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 โฆ 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
Wylin
Mos Def Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Analyze my data, not a fader on the face of the earth
Can blend rhythms like my will, surreal spinnin'
Ever-movin' like evolution it's retribution
For sellin' roots, lessen futures, I'm steppin' to fuse? ya
Sun rises my subconsciousness culminates constant
Live to see various I-de-ologies, angles like isosceles
Read my auto-b-I-ography
Velocity's properly thick like mahogany dimes
We findin' beauty in this urban-gritty usually overlooked by many
Movin' through the densely populated city
And soon and eventually 'we gotta get ova'
I document culture closer to the edge
Bolder than a print, open to interpretation, gazin deep into the glitz?
To my people, raise you fists
I know it stays intent, whatever pays your rent, but saves your soul
You know the drill, it go
Hotter than most dudes
From left to right, on top and below you
Flow like the coastals, move like smoke do
I'm Diverse- these other cats is just hopefuls
When they ask who put it down, baby, you know who
Tell your whole crew, it's somethin' that you need to know, dude
This is how we go through
Who the poisoned pen?
Mos got the inkwell full of syrum
Prescribed for any emcee claimin' they ill
A small dose'll change the way that they feel
Milligrams in the raw, snow-cut, check how I label the pill
It's MD, the spit-doctor, chant like a witch-doctor
Recite me, and ya whole ailment get proper
I'm the, medicine man, representin' my clan
Mixin' the potion with verse fire and simmer, my man
And stay shoutin' out the home team wherever I am:
It's the B-R-O double akh-K-L-wY-liN out
The cowboys who don't fret to pull they lamas? out
Ironhorse style cab?, hoop-te ville ridin out
No lights, no cam, action, drama'd out
? out, absorb the shit that I'm about
Inner-city Bruno, ghetto folks, holla out
I'm good money, tell the doubters get they wallets out
Hot when the dice is out, they go broke findin' out
Smack ya mojo, caught a half of 'oh no'
Magical vocals, get it down like coastals?
Underground nigga that spoke truth and broke through
Shine bright when I'm far from my close-to
I told you, you know how Mos do
Hotter than most dudes
From left to right, on top and below you
Flow like the coastals, move like smoke do
-I'm Mos Def- them other cats is just hopefuls
When they ask who put it down, baby, you know who
Tell your whole crew, it's somethin' that you need to know, dude
This is how we go through
Exposed to a higher set of variables, as fly as aerial
Definin' stereo components, moments with my master
Remasterin' techniques, havin' some fresh sheets
Damagin' margins with a broader outlook 'we lookin' out, y'all'
Me and Mr. Mighty Mos, we outlaws
Blazin' in the saddle, raisin like the mornin' star, formin majestic
Candescent like the street lamps, I-be-amped to inn-o-vate
Reminiscent of technology, probably just my will to build
To real notions of emotions similar to the seven seas
Steadily sparkin' cables, tables turnin' like the high tide
I'm captive to this music, vastness, into it I skydive
Tumblin' like buildings crumblin' on inner-cities cumbersome
They comin' to run us out, my niggas shout for justice
You wanna link with me, then let me know
This music is like my vessel so we seem to be inseparable
From C-C-town, headed eastbound
You know the rest, it go
Hotter than most dudes
From left to right, on top and below you
Flow like the coastals, move like smoke do
It's D-I- these other cats is just hopefuls
When they ask who put it down, baby, you know who
Tell your whole crew, it's somethin that you need to know, dude
This is how we go through
The lyrics to Mos Def Diverse & Prefuse 73's song "Wylin Out" is a series of confident assertions from both Mos Def and Diverse. They seem to be speaking about their perspectives on life, their environment, and their experiences, and how they intend to express that through their music. Both rappers are asserting their individuality in the face of a culture that often tries to homogenize, commodify, and flatten art into something that can be easily packaged, marketed, and sold. There is an emphasis on the importance of personal expression, creativity, and truth.
In the first verse, Diverse talks about how he can blend rhythms, move like evolution, and take a stand against those who sellout their roots. He also talks about various ideologies and the importance of reading his autobiography. Mos Def, on the other hand, boasts about his ability to change any emcee who claims they're ill with his lyrics. He refers to himself as the spit-doctor and medicine man while referencing his home team where he's from. Both rappers emphasize their unique style and confidence in their abilities to create and perform.
Overall, "Wylin Out" is an empowering song that celebrates individuality and the importance of self-expression in a world that tries to stamp it out. It is a testament to staying true to oneself and not allowing others to dictate what one should create or how to express oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
My mind compliance like a science
My thinking is methodical and precise, like a scientific approach.
Analyze my data, not a fader on the face of the earth
I scrutinize information thoroughly and accurately, unlike anyone else in existence.
Can blend rhythms like my will, surreal spinnin'
I can mix different styles of music effortlessly, as if it were my own will controlling the beats.
Ever-movin' like evolution it's retribution
I am constantly evolving, like a natural process of change, which is my revenge on those who stagnate and resist growth.
For sellin' roots, lessen futures, I'm steppin' to fuse? ya
I am confronting those who compromise their cultural identity for profit and trying to merge diverse traditions in my music.
Sun rises my subconsciousness culminates constant
Every morning, my thoughts and feelings coalesce and accumulate in my mind.
