to perform. The first verse begins with Mos Def expressing his childhood dreams of becoming an aviator and a successful singer, imagining himself singing to large crowds and receiving standing ovations. However, the reality of life as a traveling musician is not always glamorous. Mos Def portrays himself as an "inner city travellin' man," singing about leaving behind the familiar surroundings of home and going on tour, leaving loved ones behind with heavy bags on his shoulders.
The song talks about the daily operation of being a musician and the strong commitment it requires to maintain and keep performing. Despite the hardships, Mos Def emphasizes his love for music as he states that "when you start climbing and them eyes start shining, you be struggling and striving and they think you prime timing." The lyrics also touch on the feeling of homesickness and the importance of having a familiar place to ground oneself while traveling around the world: "My hometown is like a whole different scenery...Easily taken for granted when you're up in it but it's sweet-scented when you've been down for a minute."
Overall, Mos Def's "Travellin' Man" is a reflection on the life of a traveling musician, highlighting both the glamor and the not so glamorous side of it. It highlights the challenges of being away from home, the thrill of success, and the inspiration and motivation that comes with making good music.
Line by Line Meaning
Inner city
Starting the song with the setting of the inner city.
Inner city travellin' man
Introducing himself as a man from the inner city who travels.
I'm a travellin' man
Reiterating that he travels often.
I wanted to become an aviator,
Sharing his aspirations of wanting to become a pilot.
and I wanted to become a great singer.
Also sharing his dreams of becoming a successful singer.
I always had the same dream.
Stating that these dreams remained constant.
The dream was I'm singing for hundreds of thousands of people,
Describing his dream of being a famous singer performing for large crowds.
and be with the people, and I got standing ovations.
Also expressing his desire to be loved and celebrated by his audience.
And then about being an aviator, I always thought ?
Leaving his thought unfinished, a part of his inner contemplation.
I know that you're letting me go
Assuming that the listener is letting him go on his travels.
Well go ahead and leave
Giving permission for him to go.
The call heard around the world from the wisest emcees
Referring to the call to become a rapper – a call heard worldwide.
These cats is paying more than half a pound ?
Unsure of what the line means.
? but we could probably run the back of town
Despite the uncertainty, saying that he and others in the rap scene could probably succeed in less favorable situations.
Scenarios like this is tear jerkers
Recognizing that situations like leaving for shows can be emotional.
For the modern emcee, I ain't no blue-collar worker
Asserting that being a rapper is a profession, and not a menial job.
Cause this thing called rhyming, ain't no different from coal mining
Comparing the hard work and dedication required for rhyming to that of coal mining.
We both on assignment to unearth the diamond
Both coal miners and rappers are searching for something valuable within themselves or their surroundings.
When you start climbing and them eyes start shining
When you start achieving success and recognition.
You be struggling and striving and they think you prime timing
Despite the struggle and hard work, people will think it is the right time for you to succeed.
Maintain and keep silent, make note and observation
Keep a low profile and take note of what is happening around you.
It's confrontation, this is the daily operation
Acknowledging that the music industry can be competitive and difficult.
My concentration, stay focused on my recitation
Staying focused on his music.
About to reach my destination with no pause or hesitation
Confident in his abilities and ready to reach his goals.
Baby make the preparation, cause this ain't no recreation
Urging those around him to prepare for the serious work ahead.
This is pro ball, and we're letting you know y'all
Stating that they are professionals and they are telling the listeners this.
At the show y'all, doing this for dough, y'all
Performing for money.
Get the phone call, and I'm ready to blow, y'all
Getting a phone call for a show and being ready to perform.
About to go, y'all, been a pleasure to know you all
Saying goodbye to his listeners before leaving for a show.
And I'm letting you know
Letting the listener know about his upcoming travels.
God willing, I'll be back home
Expressing hope that he will return home.
To drop these heavy ass bags up off my backbone
Referring to the physical and emotional weight of traveling.
Around the world with a catalog of rap songs
Traveling with his collection of music.
My baby girl is walking, been away for that long
Noticing how much his daughter has grown since he last saw her.
? how it seem to me
Uncertain about how to feel in this situation.
My hometown is like a whole different scenery
Noticing the changes in his hometown since he left.
The old timers on the stoop leaning leisurely
Observing the elders relaxing and enjoying their time.
The new jacks up in the park smoking greenery
Noticing the younger generation smoking marijuana in the park.
Easily taken for granted when you're up in it
Appreciating something more when you have been away from it.
But it's sweet-scented when you've been down for a minute
Realizing the beauty of something once you have been through difficult times.
Move around city limits, breaking down with the business
Networking and making connections within the music industry.
The innovative, classical B-Boy image
Describing his style of music as innovative, yet still rooted in classic hip-hop.
Collect the winnings, cause that's the reason that we came here
Focusing on making money from his music.
The thing is not a game here, the fortune not a fame here
Emphasizing the serious nature of the music industry, and saying that it's not just about being famous.
From the New York to the ?, Cali to the Cadillacs
Listing the places he has traveled to.
Chicago know we innovate, infiltrate Virginia State
Noticing that the people in Chicago recognize his innovative style and acknowledging his influence in Virginia.
D.C. make me stimulate, really tho we penetrate
Feeling inspired by Washington D.C. and believing that they have made a significant impact in the music industry.
Doujah make us generate, lets set a date to get the pace
Acknowledging the influence of other artists and making plans for future collaborations.
The celebrating my jams in foreign lands
Noting that his music is celebrated in other countries.
Even your mans in Japan know who I am
Saying that even people in Japan recognize his music.
? make everybody ?
Unclear what this line means.
Ichiban ?
Unclear what this line means.
Phenomenal, excuse me, that's a phone call
Feeling excited and proud of his success, and answering a phone call.
It's the show y'all, trying to get this dough, y'all
Excitedly preparing for a show and ready to make money.
About to go, y'all, been a pleasure to know you all
Bid farewell to his listeners before leaving for the show.
And I'm letting you know
Reminding the listener of his constant traveling.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Dante Smith, James Nyx, Marvin Gaye
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@superawesomeboy
I wish my friends would understand just how deep and wonderful hip-hop is
@nonamedy
This music makes me feel in a way that I just can't explain... Love Rap and Hip Hop!!!
@vikingvic
Magahlia the beat flute sample brings me back to childhood summers. the whole song is about nostalgia and ....memories... and the lyrics are fairly good at times. positive...
@PhillipLee23
U need new friends
@antoniogoode4407
That is a true statement hip hop 90 era was fun and real I miss the 90 hip hop music era 💯💯
@daddydaughterpodcast
Yes brother, yes
@lazuris311
I grew up a block away from DJ Honda's studio in the 90s. First time I heard of Mos Def was from his street team promoting Black on Both Sides. Little did I know it was by the Rawkus Records office, where I eventually got to interview Talib Kweli for my college paper when he dropped Quality. Mad Skillz came thru while I was waiting in reception. Also saw Mos perform back to back nights at the Bowery Ballroom solo and with his band Blackjack Johnson. Q-Tip, Common and Pharoahe Monch were special guests. Some of my greatest memories. Sorry for all the name dropping.
@andrewdarrow4542
That’s so awesome, great for you for witnessing that.
@k03dz0n3
incredible experiences. thanks for sharing
@jordanprice9285
Don't ever apologize again for name dropping some rappers to explain such dope memories brotha! That's what's up 🙏🏽