Mos Def - Umi Says

[@itsrelativ3967]

Mos Def was already a decade ahead of his time with this one.

[@joncoda365]

+E-LIVE THA WIZ He was so far ahead of his time with this one, I don't even think any one has caught up yet.

[@itsrelativ3967]

I hear u. Everybody is doing this type of music now. Look at Vic Mensa, Kid Cudi, Chance the Rapper, J.Cole, Joey Badass, Childish Gambino, The Internet, Kendrick Lamar, etc.

[@toreall101]

he was way ahead of his time with most of his music. Easily the most over looked artist in hip hop history

[@joncoda365]

CStarz what?

[@joncoda365]

CStarz Nope, I guess I'm not.

[@tinkyman100]

This is one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded.

[@rasheedshakur8468]

I second that emotion. Peace

[@Thirty3mad]

This song and Climb

[@ansonblanton7451]

Shine the light on the world...

[@kennethmonts2728]

Word!

[@MrSean2790]

Yes and pretty wings

[@class7111]

One of the most overlooked undervalued songs of all time.

[@NJbakintheday]

True. The whole album was/is

[@timalechinurseryschoolofma9699]

Word

[@IvanaMacomson]

Most definitely!!!

[@t_chopper]

Shid not no more

[@glax69]

33 year old white dude here in 2020 during quarantine. Just discovered this song via spotify and can't get it off repeat. Much respect to Yasiin Bey

[@tshepomampana8118]

Damn! I feel for you man. I'm in South Africa. And we are s'pose to be behind. 😆 🤣 😂 we been rocking this from early 2000's...but you are the right track brother, just jokes brother. Just jokes. It is musically heaven sent. Peace to you brother.

[@mattrussillo4587]

60 year old white dude here, listening to this and have been looking for it for a while. Great music, great advice!

[@xiscaw]

@@mattrussillo4587 98 year old white dude here. Can't stop listening to this song!

[@cmarie6157]

I’m so glad you discovered it…great song

[@millershaniqua2]

"I want black people to be free to be free" I wish that all the time

[@nerdbamarich2063]

millershaniqua2 Same here love..

[@Nayborhood9]

yes yes preach!!! Blessings 😇😇😇

[@eternalyfeful]

millershaniqua2....what's the definition of free? What are we slaves to? How do we get free?

[@sonikku956]

T'Challa We're slaves to religion.

[@mulubasayeric231]

Yes sista

[@clayholbert756]

If Hip hop were a religion this would be a church hymn.

[@liveish2717]

clay holbert hip hop IS a religion..

[@iprofessionalamateur]

Amen

[@vrd2010ga4]

clay holbert Definitely!

[@lorettalynndavis9695]

Right?

[@freestateofgrizzy1937]

clay holbert FACTS

[@Decovia79]

Every parent should play this for every kid

[@kmbrsaun8]

You right, mama

[@hulk2003h]

i played it for my dad, as his cancer switched our roles quite a bit and he never really listened to hip hop. i saw nothing but joy in his eyes

[@wpbwycfm]

Decovia79. u so right... i know i do

[@liveish2717]

I was just awarded custody of my daughter today. This song came to me for some reason. Your comment made me smile.. because I was thinking I can't wait to play this for her....:)

[@timhall3160]

Decovia79 I just played it for mine!

[@luvlou71]

This is what hip hop is suppose to sound and look like. Nuff said

[@kw9568]

Yes!!!!!! Best comment on this feed!

[@pistilliproductions2930]

Rip hip hop

[@luvlou71]

@@kw9568 i dont even remember writing it. lol

[@selaphiel5863]

More neo soul than anything.

[@user-yg4hq1ob4j]

I was in high school when I first heard this song. Now I'm 33 yrs old...so much has changed yet still remains the same. Why am I crying...

[@murderah17]

32 years old here bro....i feel you!!!

