Mos Def Biography: On December 11, 1973, Mos Def—now known as Yasiin Bey—was born. His career as an American rapper, singer, and songwriter started in 1994. Together with fellow Brooklyn rapper Talib Kweli, he formed the duo Black Star in 1998. Their self-titled debut album was released with the singles “Definition” and “Respiration.” His solo debut, “Black on Both Sides,” was released in 1999 after he signed with Rawkus Records.
Early Life
Born Dante Terrell Smith Bey in Brooklyn, New York City on December 11, 1973, Mos Def started acting professionally at the age of 14 and rapping at the age of nine. He was the eldest of 12 children and stepchildren, raised by his mother while his father lived in New Jersey. Once considered one of the most promising rappers to come out in the late 1990s, Def eventually abandoned music to pursue a career in acting. He started acting on television after high school, most notably on the brief “The Cosby Mysteries” series that aired in 1994.
Along with his younger brother and sister, Def founded the rap group “Urban Thermo Dynamics” in 1994 and signed a deal for a record that ultimately fell through. In 1996, he made guest appearances on “Big Brother Beat” and “S.O.S.” to launch his solo career.
Career
When Def released “Universal Magnetic,” his debut single, it became an underground hit. With time, his legendary breakthrough albums “Black Star” (1998) and “Black on Both Sides” (1999) gained even more acclaim. Def regularly used his celebrity image for political purposes, such as protesting in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the Jena Six incident in 2007.
This was despite appearances on the compilation series “Lyricist Lounge and Soundbombing.” Def starred in a number of movies, including “Monster’s Ball,” “Bamboozled,” “Brown Sugar,” and “The Woodsman.” In the early 2000s, he also made an appearance on Broadway in the Pulitzer Prize–winning play Topdog/Underdog. His second solo album, “The New Danger,” was released in 2004. Black Jack Johnson co-wrote a few of the tracks on the album.
Two years later, Def released his third solo album, “True Magic,” the lead track of which, “Undeniable,” was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Rap Solo Performance. 2009 saw the release of “The Ecstatic” via the distributed Downtown label. He starred in important supporting parts in Michel Gondry’s “Cadillac Records” and “Be Kind Rewind,” which costarred Jack Black. He declared in January 2016 that he was leaving the entertainment business and that his last album would be released soon.
Emily Dickinson Biography: Age, Height, Birthday, Writing Career, Family, Personal Life, Net Worth
Mos Def’s Net Worth and Height
| Name | Dante Terrell Smith |
| Date of Birth | December 11, 1973 |
| Age | 50 |
| Zodiac sign | Sagittarius |
| Height | 5′ 9″ |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $2.5 million |
| Social Media |
The Reasons We Adore Mos Def
His impact on other artists
Def has impacted a lot of hip-hop musicians. Lupe Fiasco, Jay Electronica, Kid Cudi, and Saigon are a few examples.
His community service
Def is widely recognized for his charitable endeavors. In addition to working with groups like Be the Change and the Common Ground Foundation, he gives back to his community.
He is an incredible talent.
Even with his music’s enormous success, Def went back to acting and was successful again. In movies like “Showtime,” “Bamboozled,” “The Italian Job,” “Carmen: A Hip-Hopera,” and “Monster’s Ball,” he gave standout performances.
5 Facts
His return from South Africa
Def entered South Africa illegally in May 2013 using a tourist visa that had expired, and in January 2016 he was ordered to leave the country and not return for five years.
He is a devoted family man.
Def wed Maria Yepes in 1996; despite their divorce, they had two daughters, Chandani and Jauhara Smith.
His ability as a designer
Def designed two exclusive Converse sneakers.
He hosted shows as well.
From 2002 to 2007, Def hosted H.B.O.’s “Def Poetry Jam.”
His dad followed Islam.
At first, his father belonged to the Nation of Islam.
