Mos Def

Mos Def, also known as Yasiin Bey, is an American rapper, actor, and activist. Born Dante Terrell Smith on December 11, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York, Mos Def began his career in entertainment as a rapper in the late 1990s. He quickly gained recognition for his unique style and socially conscious lyrics.

In 1998, Mos Def released his debut album, "Black on Both Sides," which was met with critical acclaim. The album featured hits such as "Ms. Fat Booty" and "Mathematics." Mos Def's music often addressed political and social issues, including police brutality and racial inequality.

Mos Def's success as a rapper led to opportunities in film and television. He made his acting debut in the 1998 film "Where's Marlowe?" and went on to appear in several other films, including "Brown Sugar" and "The Italian Job." In 2004, Mos Def received critical acclaim for his performance in the HBO film "Something the Lord Made," for which he received an Emmy nomination.

In addition to his work in film and television, Mos Def has also appeared on Broadway. In 2002, he starred in the Tony Award-winning play "Topdog/Underdog" alongside Jeffrey Wright. The play, written by Suzan-Lori Parks, explores the complicated relationship between two African American brothers.

Mos Def's music career continued throughout the 2000s, with the release of several successful albums, including "The New Danger" and "True Magic." In 2006, he collaborated with Talib Kweli to release the album "Black Star," which was a critical and commercial success.

In recent years, Mos Def has become increasingly involved in activism and social justice issues. In 2013, he made headlines when he underwent a force-feeding procedure to protest the treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. He has also been an outspoken advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Most recently, Mos Def appeared in the 2016 film "The Get Down," a Netflix original series set in the Bronx during the rise of hip-hop in the late 1970s. Mos Def played the role of "The Books," a graffiti artist and mentor to the show's main character, Ezekiel.

Overall, Mos Def's career has been marked by his commitment to social justice and his unique style as a rapper and actor. He continues to be a powerful voice in the entertainment industry and beyond.