Mos Def Biography: Songs, Movies, Real Name, Age, Net Worth, Parents, Siblings, Wife, Children, Wikipedia

Mos Def born Dante Terrell Smith is an American rapper, actor, and activist, known for his insightful and socially conscious music and versatile acting career.

Initially rising to fame under the stage name Mos Def, he later adopted the name Yasiin Bey in 2011. Bey is celebrated for his work with the duo Black Star, his acclaimed solo albums such as Black on Both Sides, and his standout roles in films like Monster’s Ball and Something the Lord Made.

Profile

• Full Name: Dante Terrell Smith
• Stage Name: Mos Def
• Born: December 11, 1973
• Age: 52 years old
• Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York City, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, activist
• Height: 5’9″ (175 cm)
• Parents: Sheron Smith (mother), Abdul Rahman (father)
• Siblings: Dante Smith, Bobby Smith
• Spouse: Alana Wyatt
• Children: Jauhara Smith, Laila! Smith, Chandani Smith
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $2.5 million

Early Life and Education

Mos Def, born Dante Terrell Smith on December 11, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York, is currently 52 years old. He is of African-American descent and has often expressed his connection to his cultural and religious roots through his music and activism. Raised in a Christian family, Mos Def later converted to Islam, adopting the name Yasiin Bey as part of his spiritual transformation.

Mos Def‘s parents, Sheron Smith and Abdul Rahman, were involved in the arts, which influenced his early exposure to performance and creativity. He has two siblings: a brother named Dante Smith, who is also involved in the entertainment industry, and a sister, Bobby Smith.

As a child, Mos Def was involved in various forms of artistic expression, including acting and rap. His education was shaped by his exposure to music and theater, although he attended a number of schools in New York but did not graduate from a formal high school due to his focus on his career and artistic pursuits.

Career

Mos Def, also known as Yasiin Bey, began his career as an actor and rapper in the 1990s. He gained early recognition as a member of the hip-hop duo Black Star, alongside Talib Kweli, with their debut album Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star in 1998. This album became a landmark in underground hip-hop, known for its thought-provoking lyrics and socially conscious messages.

As a solo artist, Mos Def released his debut album Black on Both Sides in 1999, which is widely considered a classic in hip-hop. The album showcased his versatility, blending rap with elements of jazz, funk, and soul, and it earned critical acclaim for its intelligent lyrics and deep exploration of race, politics, and society.

Beyond music, Mos Def also built a successful acting career. He made his acting debut in the 1996 film The Nutty Professor, but his breakthrough role came in 2001 with his portrayal of Jackie Robinson in Something the Lord Made. He also starred in the critically acclaimed films Monster’s Ball (2001), The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005), and The Italian Job (2003).

In addition to his work in film, Mos Def appeared in several television series, including “Dexter” and “The Cosby Show” (as a guest actor), which solidified his status as a respected actor in Hollywood. His influence in both the music and film industries earned him multiple awards and nominations.

In 2011, Mos Def announced he would go by the name Yasiin Bey, reflecting his personal and spiritual transformation. He continued to release music under this name, including the album The Ecstatic (2009), which won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. In 2016, Yasiin Bey retired from the music industry, although he remains involved in activism and humanitarian efforts.

Throughout his career, Mos Def/Yasiin Bey has been known for blending his artistry with activism. His music often addresses social justice issues, race, and inequality, making him a powerful voice in both the entertainment and activist communities. Despite his retirement from mainstream music, Mos Def remains an iconic figure in both hip-hop and film.

Awards and Nominations

• Grammy Awards: Nominated for Best Rap Album for Black on Both Sides
• Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for Something the Lord Made
• Emmy Awards: Nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Television Movie for Something the Lord Made
• Black Reel Awards: Won Best Actor for The Woodsman
• NAACP Image Awards: Multiple nominations and wins for both music and acting categories

Personal Life

Mos Def, the popular American rapper, actor, and activist, is married to Alana Wyatt, with whom he tied the knot in 2005. Before his marriage to Alana, he was previously married to Maria Yepes from 1996 to 2006. The couple share three children: Laila Smith, Jauhara Smith, and Chandani Smith.

Regarding his height, Mos Def stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm).

Discography:

• Black on Both Sides (1999)
• The New Danger (2004)
• True Magic (2006)
• The Ecstatic (2009)
• Dec 99th (2018) (with Ferrari Sheppard)

Filmography:

• Monster’s Ball (2001)
• Brown Sugar (2002)
• The Woodsman (2004)
• Something the Lord Made (2004)
• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
• Be Kind Rewind (2008)
• Next Day Air (2009)
• The Italian Job (2003)

Net Worth

Mos Def, also known as Yasiin Bey, has an estimated net worth of $2.5 million. His wealth primarily comes from his diverse career in music, acting, and activism. As a pioneering figure in hip-hop, his albums, particularly Black on Both Sides and his work with Talib Kweli as part of Black Star, have contributed significantly to his financial success.

Additionally, Mos Def‘s acting career, with roles in films like The Italian Job, Monster’s Ball, and TV shows like “Dexter”, further adds to his net worth. His income also stems from his tours, live performances, and collaborations with other artists. Over the years, his contributions to both music and film have cemented his status as a multifaceted entertainer, ensuring a steady income from multiple sources.