Mos Def

Posted on 11.2.2004

17 comment(s)

Mos Def
Real Name : Dante Beze
Born : Dec 11th 1973
Hometown : Brooklyn, NY

Mos Def Biography :

Born Dante Beze on December 11th, 1973, Mos Def was originally a poet whose poems also worked as rhymes and has constantly proved himself to be one of hip-hops new-school visionaries - those who break the stereotype of the ’Gangsta rapper’ and take hip-hop and rap to new and exciting levels. At park emceeing cyphas and poetry readings were the first places he met his future partner Talib Kweli. By a mutual friend they were introduced and clicked because their style of poetic rhymes were comparable to each other.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Mos grew up at the centre of hip-hops golden era of the 1980’s. Inspired by the superhero MC’s and New School leaders of the time (Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, De La Soul), Mos began rhyming at the tender age of nine. As an emcee Mos Def first gained attention as part of the short lived trio formed with his younger sister : “Urban Thermo Dynamics”, who in 1993 signed a deal with Payday Records. But before they even got to release one album, they were thrown off the label. It’s a shame, because they had a style that wasn’t about guns or smoking blunts so it would have stood out in ’93. On their first record - ’My Kung Fu’ released in 1994, Mos’ talent was clear to see - exhibiting all of his trademark nasal flow and playful scatting.

This briefly made Mos Def give up on a career in hip hop, so he sought an acting career. He assisted Bill Cosby in the quickly cancelled "Cosby Mysteries", and also got exposure in advertisements for Visa and the Fannie Mae Foundation. This led to Mos Def getting cameos on shows such as "NYPD Blue", "Brooklyn South" and "Spin City". But Mos still went to poetry meetings, and that was where he got his big break. After UTD’s brief existence, Mos Def was invited to join the Native Tounges family, founded by Afrika Bambaataa and including established (and highly rated) artists like De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest among its members. He met up with De La Soul’s DJ Maseo and they hit it off straight away. In no time, De La Soul had Mos Def dropping verses on "Big Brother Beats" from De La Souls ’96 album "Stakes is High" and the "Stakes is High" remix released soon after the LP. Also in 1996, Mos Def teamed up for the first time with his soon to be partner-in-rhyme Talib Kweli, producing the legendary ’Fortified Live’ collaboration.

This exposure got independant label Rawkus records to sign Mos Def onto the label in 1997. Mos’ first solo release was Rawkus’ sixth 12" single, "Universal Magnetic"/"If You Can Huh You Can Hear". This sold over 30,000 copies, a huge amount for an independent single, and gave Mos a bigger name and reputation. At Rawkus Mos Def found a label willing to play by ’his’ rules - "I liked being a free agent, I liked neogotiating my own terms, working with my own friends" With Mos’ new record deal came the instant underground classic ’Universal Magnetic’, combining a jazzy beat with Mos’ endless stream of pulsating rhymes, and catapulting Mos Def to an underground favourite.

Mos Def then shined on the lead single from Rawkus’ "Lyricist’s Lounge" compilation, "Body Rock" featuring Q-Tip and Tash that showed his undeniable talent. This track was great and in my mind was what made the compilation a success.

Suprisingly, Mos didn’t release more solo material straight after that. He and labelmate Talib Kweli put together the single "Definition"/"Twice Inna Lifetime" under the group “Black Star” named after the first Negro owned steamship company in Africa. In Talib Kweli Mos found a brother with the same beliefs, talent and mindset. They were originally scheduled to record an EP together, but the single’s immense popularity made Rawkus decide to let them record a full album. The result, "Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star", was a fantastic debut. Blackstar was designed to give the two MC’s more recognition, the lesser exposed Talib Kweli became an overnight success and Blackstar’s first album went on to become one of the most important albums of 1998. In 1999, three months before the highly publicised end of the millennium, Mos was ready to unveil his first solo album “Black On Both Sides”.