[@lonewolf7912]

Because its real my g

[@mcdonaldsm925]

Chelcey X cause nothing has changed it gotten worse we had a black president but nothing changed black people still getting slaughtered like cattle in the street by the gov and we are so Blind we slaughter ourselves for nothing ..we as a whole do not know our value we are in captivity ...tears is good keep them flowing like milk and honey in the land we once had before we cursed our selves

[@claudioccornejo]

Remember when we were jits? I thought, shit only old people racist. Millennials will never be racist. Then I grew up. And we have the internet with social media where every idiot has a voice, specifically in places we never been to and realize racism is live and real. Perhaps more real than its been in the last 50 years... Then I am myself, progress??? Where the fuck is the social progress? We're regressing instead. But I really think a large part of it is having to hear every idiots thoughts through social media. Social media is great in so many ways until u remember half of America is racist af. I'm 33 too and wish I could go back to 1998. 😢

[@felixicon]

"i hope you feel me"

[@kingplaya]

Therapeutic...even after all these years later. 🙏🏾

[@Kerisa.Aleman]

Yes it is : )

[@mrecords484]

Amen!

[@qferg2491]

Without question, one of the greatest songs ever recorded!!

[@zoradaughter]

Rest in power, Weldon Irvine 🌼

[@oblambo]

Like when you hear mos def, then you gotta listen to/think about talib kweli, common, the roots, the fugees, de la soul, tribe called quest, jill scott, floetry, maxwell, bilal, d'angelo, lupe fiasco and many more. These are the artisits I refer to as the soul hip-hop and R&B artists, not just conscious artists.

[@mihirbenipuri]

90% of so called "hip hop" fans in 2019 will probably never hear their music sadly

[@ElNegringoKreyolito]

Soul hip-hop, I like that 👍

[@dancgreen2]

What black man or woman hasn't't felt like what he was expressing in this song?..knowing you are not perfect, trying so hard to make it with the systematic obstacles in your way every day and to quote "feeling like crying" but also being thankful and grateful for being alive and telling yourself things will get better and to shine on while wanting our people to be free from injustice...very deep and inspirational message

[@slyesco]

***** You are right you don't. But he is specifically talking to black people in this song! "I want black people to be free, to be free, to be free. All my people to be free, to be free, to be free"

[@pascalwalls253]

Simon Heron He may specifically talk to black people in this song but that doesn't mean he's ONLY speaking to black people. "All my people to be free" could easily be interpreted as meaning "everyone, regardless of colour".

[@slyesco]

Pascal Walls How can you say he may specifically talk to black people and then say that doesn't mean he only speaking to black people? That doesn't make sense. I'm not looking for an argument. But I think know he's speaking about Black people and black people only. Why can't he just be speaking to black people? His people. Because that's who he's referring too. As I black man I interpret it as him talking to me. If he was making a song about everyone regardless of colour then why mention black people?

[@drvalpartee9561]

+milesmcg +Simon Heron, and Pascal Wall: You guys are passionate I can see that. But let's stop all of this-- that is where we get entangled by dealing with the minors rather than the majors. Spread the word to be nice. Because you know this already, that we get back what we give out. To me he speaking to black people, he says it. Again, we are the only ones who struggles in a land where our forefathes were forced to stay and work and build it and still with very little respect--we are here now this is our country and we still are struggling. Our people left Isarel and brought to Africa a long, long time ago. This is our home now--we really need to begin to work together--finally.. Everyone knows what's been happening all of this time. And that's what Mos Def is talking about. Look at Bill Mahr show when he was on there. He has always spoke for his people as we all should. That doesn't mean anyone should blatantly hurt anyone though like hurt innocent whites, or any race etc because of color or ethnic background--that is horribly wrong. Sure, even though it was done to us. We cannot afford to do the same thing unless we are defending ourselves and family from hurt harm or danger, that is a God given right as well as a civil right. #peacedaily

[@slyesco]

If you take the time and go and find the lyrics to this song. You will see who he talking too!

[@LittleMissSunshine721]

“Tomorrow may never come...for you or me, life is not promised...Tomorrow may never show up...” those lines always stood out to me & I don’t know why.

