Mos Def Biography

Despite what you might first think, Mos Def started out as an actor some 10-plus years before the release of his critically acclaimed 1998 album Black Star (with rapper Talib Kweli). He worked under the name Dante Bezé in TV shows like Brooklyn South, Spin City and NYPD Blue. He grew up middle-class, acting in high school and local theaters before a scouting TV exec discovered him. He received regular stage work and TV jobs, all the while working on a burgeoning music career that received big-time help when De La Soul's Maseo signed Mos to his label. Eventually he transitioned to movies, taking minor, but recognized, roles in Monster's Ball, The Italian Job and 16 Blocks.


1. His nickname means "most definitely," thanks to his most common reply when friends would ask if he wanted to hang out.
2. He is an accomplished poet and owns a bookstore in Brooklyn.
3. His mother Umi was his long-time manager.
4. He has hosted HBO's Def Poetry since 2000.
5. His ad for a GMC Denali SUV was regarded by some as a "sellout."


"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."
— Interview, June 2002


2005: Golden Globe nomination: Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television, Something the Lord Made


Be Kind Rewind - (2008 ) - Actor
16 Blocks - (2006) - Actor
Dave Chappelle's Block Party - (2006) - Featured
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby - (2006) - Featured
Lackawanna Blues - (2005) - Actor
View all films


http://www.mosdefmusic.com/default.asp
http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/mos_def/artist.jhtml#/music/artist/mos_def/artist.jhtml
http://www.geocities.com/mosdef2002/