Mos Def - Umi Says

[@jdatx]

My best friend passed from cancer 2 1/2 years ago. This is the song he wanted played at his funeral. Being at a church, that didn't happen. I carried him to his grave. Hardest thing I've ever done. Everytime my wife and I visit his gravesite, we sit down and play this. We feel close to him in that moment even though he's gone. 😢

[@SGNJBROKENTHEATER]

Relax In Paradise to your friend.

[@SGNJBROKENTHEATER]

Relax In Paradise to your friend

[@feliciaharrison9325]

🙏🌅

[@surelock22]

Cancer sucks. It took my aunt at the young age of 54.

[@keithkatane4854]

I hope Mos' reads your beautiful words one day.

[@ceo_felcone]

Who’s still watching / listening to this classic? ✋🏽

[@SheilaBly-hs1vk]

Ayy bruh! I'm hear n u daw!! 💋 I love to chill too This is one of the most beautiful, jazzy cool, sophisticated, dreamy pieces that has ever been recorded!!!! Hat's off to MOS DEF. DeFinetly 💯💖🙋🥰😎✌️

[@moonhendrix7681]

❤☮️

[@Armuflyq]

2024

[@vincentroy3804]

everyday !

[@paulmilligan2657]

Beautiful Grooves ✨️ Timeless Vibes ❤

[@gannan1953]

We still rocking Mos Def in 2024 ??

[@Pun291]

why wouldn't we?

[@valeriahampton9503]

Indeed

[@gclark8228]

No doubt!

[@yusef3132]

Most def

[@Calecia189pounder]

Always

[@marceloparada9411]

Almost 2025 and here we are. We continue to enjoy this timeless gift from Mos Def.

[@cueyork8179]

I just lost my Umi last night, and her last words to me was “you are my sunshine” 😢✌🏽💯 R.I.P mom

[@lisacoleman2657]

Blessings to you 🙏🏾

[@runboyprod3880]

blessings

[@christopherjohnson8744]

Rest in eternal peace in the kingdom of our lord almighty

[@ObsidianCrocodile]

❤️🌹

[@kingish_kingish_]

She always with you✊🏽💯

[@elihudcarter9943]

Mos Def should have got a Grammy award for this song.That he never received a Grammy for this song is an injustice because this is not a good song,it's a great song.

[@dizzeldaddy1]

Because its positive vibes they don't want us having that they want us living in havoc and bs

[@SethGavriel111]

AGREED💯

[@garybynoe]

Esp when you consider the type of songs getting awarded now

[@Eliud-mw8uw]

@@garybynoe Very true

[@wallace44able]

He's too edgy and cool for Grammys.

[@DormammuDawg]

" I want black people to be free, to be free, to be free! "

[@meyemediauk]

all people to be free.... it would be ignorent to be so selective over race.. especialy the past 10 years all colours are effected,,,, yet colours live the least selfdestructive lives compared to white culturs..... fhats facts... sadly western influence is destroying the world future

[@randomthoughts2332]

@@meyemediauk lol stfu

[@Tryhardblackguy]

@@meyemediauk shut up lol

[@redjem3333]

They need to dump religion first...

[@ninastone9054]

uk plzUK please shut up. Lol

[@mbf6160]

The fact he freestyled this is simply amazing

[@DeTAYL.]

I never knew that. That’s dope af

[@NomfundoV8]

Oh wow that’s amazing

[@chosen_remnant]

Where did you hear that? Did he say that in an interview or something?

[@haterkiller1312]

@@chosen_remnant 0:11

[@misterwilde1251]

“ I don’t wanna take take no time to write this down, I wanna tell you how I feel right now” 0:17-0:22 .. I wanna know too

[@vikramrihal]

If you’re coming back to this your heart is pure and you’re blessed ✌🏽

[@nuggetz9380]

❤️❤️

[@SinterKlaas-qn1eo]

❤

[@illitrait]

...easy to understand why "the industry" won't give this man his props. What a message.

[@Kinobambino]

It's not the industry it's the people who choose what they'd rather listen to

[@illitrait]

...sure, @@Kinobambino, anything you say. Let's just ignore the music industry's well-documented economics of race. Gotta love the interweb.

[@nitrogenbubbles4555]

@@illitrait I understand and agree with the point you are trying to make, but "wont"? this came out in 1999 man. It's been no props given.

[@slabhead]

A beautiful jazzy hip hop moment. Positive lyrics. Optimistic vibe. This kind of music is classic and timeless.

[@seanwright8786]

You ain't never lied with that bruh. That whole CD was high grade had no cut in it.... pure dopeness. Song after song.