[@marcamico5254]

Song's so chill for reflection about your own personal life ... How is this disliked???

[@stoiccrane4259]

Some people fear good music and deep introspection. The dislikers are among them

[@jadender]

My Umi says this song is a hit

[@katherinebaulkman1079]

Marc Amico Exactly

[@FeraligatorConstant]

People wanna get turnt and not think about life

[@itz_akuma]

FeraligatorConstant I get turnt, matter fact faded af listening to this right now. But something you can never avoid is real life, can't wait until people realize that....

[@Nina513]

Bring 1999 back... The vibes and nostalgic feels that I get from this is uncontrollable.

[@NomfundoV8]

Say that again !

[@newzelandslap81]

Yes indeed,I got so many Rap City tapes

[@Jova_Gnostech]

That rare occasion where something experimental turns into an all-time classic.

[@vlonewrld7295]

Sight Decoding rare?

[@FelFree]

This was no accident ... No coincidence ... all has purpose in the pattern in the rhythm of the one song that moves us all .... Shine your Light !

[@FORCE1COMBAT]

this song bring tears of joy to my eyes!

[@theigbogoddess]

me too :D

[@davidyoung6269]

Com Guevara me to.And im a macho man

[@zinzosiphoqobo1940]

Ditto. They don't hate us; they fear us.

[@1213hey]

I ain't black , but I totally feel this song, talking about unity and the struggles black people go through, hopefully there comes a time when we can all come together, we ain't that bad right now, but it can definitely get better, in time

[@presterjohn1697]

Embrace it. It's there. A good thing. Your ancestry is filled with courageous heroes.

[@BFHExpeditions]

For almost 15 years this song has spoken to my soul and utter being. I sing it when I'm in need of strength and I'm pulled through adversity. Honest and timeless lyrics combat this cold world that we must strive through to shine our light on the dark. Thank you Dante Smith. Peace and blessings of the creator upon you Yasiin Bey.

[@W0ozie]

back when music actually touched your soul!

[@litosway9875]

REST IN PEACE TRAYVON MARTIN, FREDDIE GRAY, MIKE BROWN, ERIC GARDNER, TAMIR RICE, SANDRA BROWN, AND ALL THE YOUNG BROTHERS AND SISTERS THAT DIED BEFORE THEIR TIME

[@zinzosiphoqobo1940]

Far too many of us, Langston.

[@kekelo123blake4]

Langston Williams And DANTE PARKER AND DANITA PARKER. RIP MY PRECIOUS NEPHEWS.

[@odesat5100]

Langston Williams thank you for this post. Those deaths causes me pain.

[@rasheedshakur8468]

Ameen.

[@jasonpalacios2705]

All because they resisted arrest,tried to kill the cops and they've criminal backgrounds except for Trayvon Martin.

[@lifemusic1980]

I loved this song when it first came out and it's still one of the greatest songs I've ever heard. great memories from 99

[@premesupreme713]

yess

[@ukes]

+Elizabeth Toner it's so damn BEAUTIFUL right ?!l... at times I almost tear up listening to it. Almighty Mos.... Yasiin Yasiin Yasiin

[@theritchie971]

+Elizabeth Toner Real !

[@pineapplepeanuts]

It was my first experience with Mos and now all these years later, he's retiring. Glad we didn't miss out. This song takes me back and it still hits me today

[@ukes]

pineapplepeanuts​ honestly

[@sherodlewis6365]

If we can only get the radio stations to play this type of Hip Hop ,are people will be real kings and queens ,real hip hop son!!

[@alexishilson919]

I just watched black lightning and they played this right before Khalil died I was in tears beautiful song 💕

[@aloneforeternity7760]

Me 2

[@XCocoaCutieX]

Black Lightening be playing some good songs, but I have to catch up on Season 2 bummer to hear Khalil dies...

[@niny365]

Same

[@danieloduntan1983]

So special. So timeless. Rest in peace to the genius, Master Weldon Irvine, who plays organ on this beautiful black anthem you can see him in this video. Yasiin doesn't have to produce another hit in my humble opinion, this track was more than music, it was a healing.

