Last Updated on February 28, 2024
Yasiin Bey, born Dante Tarrell Smith and better known by his stage name Mos Def, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and television producer.
Mos Def began his career as a child actor before transitioning to hip-hop and eventually pursuing both careers concurrently. He’s widely considered one of the most talented rappers of his generation.
However, as you shall find later on, Mos Def’s net worth is somewhat incommensurate with his highly-successful multi-decade acting and music career.
Quick Facts
Full Name: | Yasiin Bey (Birth Name: Dante Tarrell Smith) |
Popular Name: | Mos Def |
Gender: | Male |
Birth Date: | December 11, 1973 |
Age: | 49 years |
Parents: | Abdulrahman Smith and Sheron Smith |
Siblings: | Abdul Rahman Jr., Ces Smith, Jerome Victor Moulton, Anwar Superstar, Ilias Bey (born Denard Smith) alias DCQ, and 7 others |
Birth Place: | Brooklyn, New York, United States |
Nationality: | American |
Ethnicity: | African-American |
Education: | Philippa Schuyler Middle School |
Marital Status: | Divorced; was married to Maria Yepes (from 1996 until their divorce in 2006) |
Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
Wife/Spouse: | N/A |
Children: | 6, including 2 with his ex-wife Yepes – Jauhara Smith and Chandani Smith |
Dating: | N/A |
Net Worth: | USD 2.5 million |
Source of Wealth: | Singing, Songwriting, Acting, Television Producing, and Other Ventures |
Height: | 5′ 9″ (1.77 m) |
Weight: | 76 kg; In pounds: 167 lbs. |
Early Life and Career Information
Early Life
Yasiin Bey, whose birth name is Dante Terrell Smith, was born on December 11, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York, United States to Abdulrahman Smith and Sheron Smith.
Bey is rumored to have up to 12 siblings and half-siblings, many of whom are only known by their nicknames. He was the eldest child.
Bey’s father lived in New Jersey while his mother lived with him in Brooklyn. He attended Philippa Schuyler Middle School located in Bushwick, Brooklyn. He later proceeded to high school but dropped out in his sophomore year to pursue his acting ambitions.
Acting Career
Yasiin Bey developed a passion for acting while in middle school. He was involved in numerous plays, arts programs, and Off-Off-Broadway productions.
Bey eventually made his film debut in 1988 by portraying Richard Watkins in the movie ‘God Bless the Child.’ He later appeared as a Dead Romeos gang member in the 1991 film ‘The Hard Way.’
In 1997, Bey portrayed Dante in ‘Ghosts.’ The following year, he appeared as Wilt Crawley in ‘Where’s Marlowe?’
2000 was another successful year for Yasiin Bey. He had roles in the films ‘Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme,’ ‘Bamboozled,’ and ‘Island of the Dead.’ He then appeared in ‘Carmen: A Hip Hopera’ and ‘Monster’s Ball,’ both in 2001.
Bey would continue to grace tons of other films during his career. Notable mentions include:
• Showtime (2002)
• Civil Brand (2002)
• Brown Sugar (2002)
• The Italian Job (2003)
• The Woodsman (2003)
• Something the Lord Made (2004)
• Lackawanna Blues (2005)
• The Boondocks (2005; as a voice actor)
• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
• 16 Blocks (2005)
• Journey to the End of the Night (2006)
• Be Kind Rewind (2008)
• Cadillac Records (2008)
• Next Day Air (2009)
Yasiin Bey also appeared in a number of television series during the same period. His noteworthy television credits include My Wife and Kids (2002), House (2009), Yo Gabba Gabba! (2010), Dexter (2011), and The Getaway (2014).
Music Career
Mos Def began his music career in 1994 by forming the hip-hop group Urban Thermo Dynamics (UTD), along with his younger brother DCQ and younger sister Ces. The group released its first and only album in 2004, titled ‘Manifest Destiny.’
Def also embarked on a solo music career while still a member of UTD. He released his first single in 1997, titled “Universal Magnetic.”
After releasing his debut single, Mos Def signed with Rawkus Records. He also formed a rap duo with Talib Kweli called Black Star. Black Star released its debut album, ‘Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star,’ in 1998.
In 1999, Mos Def released his first solo studio album, ‘Black on Both Sides.’ The album reached #25 on the Billboard 200 charts.
Mos Def followed with his second studio album, ‘The New Danger,’ in 2002 under Geffen Records. The album reached #5 on the Billboard 200.
In 2006, Mos Def released his third and final solo studio album under Geffen Records, titled ‘True Magic.’ He would later follow up with two more solo albums under different labels – The Ecstatic in 2009 and ??? (Negus) in 2019.
Mos Def’s Net Worth
Mos Def has featured in many publications as one of America’s most talented rappers of his generation. Ironically, he’s not one of the richest. As at 2023, Def had a net worth of $2.5 million.
But why doesn’t Mos Def’s net worth reflect his illustrious music and acting career?
Well, it has a lot to do with financial and legal troubles over the years.
In 2006, Mos Def was sued by his ex-wife Maria Yepes over failure to pay his court-ordered monthly child support of $10,000. This was the clearest indication that the rapper wasn’t doing so well financially.
Mos Def has been a subject of other lawsuits as well. These include immigration-related offenses in South Africa.
Lessons from Mos Def
1. Speak out your message clearly
Mos Def is one of the most articulate rappers. His lyrics are clearly audible and his listeners don’t have to go over his tracks several times to pick up the message. This is one of the things that set him apart from many rappers.
2. Awards are not the only yardstick for success
Def ranks among successful rappers with the fewest awards. However, the fact that his trophy cabinet is nearly empty doesn’t mean he’s a terrible rapper.
3. Strive to be a role model
Mos Def has influenced thousands of hip hop artists during his career. Examples include Kid Cudi, Lupe Fiasco, Jay Electronica, and Saigon.
Famous Quotes by Mos Def
• African art is functional, it serves a purpose. It’s not a dormant. It’s not a means to collect the largest cheering section. It should be healing, a source a joy. Spreading positive vibrations.
• All the things that are worth doing, take time.
• Good art provides people with a vocabulary about things they can’t articulate.
• My presence speaks volumes before I say a word.
• You’re not gonna get through life without being worshipful or devoted to something. You’re either devoted to your job, or to your desires. So the best way to spend your life is to try to be devoted to prayer, to Allah.
Conclusion
Mos Def is one of the finest rappers of his generation. Although his current net worth isn’t commensurate with his multi-decades career, Def remains a true inspiration to millions of aspiring rappers around the world.