[@duchess56me-tf7fx]

Sincerely...

[@williec.holmanjr.8181]

Agreed

[@bmon3100]

Listen up flower child.... Lol jk

[@OldskoolAcko]

Mos Def should be a native tongue just like Atcq ✌

[@lovechild1024]

Here after Kendrick Lamar's "6:16 in LA". His singing on that song paid homage and respect to Mos Def.

[@seanmurphy4836]

You ever heard The heart part 1?

[@TheLb360]

I love being black. shout out to all the family around the world. B1

[@YourGenericBrownGuy]

Yeah bro, I mean I’m Bengali but still love it

[@Treavon24]

✊🏿

[@SFocus-yy6tm]

Peace.!! I woke up to this in my head! BLACK INTELLIGENCE.

[@sereroserera367]

Bless up from Senegal!! ✊🏿

[@J2dADispora]

Love my blackness and my black family, worldwide. Love you all..

[@donnelljones-craven8091]

My wife died last Sunday unexpectedly. This song is helping me get through. It’s also a cry for the lives of Black peoples across the diaspora who are no longer here and we who are present. The struggle for true Black emancipation and freedom continues…✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@kenyaayele8952]

SO SO SO SORRY!! to hear this Donnell. I really hope you are blessed with comfort and lots of big hugs and support and all the good stuff to make you feel better.

[@TheBlossomingLife]

I am sorry for the loss of your wife.

[@helpmehealmyself9705]

May The Source of All Peace grant you relief from sorrow and grief, my friend. 🙏🏽

[@yudagomercy]

From the most high we come and to the most high creator we return. May the most high be pleased with her soul. And may he make it easy on your family God willing.

[@Tdarg357]

Condolences to your family my brother 💙

[@williamcapone5457]

mos def is mad underrated, he's the best to do it

[@stacib1199]

He stayed low key...never sold out or underrated

[@Stevies_Precog_Gym_n_Spa420]

He did treat his ladies like shit though, so there is that...

[@aldraias1]

William Capone definitely one of them

[@2bama7]

Top 10 of all time. Facts.

[@skinnybuddhaboy]

@@Stevies_Precog_Gym_n_Spa420 What did he do to them to treat them like shit?

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

My all time favorite album. Black on Both Sides made me feel good about being a young Black man at a time I was low and not feeling really good about myself. This song brings a tear to my eye whenever I play because what he said about his mom and grandma mirrors what my own said to me...they believed in me and told me I had to go out in the world. I'm eternally grateful for the Black women that reared me, that raised me.

[@lukekhalid896]

Respect Brother !!

[@theicekiller7574]

Thank you Manu ginobilis bald spot

[@theicekiller7574]

Thank you Manu ginobilis bald spot

[@TeamProU]

amazing. thank you for sharing so i can understand the impact on people

[@Byhisgrace144]

Beautiful comment. very intellectual and reflective. Heart felt. One day things will change & never be like this ever again.

[@deep_waters823]

Mos Def still listening in 2024💌💫

[@natureismeditation]

december 2024 real hiphop will never die!

[@andrewilliams6866]

‘25 til infinity

[@JamesRoberts-c9z]

25

[@Letitshine37]

How could anyone with a soul dislike this song...?🤦🏽‍♂️

[@donaldmelton9681]

It’s always haters in the universe

[@wanganegresse]

Plenty people don't want Black people to be free

[@adamgordon2572]

@@wanganegresse : Factual 💯

[@95til_infinity72]

@@donaldmelton9681 les just ignore them tho

[@buffysmith9406]

Beautiful song

[@bigbabakareem6050]

Umi and Abi Means "my Mother / my Father" in Arabic for those wondering.

[@akbey3941]

Thoughtitwas a nickname like mema . That's what happens when you around dumb people in MANHATTAN ALL THE TIME. Thanks for the education

[@PatinaEdochie]

Right 💯💓

[@sketchbabu]

Thanks for the explanation

[@A.King.Has.No.President]

He's muslim ☪️ I didn't know what it meant until I reverted

[@sikhostudio]

@@A.King.Has.No.President i like ur word reverted. a lot of poeple say convert. as we know we Muslim since we was born until our parent/ our self take wrong idiology

[@jordanletreyjones2112]

Mos Def is a skilled lyricist and highly underrated somebody give that man his roses

[@dalilinfant5170]

Classic track off of a classic album

[@wav.yliving]

This video captures the very early 2000s vibe perfectly

[@yungjeddy]

fr

[@juansenegalsr.6222]