[@HipHopBeatSource]

I remember I first heard this in a Jordan commercial. Been rocking it ever since. Timeless music.

[@marcamico5254]

Yeah,me too. Before DallASS Mavericks fans existed with Dirk,Nash and Finley. Lol.

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

same here lol.

[@jjay291]

Sometimes I Don't want to be A Soldier Sometimes I just want to be a Man ...Smh Story of my Adult awakin Life ... Pure Words ....

[@blackalicious1986]

HipHopBeatSource yessir

[@dareyllwanzer5048]

This song brings tears to my eyes. This is black excellence. This song is perfection. ✊🏽

[@mrmaccs1]

in 2016 to all my brothers caught in this oppressive system...shine your light on the world! peace and blessings

[@brianmoore3580]

My most favorite Mos Def tune. My umi says shine your light on the world.

[@broccolihart1]

My UMI says to play this again....

[@zeblackfox]

*SMILE * FACT

[@KKG3388]

One of the all time Favourite! Afrofuturism, Jazz, Blues, and Poetry mashed with Hiphop... Mos Def Continues the African Griot Art of Story telling through Music etc, Maximum Respect Bro!!

[@RAYGOR55]

A true Classic - In these times in which we are living - These times call for a Remix !!

[@damienparker7628]

I still love this smooth jam after all these years, you can see at 2:01-2:16 Mos Def was really feelin it deeply on what he’s sayin....Peace to Mos Def

[@IkeABoss]

I ain't no perfect man, I'm trying to do the best I can

[@impishnoire6682]

If I were ever to meet this man i'd lose my mind.

[@sammysosa9665]

I was like 6 when this song came out now I'm 22 and still love it! Man Mos Def is my inspiration!!!!!

[@koketsomokone2975]

Mos makes you feel him. A stand out characteristics for rappers of his day. A strength

[@JahwanM]

"Sometimes my heart gets heavy/Sometimes I just wanna leave and fly away..." SAY IT! This song swells my heart

[@pamelamariesanford8819]

Mos Def is a talented brother in all fronts, rap, acting and creative music such as this song.. Give him 👍🏾👍🏾...

[@shawnstrohman5026]

mos Def this song is pure

[@eleanorkoger5945]

Just heard this used in a movie! Never heard of it before but glad to have found this treasure, fo sure

[@anthonytruman]

Check out the whole album this song is on called Black on Both Sides

[@Nayborhood9]

Mos Def music is therapeutic, real and always has a message behind it. I love Real music that make u enjoy life and appreciate things for what they are!

[@TheBrownSkinQT]

I’m here because of Dave Chappelle: The Mark Twain Prize #PBSTwain. #MosDef will always be a legend and so will #DaveChappelle. Salute to you both❣️

[@ebroomfield36]

One of the coldest smoothest beat in hip hop history!

[@charlita25]

Mos Def has a beautiful soul

[@lv00859]

So many people slept on this joint

[@black76561]

Black on both sides...classic album ...still enjoying that now...

[@kyacrawford4112]

I'd like to take a sec to thank my father for raising me on this tip. I'll never forget the many sessions in his studio in the basement. Listening to good music and schooling me on our history. From America to Africa to Jamaica. Shine your light on the world my ppl ✊🏽 I love us all

[@nickels9254]

One of my favorite joints. Perfect chill/smoke music. I use to sing his opening words to my daughters mom when she would be buggin out. One Love.

[@KAN1911]

" I aint no perfect man am tryna' do the best that I can with what it is I have...... This song, this song.... the lyrics get down deep in my soul every time I listen to it!

[@im_a_true_idiotLOLLLLLLLLLLLLl]

I feel the same way.

[@JayJayLegal]

This song makes me feel good. Nostalgic to the days when neosoul and hip hop blended so well. Love the drums and jazzy beat.

