MOS DEF
Name: Mos Def
Birth name: Dante Terrell Smith
Also known as Mos Def, Mos Definite, Mighty Def, Black Dante
Born: 11 December 1973 Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
Dante Terrell Smith (born December 11, 1973), better known by his stage name Mos
Def, is an American rapper and actor. Mos Def started his rap career as a member
of the Native Tongue Posse collective and by guesting on albums by Da Bush
Babees and De La Soul. He released a well-received album with Talib Kweli as
Black Star, and was a major force in the late 1990s underground hip hop
explosion spearheaded by Rawkus Records. His name comes from his frequent use of
an abbreviated 'mos def' in place of the words "most definitely."
Initially recognized for his musical output, Def's screen work since the early
2000s has established him as one of only a handful of rappers who have garnered
critical approval for their acting work. Def is also an outspoken critic on
social and political issues, and was particularly vocal in the wake of Hurricane
Katrina in 2005.
Name: Mos Def
Birth name: Dante Terrell Smith
Also known as Mos Def, Mos Definite, Mighty Def, Black Dante
Born: 11 December 1973 Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
Dante Terrell Smith (born December 11, 1973), better known by his stage name Mos
Def, is an American rapper and actor. Mos Def started his rap career as a member
of the Native Tongue Posse collective and by guesting on albums by Da Bush
Babees and De La Soul. He released a well-received album with Talib Kweli as
Black Star, and was a major force in the late 1990s underground hip hop
explosion spearheaded by Rawkus Records. His name comes from his frequent use of
an abbreviated 'mos def' in place of the words "most definitely."
Initially recognized for his musical output, Def's screen work since the early
2000s has established him as one of only a handful of rappers who have garnered
critical approval for their acting work. Def is also an outspoken critic on
social and political issues, and was particularly vocal in the wake of Hurricane
Katrina in 2005.