Mos Def is a cold-blooded man he's a legend in his own time✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✌🏿✌🏿

[@satoshi9862]

this song has made me cry real tears in moments or gratitude , anger , sadness. such a beautiful song and message. SHINE YOUR LIGHT FOR THE WORLD TO SEE

[@jamailwalker5875]

Made me cry also

[@lonenick7743]

Gives me chills everytime.God Bless Yasiin Bey

[@nevertellmethaoddz8581]

This whole album changed my perspective as a white person forever. I’ll never know the Black experience but I developed a certain type of empathy with this album. Respect sir

[@guysizzle1259]

Peace 🙏

[@talkgomilk]

It’s amazing what music can do

[@SheilaBly-hs1vk]

Black people ARE my people! I'm Irish American... So what? QUE? I'm loving every single flayva that OUR CREATOR inspired in US. Such beautiful music IS GOD given.... And I am so thankful ✝️☮️💕🥰🙋

[@nicks9607]

One of the best hip hop tracks of all time...sublime stuff!

[@Neddos101]

FACTS

[@PatinaEdochie]

I agree 🎶💯💓

[@TheDinamiKK]

I don't wanna write this down I wanna tell you how I feel right now I don't wanna take no time to write this down I wanna tell you how I feel right now, hey Tomorrow may never come For you Umi Life is not promised Tomorrow may never show up For you Umi This life is not promised I ain't no perfect man I'm trying to do, the best that I can, With what it is I have I ain't no perfect man I'm trying to do, the best that I can, With what it is I have Put my heart and soul into this song (yes yes) I hope you feel me From where I am, to wherever you are I mean that sincerely Tomorrow may never come For Umi Life is not promised Tomorrow may never appear You better hold this very moment very close to you (right now) Very close to you (right now) So close to you, So- close to you (your moment in history is right now!) Don't be affraid, to let it shine My Umi said shine your light on the world Shine your light for the world to see My Abi said shine your light on the world Shine your light for the world to see (I want black people to be free, to be free, to be free) My Abi said shine your light on the world (Want black people to be free, to be free, to be free) Shine your light for the world to see (Want black people to be free, to be free, to be free) My Umi said shine your light on the world (Want black people to be free, to be free, to be free) Shine your light for the world to see (Want black people to be free, to be free) Sometimes I get discouraged I look around and, things are so weak People are so weak Sometimes, Sometimes I feel like crying Sometimes my heart gets heavy Sometimes I just want to leave and fly away [fly fly fly, like a dove] Sometimes I don't know what to do with myself [ow!] Passion takes over me I feel like a man Going insane Losing my brain Trying to maintain Doing my thing Hey hey hey hey hey Put my heart and soul into this y'all I hope you feel me Where I am, to wherever you are Sometimes I don't want to be bothered Sometimes I just want a quiet life, with Me and my babies, me and my lady Sometimes I don't want to get into no war (Black people to be free, to be free) Sometimes I don't wanna be a soldier Sometimes I just wanna be a man, but Umi said shine your light on the world Shine your light for the world to see My Abi said shine your light on the world Shine your light for the world to see (I want black people to be free, to be free, to be free) My dreamers said shine your light on the world (Want black people to be free, to be free, to be free) Shine your light for the world to see (Want black people) My elders said shine your light on the world (Hey hey) Shine your light for the world to see 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 Oh black people to be free, to be free, to be free Oh black people to be free, to be free, to be free That's all that matters to me Black people unite and let's all get down Gotta have what, Gotta have that love Peace and understanding One God, one light One man, one voice, one mic Black people unite come on and do it right Black people unite come on and do it right Black people unite come on and get down Gotta have what, Love, peace and understanding One God, one voice, one life One man, gon' shine my light Black people unite, now hop up and do it right Black people unite, now come on and do it right Yeah baby that's what I like Yeah baby that's what I like Yeah baby that's what I like, Black people, my people

[@masterjay2173]

5

[@rbeasley2049]

Thank you!🙏🏿

[@PatinaEdochie]

✍️🎯💯✊🏽🤎🥰

[@faithjackson8350]

That's how you know when you have hit the heart. You want to share it right now, it's not something you want to right down for future reference......it's to be shared and you won't be satisfied until you do. 🙏♥️💪

[@damonmcdougal2567]

thank you brother just so you know he says for you and me (not umi) :)

[@ousmanedanfo6304]

Sometimes when I see such low views for this Artist you understand that the state of hip hop on the artiistic side is in a coma !