[@tanyatmr]

Can't get enough of this. Heard this for the first time years ago, on an episode of "Soul Food."

[@laurynmiya888]

If u listening to this u r sick & legendary. This is for real hip hop heads only..this reminds me of my highschool years, my 1st bf borrowed me the cassette & this changed my life forever. Two decades later, black people are still not free.

[@patwill84]

Life is not promised!! Tomorrow may never come!! I always loved mos def!!

[@future5001]

After hearing that #Ferguson decision I needed to hear this. Thank you for posting such a classic song. Thank you Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) for creating this masterpiece. The message is timeless.

[@futuretroglodyte4231]

R.I.P. Joseph Culpepper 11/25/2013 we love and miss you dearly

[@kennybailey3094]

ALL Time Favorite Mos Def Joint!

[@brentcoleman3284]

Mos Def!

[@HimmReaper]

Every time I hear this song it speaks to me differently every time! A timeless classic! It touches you no matter where you are in life!

[@malakia98]

This song brings a warm soulful feeling throughout my body. 🤎

[@9DramaCydal6GodHead9]

This Song has been my Ringtone for years , absolutely love this song. It’s Amazing, Timeless, & it’s Essential to The Hip Hop Culture. I’m forever a Mos Def fan for this track .

[@zinzosiphoqobo1940]

Greetings and salutations to you all, African Queens, Sun Goddesses, Nubian Princesses, Daughters of the Diaspora, mothers to my unborn child.....and to you too, Strong brothers, descendants of Mandingo, Ashanti Warriors, Princes of Mapungubwe, Heirs of Great Zimbabwe, bearers of a blessed lineage. Walk tall.

[@sarahb5243]

+Luther Lubi man i love this comment

[@nickiejefferson1918]

Greetings!!!!!

[@africanbella28]

beautiful comment

[@nerdbamarich2063]

Many greetings to you and your's. I love your comment king!

[@thelankytank]

I'm white but I support this as well

[@AfroPower28]

this is (mos)t def free Music , Soul Music , Black is Beautiful

[@eladiorodriguez2218]

My nephew Jonathan Simeon Croom a hero firefighter lost his life in Buffalo ny in a fire trying to save a fellow firefighter, both perished..this song was on his Facebook page.. this song was one of his favorite songs..Rip Sim...

[@sharlenenjohn]

i remember listening to this for the first time back in the day and just vibin out to a different wavelength. Deep!

[@nicolerockwell2325]

I began my love w hip-hop in 1998 with this song in 8th grade.

[@qbconnect]

When this song 1st came out I immediately wanted it to be played at my funeral cuz his lyrics capture most everything I live through. 135 people are sadly blind & deaf, can't see the light & can't hear Umi:)

[@GoodxJ]

I love this song! Mos Def is such a pure soul and his words feel good and healing for the spirit!!!! peace and love Hip-Hoppers and my fellow Humans out there!!!!!! #wedontstop #shineyourLight

[@rasheedshakur8468]

Peace

[@beautyplusthesize4456]

I'm still playing this song in 2018! My boys love this song. Lol it came out before they were thought of. It still gets me emotional though. Our people have been through so much, but yet we still shine!! I love you all my brothers and sisters, no matter where you are in the world.

[@victorialadybug1]

This has always been one of my favorite songs. Still is.

[@kingchakazulu7762]

I get props for more stunts than Bruce Willis?

[@Nobantu3000]

After so many years… this song still rings with beauty. Do the best that I can with what it is I have…. Thanks. I needed to hear that

[@dorothyparker544]

Have loved this song since I first heard it! 💜💜💜

[@Tpheonix8]

Universal message....not just black people....amazing song Mos.

[@meyou5789]

I can respect that, but understand that's coming from the struggle and suppression deeply engrained from the Black Experience in America trust me....Im glad you can InJoy it but dont say Not just black people.

