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Mos Def

Also Credited As:

Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, USA

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BIO

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.

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Special Benefit Production, 2005
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
2003
Monster

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
BooTh


Awards and Nominations


winner
Obie Awards - 2003 - Performance

Mos Def, Fucking A

The Lortels - 2003 - Outstanding Featured Actor

Mos Def, Fucking A


winner
Theatre World Awards - 2002 - Performance

Mos Def, Topdog/Underdog

News


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Stanley Arts Announces ARCADIA Climate-Conscious Arts Festival

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Hatis Noit Taps Armand Hammer For Rework Of 'Jomon'

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Meet the Cast of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!

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Violinist Kersten Stevens Will Perform at City Winery Next Month

City Winery presents Kersten Stevens, queen of the violin, who will perform live with special guest 8x- Grammy award-winning bassist and one of the world's best jazz musicians and innovators, Christian McBride on Monday, November 27 at 7:30 pm. Learn more about the concert here!
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Cast Confirmed For the London Return of Joanna Pickering's BAD VICTIMS

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Jabee Pays Homage to Mos Def and Talib Kweli on 'Black Star'

OKC-based rapper Jabee is proud to share details on his upcoming EP “Good.' “Good” is produced entirely by Grammy award winning producer Conductor Williams and includes features from Boldy James and Blu. Along with the announcement, Jabee shares the project’s first single “Black Star.”
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The first season features guests: Tunde Adebimpe, Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def), Sanford Biggers, Bun B, Idris Elba, Mary Anais Heglar, Dan Kovalik, Resmaa Menakem, Questlove, Rebecca Walker, Olivia Wilde, Saul Williams, and Angela Yee. Listen to the podcast trailer now!
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Seinabo Sey Shares New Single 'Blessed' & B-Side 'Blackstar'

Seinabo Sey returns with her first new music of 2022 – “Blessed,” her new single, and B-side “Blackstar.” With sparse and danceable production by Carli Löf and Simon On The Moon, “Blessed” is imbued with the joys of everyday life and finds Seinabo grateful for the little things.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Mos Def been in?

Mos Def has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has Mos Def been in?

Mos Def has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Mos Def been nominated for?

Performance (Obie Awards) for Fucking A, Outstanding Featured Actor (The Lortels) for Fucking A and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Topdog/Underdog.

What awards has Mos Def won?

Mos Def has won the following awards: Performance (Obie Awards) for Fucking A and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Topdog/Underdog.

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