Mos Def Quotes

A collection of quotes by Mos Def.

Mos Def, born Dante Terrell Smith, but later changed his name to Yasiin Bey, is an American rapper, actor, and activist. He was born on December 11, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York. Mos Def gained prominence in the late 1990s as a member of the rap group Black Star, along with Talib Kweli. Their album, "Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star," released in 1998, was critically acclaimed and had a significant impact on the alternative hip hop scene.

As a solo artist, Mos Def released his debut album, "Black on Both Sides," in 1999, further solidifying his reputation as a skillful lyricist and insightful storyteller. Known for his socially conscious and politically charged lyrics, Mos Def's music addressed various issues, including racial inequality and social injustice.

Alongside his successful music career, Mos Def made a name for himself in the acting world. He appeared in numerous films, including "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," "Be Kind Rewind," and "The Italian Job," showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Outside of his artistic pursuits, Mos Def has been an outspoken activist, lending his voice to various causes. He has been involved in activism against police brutality, rallied for human rights, and campaigned for the closure of Guantanamo Bay detention camp.

Throughout his career, Mos Def/Yasiin Bey has consistently and fearlessly used his platform to bring attention to societal issues while maintaining a unique and influential presence in both the music and acting industries.

I guess something that you love to do, you gotta ease up off

I guess something that you love to do, you gotta ease up off it and give it a little space, come back and be fresh to it.

Love

And remember don't high post when you're far from home, and

And remember don't high post when you're far from home, and high posting when you're all alone.

Alone

I have no confidence issues with the impact or the quality o

I have no confidence issues with the impact or the quality of the music. No one in hip-hop, before this point and to this point, with all due respect, has done this.

Respect

That idea of peace and love toward humanity shouldn't be nat

That idea of peace and love toward humanity shouldn't be nationalistic or denominational. It should be a chief concern for all mankind.

Peace

African art is functional, it serves a purpose. It's not a d

African art is functional, it serves a purpose. It's not a dormant. It's not a means to collect the largest cheering section. It should be healing, a source a joy. Spreading positive vibrations.

Positive

I began to fear that Mos Def was being treated as a product,

I began to fear that Mos Def was being treated as a product, not a person, so I've been going by Yasiin since '99. At first it was just for friends and family, but now I'm declaring it openly.

Fear

I can't control what people think. I'm not trying to manipul

I can't control what people think. I'm not trying to manipulate people's thoughts or sentiments. I write all the time. You have to experience life, make observations, and ask questions. It's machine-like how things are run now in hip-hop, and my ambitions are different.

Experience

Good art provides people with a vocabulary about things they

Good art provides people with a vocabulary about things they can't articulate.

Art

Bob Marley performed the 'One Love Peace' concert in Jamaica

Bob Marley performed the 'One Love Peace' concert in Jamaica with the two different warring political sides. There's always been that in black music and culture in general. It's no surprise because black music is such a reflection of what's going on in black life. It's not unusual for hip-hop.

Peace

You have to experience life, make observations, and ask ques

You have to experience life, make observations, and ask questions.

Experience

To me, the job of the artist is to provide a useful and inte

To me, the job of the artist is to provide a useful and intelligent vocabulary for the world to be able to articulate feelings they experience everyday, and otherwise wouldn't have the means to express in a meaningful and useful way.

Experience

I know what it feels like to have the door slammed firmly in

I know what it feels like to have the door slammed firmly in my face, so I'm cool with that.

Cool

I don't want to waste anyone's time or money. I want to give

I don't want to waste anyone's time or money. I want to give people some truth and positive heart lift.

Positive

Focused. I'm a hustler. And my hustle is trying to figure ou

Focused. I'm a hustler. And my hustle is trying to figure out the best ways to do what I like without having to do much else.

Best

With guys I revere, like Marcus Garvey or Malcolm X, their l

With guys I revere, like Marcus Garvey or Malcolm X, their look is less about style than purpose and the expression of beauty. It wasn't just about being noticed, you know?

Beauty

I come from a family of very devout, praying people. That id

I come from a family of very devout, praying people. That idea of peace and love toward humanity shouldn't be nationalistic or denominational. It should be a chief concern for all mankind.

Family