Mos Def is a precious MC, devoted to his music, with a passion for social consciousness and a divine ability to entertain which will surely cement his place in musical history. In a violent Hip-Hop world dominated by music full of guns, cussing and drugs - Mos Def is a hugely welcome change.

Mos def Discography :

True Magic
Label : Geffen Records
Released :December 29, 2006

New Danger
Label : Geffen Records
Released :October 12, 2004

Black On Both Side
Label : Priority Records
Released : December 12, 1999

Black Star
Label : Rawkus Records
Released : September 29, 1998

Related articles :
Mos Def Lyrics

Mos Def Official website

<< Eminem | nas escobar >>

Share this article

Got a comment ?

No profanity, or inaproppriate remarks.

Mos Def, by nike sale [2010-09-08 03:42:58]

air max AOG , air max 97, air max 95, air max 90, air max 91, air max 2003, air max 2009, air max 2010, air max LTD, air max womens, air max tn, air max 24/7, air max Classic BW , air max Wildwood Supre, air max Zenyth , Welcome Guest ! Would you like to log yourself in ?Cheap Nike Air Max Shoes Sale online. Shop for over 50-60% off deals on nikesaler.com ! Fast Savings Free worldwide Shipping ! All our air max shoes 3-6days fast shipping to your home.accept credit card and paypal.Wholesale nike air max shoes will get discount.just contact us :saler@nikesaler.com. we will get you surprise price for air max wholesale.

Mos Def, by coach hobo bag [2010-08-14 23:05:45]

All-coach online shopping store has many cheap coach bags around the world. They offer the Coach crossbody bag with a high discount and lower price.Happy enjoying coach designer bags fron our company.

Mos Def, by uggs classic cardy [2010-08-14 22:28:38]

Ugg classic tall has retail outlets in Wollongong and Canberra. As well as producing a range of /www.giveugg.com/ugg-classic-mini-c-248.html">ugg classic mini boots , they also make ugg sundance 2.

Mos Def, by mbt tembea mink [2010-08-14 22:22:26]

mbt barabara shoes suit for the person who like running over walking, so covering the distances required in crowds is frustrating and uncomfortable, and standing for long periods is absolutely painful. Whether the mbt maliza black, for health, I think the mbt shoes may be overlooked mbt shadow shoes still despite what I ?€™d consider to be tangible benefits.

Mos Def, by mbt shadow shoes [2010-08-14 22:11:59]

Everybody knowmbt barabara black for Masai Barefoot Technology.The company that makes mbt maliza brown is Swiss Masai.This mbt chapa navy creates a natural, uneven walking surface and forces the body to use all the major and stabilsing muscle groups, thus training the whole body to move correctly.

Mos Def, by mbt shadow shoes [2010-08-14 22:03:52]

Mos Def, by cheap louis vuitton handbags [2010-08-12 10:06:43]

When people mention this campaign,what I must say is the sexy Scarlett Johansson and the louis vuitton Monogram Denim Neo Cabby MM handbag.Her platinum blond hair and languorous poses louis vuitton taiga wallet presented us the ultimate famme fatale.Like a Louis Vuitton Taiga chiaroscuro painting,her porcelcain skin contrasts wiht the dark,sily colors of the heavy drapes.The shiny purplish red coat is perfectly matched with the Denim Neo Cabby Handbag to creat something louis vuitton Monogram Multicolore very fresh and feminine.See more Monogram Denim handbags at weblvonline.com. replica louis vuitton handbags cheap louis vuitton handbags discount louis vuitton handbags replica louis vuitton handbags cheap louis vuitton handbags discount louis vuitton handbags www.theweblv.com Here is some introduce about Louis Vuitton Taiga Leather Bags TAIGA LEATHTHER : created in 1993, replica louis vuitton wallets designed specifically for men, careful pressure striae, simple and elegant design, there are two colors : Epicea Acajuo dark brown dark green and purple, features : solid lock, excellent corners. Louis Vuitton Wallets Taiga Leather bags are popular for its amazing design and quality,cheap louis vuitton wallets anyone who to own it can order on this site !

