African art is functional, it serves a purpose. Its not a dormant. Its not a means to collect the largest cheering section. It should be healing, a source a joy. Spreading positive vibrations. – Mos Def
I dont want to waste anyones time or money. I want to give people some truth and positive heart lift. – Mos Def
That idea of peace and love toward humanity shouldnt be nationalistic or denominational. It should be a chief concern for all mankind. – Mos Def
Bob Marley performed the One Love Peace concert in Jamaica with the two different warring political sides. Theres always been that in black music and culture in general. Its no surprise because black music is such a reflection of whats going on in black life. Its not unusual for hip-hop. – Mos Def
I began to fear that Mos Def was being treated as a product, not a person, so Ive been going by Yasiin since 99. At first it was just for friends and family, but now Im declaring it openly. – Mos Def
I come from a family of very devout, praying people. That idea of peace and love toward humanity shouldnt be nationalistic or denominational. It should be a chief concern for all mankind. – Mos Def
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 wouldnt have the means to express in a meaningful and useful way. – Mos Def
I cant control what people think. Im not trying to manipulate peoples thoughts or sentiments. I write all the time. You have to experience life, make observations, and ask questions. Its machine-like how things are run now in hip-hop, and my ambitions are different. – Mos Def
I know what it feels like to have the door slammed firmly in my face, so Im cool with that. – Mos Def
Focused. Im a hustler. And my hustle is trying to figure out the best ways to do what I like without having to do much else. – Mos Def
With guys I revere, like Marcus Garvey or Malcolm X, their look is less about style than purpose and the expression of beauty. It wasnt just about being noticed, you know? – Mos Def
Good art provides people with a vocabulary about things they cant articulate. – Mos Def
And remember dont high post when youre far from home, and high posting when youre all alone. – Mos Def
I have no confidence issues with the impact or the quality of the music. No one in hip-hop, before this point and to this point, with all due respect, has done this. – Mos Def
You have to experience life, make observations, and ask questions. – Mos Def