Live to see various I-de-ologies, angles like isosceles
I seek to understand and embrace different ideologies and perspectives, like the sides of an isosceles triangle that are equal in length.
Read my auto-b-I-ography
Learn about my life story by reading my autobiography.
So many stars? to me that vibrantly shine
There are many talented people who shine brightly in my eyes.
Velocity's properly thick like mahogany dimes
The speed and power of my music are strong and solid like a thick mahogany coin.
We findin' beauty in this urban-gritty usually overlooked by many
We appreciate the raw and authentic beauty of urban environments that many people tend to neglect or ignore.
Movin' through the densely populated city
I am navigating through a heavily populated urban area.
And soon and eventually 'we gotta get ova'
We need to move on and overcome our obstacles in the near future.
I document culture closer to the edge
I record and preserve cultural expressions that are on the fringes or outside of mainstream society.
Bolder than a print, open to interpretation, gazin deep into the glitz?
My expression is bold and ambiguous, allowing others to interpret and appreciate it in their own way, while also considering its deeper meaning.
To my people, raise you fists
I urge my listeners to show solidarity and support by raising their fists in unity.
I know it stays intent, whatever pays your rent, but saves your soul
I am aware of the importance of practical needs like paying rent, but also value the saving of one's soul through spiritual or intellectual pursuits.
You know the drill, it go
You are familiar with what is expected or typical, let's continue with the routine.
Hotter than most dudes
I am more skilled and talented than most artists.
From left to right, on top and below you
My music is diverse and all-encompassing, with appeal to listeners from all backgrounds and orientations.
Flow like the coastals, move like smoke do
My flow is smooth and effortless, like the movement of the waves or the way smoke moves through the air.
Who the poisoned pen?
Who are the artists with toxic and negative lyrics?
Mos got the inkwell full of syrum
Mos has a pen full of truth that can heal and inspire people.
Prescribed for any emcee claimin' they ill
My lyrics are a cure to any rapper who falsely claims to be sick or talented.
A small dose'll change the way that they feel
My lyrics have a powerful impact on those who listen, no matter how small the exposure might be.
It's MD, the spit-doctor, chant like a witch-doctor
I am the master of words, using them to heal and transform, like a shaman or doctor with a powerful cure.
Recite me, and ya whole ailment get proper
If you listen to my music and lyrics, it can fix all of your problems and difficulties.
I'm the, medicine man, representin' my clan
I am a healer of the people, representing my community and culture.
Mixin' the potion with verse fire and simmer, my man
I am blending my words and music to create a powerful and effective remedy for whatever ails you.
And stay shoutin' out the home team wherever I am
I always support and acknowledge my community, no matter where I am in the world.
It's the B-R-O double akh-K-L-wY-liN out
It's the unique and talented artist known as Wylin out.
The cowboys who don't fret to pull they lamas? out
The brave and fearless people who are not afraid to confront their challenges and opponents.
Ironhorse style cab?, hoop-te ville ridin out
I ride out like a seasoned veteran on my journey, with a bold and daring attitude.
No lights, no cam, action, drama'd out
I am not seeking fame or drama, but rather focusing on my craft and dedication to music.
? out, absorb the shit that I'm about
Listen and take in my music and lyrics, which are filled with substance and meaning.
Inner-city Bruno, ghetto folks, holla out
I represent and speak for those in urban areas who are often marginalized or overlooked by society.
I'm good money, tell the doubters get they wallets out
I am confident in my abilities and worth, and challenge those who doubt me to back up their opinions with money.
Hot when the dice is out, they go broke findin' out
When my music is put to the test, it always comes out on top, and those who bet against me end up losing everything.
Smack ya mojo, caught a half of 'oh no'
I can take away your confidence and energy with one swift strike, leaving you defeated and discouraged.
Magical vocals, get it down like coastals?
My singing voice is enchanting and mystical, like the beauty of the coastline.
Underground nigga that spoke truth and broke through
I am an underground artist who has risen to fame by speaking truth to power and breaking through barriers.
Shine bright when I'm far from my close-to
Even when I am far from home or familiar surroundings, I still shine and stand out with my music and talent.
I told you, you know how Mos do
As I have said before, you already know how I operate and what I am capable of.
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DENARD SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
OGHST
Needs a remaster tbh, one of the best underground hip hop tracks literally ever. This is exactly great. Been on it for like fuckinโ twenty years..
bigtimefan99
i submit this as the best remix of a song none of us ever heard of in the first place... ever
Jordan Price
I think Rjd2 scrubbed the whole track from top to bottom with soap cuz this is HELLA clean!!!
Thomas Proctor
I'd say the description for the song from streetwise put it best: "Mos def has earned love and adoration all over the glob. This collaboration with diverse and prefuse 73 shows you why. chocolate industries again on point here with a killer remix by RJD2."
Shed Parker
That "uh-hi" was ringin in my head, typed "you know how most do" in google engine & it popped up. Jammin!
BROWNZ BOOGIEofMovieMUZIK
FINALLY FOUND THIS!! GOD IS GOOD!!
BigDad138
Fucken fire! This track takes me back
Giles Larkman
Damn close to perfection.
DROPdeadKID69
Final fight streetwise such a underrated game.
Ginga
Liking this. Diverse's verse was hot. Might Mos brought as usual. Who produced the instrumental?