Mos Def, by fdsfsdafs [2010-07-26 04:27:08]

Anodized aluminum cookware Aluminum cookware anodized cookware deep fryer die cast aluminum cookware hard anodized aluminum cookware set Deep Fryers nonstick cookware Nonstick kitchen cookware non stick cookware sets Nonstick frying pan Non stick Fat free pan Non stick Deep frying pan Nonstick grill pan Non stick skillet Non stick Deep fryer Nonstick Cooking wok Non stick Saucepan Nonstick Casserole Nonstick Stockpot deep fry pan China cookware wholesale cookware China kitchenware wholesale kitchenware china cookware chinese cookware cookware manufacturers cookware factory cookware suppliers cookware wholesale cookware distributor cookware exporters cookware made in china cookware from china china kitchenware chinese kitchenware kitchenware manufacturers kitchenware factory kitchenware suppliers kitchenware wholesale kitchenware distributor kitchenware exporte kitchenware made in china kitchenware from china China cookware manufacturers China cookware factory China cookware suppliers China cookware wholesale China cookware distributor China cookware exporters China kitchenware manufacturers China kitchenware factory China kitchenware suppliers China kitchenware wholesale China kitchenware distributor China kitchenware exporters frying pan set deep frying pans stock pot set stockpot sets hard anodized aluminum cookware set aluminum pot Deep frying pan die cast casseroles stockpot set aluminum frying pan Nonstick Stockpot Aluminum skillet non stick kitchen cooking cookware saucepan set aluminum pans Aluminum fry pan Nonstick kitchen cookware Nonstick kitchen cookware casserole cookware Aluminum saucepan piece nonstick aluminum cookware set Non stick Saucepan die cast kitchen cooking sets Fat free pans 12 stir-fry pan 12 stir fry pan aluminum kitchen cookware sets nonstick saucepan Non stick Deep fryer aluminum cooking kitchen cookware sets aluminum cooking kitchen cookware sets Aluminum saucepan Aluminium cookware Aluminium cookware aluminum frypan set Nonstick Cooking wok Nonstick Casserole saucepan cookware Aluminium frying pan kitchenware wholesale brand treadmill brand treadmill reviews treadmill reviews comapre treadmill prices treadmill compare treadmill price treadmill rating bodyguard treadmill bowflex treadmill epic treadmill horizon treadmill nordictrack treadmill precor treadmill proform treadmill reebok treadmill sole treadmill Kitchen Design Ideas Kitchen Design Photos Kitchen Design Pictures Kitchen Design Remodeling Kitchen Design Products Kitchen Design Decorating bathroom design contemporary kitchen Kitchen bath design Kitchen cabinets design Kitchen design idea Kitchen design cabinets Kitchen design layout Kitchen design tile Kitchen sink design small kitchen design Professional Cookware cookware reviews Professional Cookware Reviews buy cookware cookware brand cookware buying tips best cookware best kitchen cookware cookware set reviews fasion for girl girl`s fashion girl fashion trend Classic Furniture classical furniture designer furniture Gazelle Edge coffee pot coffee maker pressure cooker aluminum Pressure Cooker stainless steel pressure cooker Bowflex dumbbell Bowflex dumbbell exercises Bowflex dumbbell set home office design bedroom design livingroom designs bathroom designs home gym design Kitchen Design Ideas 12 skillets electric wine bottle opener shake weight dumbbell bowflex dumbbell set coffee pot pressure cooker china ab coaster hang zhou mei shi Ab king Garden power tools China door Window film sticking machine oak interior doors Steel Door Wholesale doors You can find a lot electronic products fromElectronic Supplies, Using the

good quality Laptop Battery for your laptop is so important, The shop

of High Quality Replica Watche, buy the p>

href="http://www.ddwatches.com">replica watches you want today. The luxury Gold Watches

is highly recommend for you.

