Upping the Dante
Mos Def / Whether it’s on the big screen or on the microphone, no one can doubt the standout artistry of Dante Smith, a.k.a. Mos Def.
More than a decade removed from spinning hip-hop in a more conscious direction with his critically acclaimed efforts alongside Talib Kweli in the rap tandem Black Star–and his solo debut Black on Both Sides–Mos Def has been making major moves beyond music.
Dipping back and forth between acting and the recording studio, the New York native’s next albums (The New Danger and True Magic) were met with equal anticipation but received lukewarm responses at best. The criticism did little to diminish Mos Def’s status as a widely respected hip-hop artist.
Regarded as a gifted emcee with depth and substance, the suave Brooklyn lyricist proved that he’s far from a one trick pony. Along with current film Next Day Air, Mos has also appeared in Brown Sugar, 16 Blocks, Cadillac Records and The Italian Job. Emmy and Golden Globe nominations prove his acting chops are just as good as his rhyming skills. Mos Def has also performed on Broadway and released his own Watermelon Syndicate clothing line.
In his song “Umi Say,” Mos says “shine your light for the world to see.” It’s evident that his light is much broader and brighter than just music. Despite his personal artistic visions, rave reviews and success away from the mic, most fans still want to see the rapper on stage. It’s probably an unfair request but fans will be fans.
The 35-year old rapper has gone on record as saying this year his focus will be back on the music. Mos Def seems ready to do his part to help rev and revive hip-hop, and fans will certainly welcome the release of his fourth solo album The Ecstatic, due out next month.
Since the album’s February release date was pushed back, many of its songs have popped up online.
Mighty Mos’ frequent visits to the Island have always been met with huge crowds and fanfare. While it’s sometimes more rewarding to sample the content of an album than to hear brand new material for the first time at a concert, consider it an early preview and a celebration of hip hop at the highest level. Mos Def-initely.
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