Dante Terrell Smith (born December 11, 1973) is an American actor and hip hop recording artist, better known by the stage names Mos Def and Yasiin Bey .
Good art provides people with a vocabulary about things they can't articulate. Use this quote
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. Use this quote
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? Use this quote
I was taught when there's somethin' you can change around keep quiet, you got nothin' to complain about. Use this quote
I know what it feels like to have the door slammed firmly in my face, so I'm cool with that. Use this quote
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. Use this quote
You have to experience life, make observations, and ask questions. Use this quote
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. Use this quote
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. Use this quote
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. Use this quote