Mos Def, by Christian Louboutin [2010-07-22 05:28:24]

christian louboutin christian louboutin shoes christian shoes christian louboutin discount christian louboutin sale Christian Louboutin Boots Christian Louboutin Pumps Christian Louboutin Shoes Christian Louboutin Sandals

Mos Def, by abercrombie and fitch uk [2010-06-26 08:33:31]

Wish there ?€™s a way out for all of us, is there ? I hope so. abercrombie uk abercrombie and fitch uk abercrombie fitch uk Abercrombie & fitch uk abercrombie milano abercrombie london abercrombie milano abercrombie fitch milano abercrombie and fitch milano abercrombie italia abercrombie fitch italia abercrombie and fitch italia Abercrombie and fitch london Abercrombie fitch london abercrombie & fitch london abercrombie london

tiffany uk tiffany co tiffany jewellery tiffany ring tiffany bangle tiffany bracelet tiffany necklace tiffany online tiffany outlet tiffany store tiffany charm tiffany pendant tiffany earring tiffany set abercrombie uk abercrombie and fitch uk Abercrombie & Fitch UK abercrombie fitch uk abercrombie abercrombie and fitch Abercrombie outlet abercrombie Jeans abercrombie polo abercrombie women abercrombie men abercrombie store abercrombie shop Hollister uk Hollister clothing abercrombie London abercrombie and fitch London I can not even tell Abercrombie from Abercrombie and fith ? Abercrombie and fitch outlet Abercrombie online Abercrombie and fitch online Abercrombie clothing Abercrombie and fitch clothing ed hardy uk ed hardy clothing Christian Audigier ed hardy outlet abercrombie You say you like Hollister ? abercrombie clothing abercrombie fitch clothing I say I love everything about Abercrombie and fitch. abercrombie uk abercrombie outlet abercrombie fitch outlet abercrombie and fitch outlet abercrombie online abercrombie fitch online abercrombie and fitch online abercrombie Jeans abercrombie polo abercrombie women abercrombie men abercrombie store abercrombie shop Hollister uk Hollister clothing

Mos Def, by Mbt [2010-05-28 21:46:09]

The Mbt comfortable The Mbt shoes longevity, The Mbt sale highest level of quality The MBT Safiri Free Shipping ! NO Tax ! The ghd iv styler creates the hair you want The ghd hair straighteners purple color The ghd high quality The GHD IV Pure Styler preey face The Christian Louboutin excellent in quality durable , The christian louboutin sale fashion design The Christian Louboutin shoes Highlight gentle. The Christian Louboutin Pumps excellent in fashion

Mos Def, by guess handbags [2010-05-27 23:28:05]

welcome to enjoy ,cheap,discount,ebay,high quality,free shipping. guess handbags. loewe handbags. dg handbags. mbt sports shoes . more other brand handbags : chanel handbag. louis vuitton handbags. gucci handbags . hermes handbags . coach handbags . chloe handbags. fendi handbags. balenciaga handbags . marc jacobs bags. UGG Classic Crochet. UGG Classic Mini. mlb jerseys. prada handbags . ed hardy handbags . we will service the best quality.

Mos Def, by CHI flat iron [2010-05-07 04:21:47]

Well done. What ?€™s more, GHD mini styler can aslo make your hairstyles in a wonderful conditon
, so does the CHI nano flat iron. We also offer cheap Christian Louboutin sandals with fine quality All the goods are free shipping and fast delivery.

Mos Def, by 123 [2010-05-06 22:25:44]

Replica cheap NHL jerseys are becoming rapidly popular as regular attire.You will notice many teenagers donning a Bill Russell or Oscar Robertson jersey in pubs, colleges and discos. In fact, NHL jerseys even individuals who are not Wholesale jerseys fans have started wearing these jerseys as a style statement.

Bobby Orr black jersey Dion Phaneuf Red Jersey Jarome Iginla Red Jersey Jarome Iginla Red Jersey