[@notsure3535]

Me You sometimes i dont wanna be a soildier. sometimes i just wanna be a man. im cuban from Miami. i can relate 100 percent. so im sure. white dude from Pennsylvania can too. ha ha

[@ChinotheJet]

I'm gonna claim this for us black folk. Peace

[@JohnManaandtheFreeFlyers]

I've listened to this song over 1000 times

[@TheCrazedaarson]

Where is the "LOVE" button? THIS is the reason I started liking Mos Def..I can play this song forever..Shout out to Wil.I.am for the input on this song

[@GK-qc5ry]

I always liked mos slower tracks like umi, summer, kalifornia etc. Nice to vibe to.

[@dionwalker2111]

Man, I felt like Mos Def in this song multiple times. Just get tired of things. Realizing how sad the earth is. How negativity cover our light like clouds. Especially when he say "Sometimes I feel like crying" or "I wish I can Fly Away". The bad thing is we all the opportunity to make the earth a better. We are totally capable.

[@jocas5841]

If my life had a soundtrack, this would definitely be on it..

[@aliwaytv1857]

This hit me in tht place of how I really feel a peaceful acceptance of accepting all good and bad let it be and shine light 💡🤲🏾💯

[@rjgamble2551]

New standard for any artist trying to be a lyricist Test of Time. Priceless Classic Music. Positive Vibrations

[@FelicityGemini]

UMI SAYS SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THE WORLD

[@SuperKavash]

Shine your light for the world to see :)

[@jodycollier8012]

Im gonna let it shine

[@adammartin7007]

Haven't heard this in years.Top tune.

[@synapticflow]

This was played on Black Lightning season 2 episode 11. I haven't heard this song in a long time.

[@jewelzinfinite3589]

This is one of the most righteous songs I've ever heard. It took me about 15 years to finally hear this.... as it "randomly" came on during a session in which I was smudging with sage. Much propz to my brutha Yassin Bey.... HOTEP/SHALAM!

[@exxumma]

inspirational,,,we dont live forever,,,we are not perfect,,,but yet we can do good if we want to,,,shine your light and see how bright life gets,,,

[@thomaspridgen219]

Mos Def always does the most. Lit

[@MsBernadette78]

One word.... Chilling and lets one be taken to a deep stratosphere of thoughts!

[@TightMoneyGripp813]

No doubt 🤜🏾🤛🏾

[@Dee2D]

OMG this song still gives me goosebumps when I hear it.

[@renrah5902]

Listening to this timeless piece. Need this today and often!

[@NightmareonAnyStreet_]

Big Facts

[@sherodlewis6365]

They catch me slipping play this at my funeral real hip hop you can't lose

[@KardiFan2000]

R.I.P. Weldon Irvine (aka Master Wel)...he plays the keys on this track, and in this video.

[@LachishDavidsonLBeauty]

I haven't heard this song in so long something told me to give it a listen........

[@rasheedshakur8468]

Never take it out of rotation beloved. Peace

[@slyesco]

This song brings tears of joy to my eyes :-)

[@laurentpk]

Love this... makes me think of my beautiful niece Gabriella ... Love Love Love... Life is good... :)

[@AnovaLisaDragonfly]

This song and this video just opens up my heart to us, my people, worldwide. Every time. The feeling... I love us. We are so beautiful.

[@colinmaya22]

The ❤ by kendrick lamar. one of the tracks that made me start listening to kendrick. simply because he used this beat!!! classic... by a classic rapper. mos def killed this shit

[@ThisIsBrianMcKnight]

What song?

[@colinmaya22]

+Brian McKnight the heart by kendrick lamar

[@MrFlyVisuals]

Listening to this in at the end of 2019 to bring in 2020 with new energy.

[@JohnManaandtheFreeFlyers]

Digg

[@AngelAviles]

Tomorrow may never show up For U and me Life is not promised... Make the most of today! #spiritual #hiphopmusic

[@ceofounder]

Masterpiece of a hip hop/R&B/neo soul song! Pure harmony and meaning! Respect and Salute to Mos Def!

[@BornOnAllSevens]

I totally agree with you, there is something about this song...I come to this page a few times a week no matter how I'm feeling.