[@daisasingleton8331]

Programmed to be that way too. Naturally our people want to hear degradation sad but true

[@phillismitchell8919]

Yeees🙏🏽❤🖤💚☮

[@williamrichardson4001]

One of the best songs ever recorded

[@afost6687]

This song is the essence of my very being. This song means more to me than any material item i own. I am eternally grateful to the creator for instilling this talent and message to this earthly being the Mighty Mos Def to deliver to us in time of need. I owe this song my peace of mind in moments of strife,conflict, assurance and confidence. Peace and a life of blessings to the word and those who receive the word. Thank you Umi (grandmother)...

[@robynlecompte2399]

This is the best statement about this song, I feel the same, this song touches my soul and heals me everytime I hear it, thank you for your words

[@edub9930]

Beautiful

[@kevintownsend6037]

Wow love your comments I feel like Gods heart channel through the gift he gave him. Jesus want us all to be free

[@greatscott1175]

Just checking in to remember the greatness of this song by Mos Def. Obviously timeless. A masterpiece of creativity and consciousness. A beautiful glimpse of what hip hop COULD have been. Thanks, bruh

[@alaad-dinabdullah5053]

Bought this CD at Best Buy in 1999. Every entire song on this album (Black on Both Sides) is fire! I bought another copy in 2017 and it brought me right back to 1999/2000. This is the best album I ever heard. It is such a masterfully completed body of work. Peace to Yasin Bey A.K.A MosDef

[@blackula305]

who is still listening in 2020 while on rona lockdown ?

[@RollingWithTracy]

Definitely

[@HealingMedicyn]

🙋🏼‍♀️

[@csil1982]

Picking my spirits back up! Down with the haters with no love in their hearts for other people that don’t look like themselves. #LetsGetFreed

[@beebeejacobs]

MOS DEFINITELY 🎼🎙🎧!!.... 💜Would have LOVED a O)+>👑🎶🎵💜🎶🎵💜🎹🎸🎹Collab🤗

[@rovervitesse1]

Still so relevant today - brilliant track - and lyrics are so relevant in today's descent into populist / right nightmare

[@Aqm917]

This track is beautiful. Most Def deserved all the recognition for this.

[@ikura87]

My favorite jam from the talented Mos Def

[@Wayne_C_Kelly_II]

First Album, “Black On Both Sides” Is, By Far, His Best Project.

[@mama2flythesidehustlequeen164]

Still listening in 2024! I love this

[@bp8300]

One of my fav Rapper ever.

[@encryptednoodles3680]

IceManLikeGervin Shit was wack, KZbin rappers lmao

[@alldogsgoheaven]

@@encryptednoodles3680 haha, he said it like it's poem, how is it wack or anything?, it's a poem. Plus it was pretty cool no lie, he was spitting bars. And that's most likely mos bars since it's on a mos song.

[@ghostkilla346]

@@encryptednoodles3680 you never heard the rape over by mos def? Shits like 10 years old or more youre wack as fuck my nigga those are his lyrics.

[@stacib1199]

In my top 10 4sure

[@marcosramirez1505]

It's more like R&B than Hip Hop, but I agree with you, this song is amazing, full of positive vibes, definitely a classic.

[@basquait1]

Now this is Hip Hop....when Spoken Words...Cool Melody...and Instruments......merge together. Dope2X!!!

[@purelovejoy528]

Classic true hip hip

[@D.Anderson]

Amen to that I'm 45 and truly miss the era of real rap&hip hop

[@BossANova-xw9qi]

Donna Graham hooray!

[@nickhyder9141]

i feel like this is more of a jazz/soul song with hip hop influences.

[@jasonwilliams0306]

"Sumtimes my heart gets so heavy"

[@Tru3_kills]

when he says " feel like a man going insane losing my brain trying to tryna to maintain doing my thang" i felt that!

[@jr100hcp]

My brother died unexpectedly from a drug overdose and this song makes me cry because I’m trying my absolute best

[@AhhmErika]

B encouraged it’s gonna be rainbow at the end ❤ ikhuf❤ ❤

[@ELAMB-mg1sl]

Likewie… keep your head up it gets heavy at times. Very. But days become bearable…Keep head towards sky.

[@TriciaO-i8u]

Give yourself grace. Grief is a complex process. Find ways to honour him.

[@MindFrameGaming]

Summer time in the city. This is the vibe.

[@ontiv99]

My aunt died and the day before she heard this song for the first time loved it and danced to it with her daughter ❤. It will have meaning to us forever.

[@charlos9190]

this song takes me somewhere else, it's a mantra at this point, "I ain't no perfect man, i'm trying to do the best that I can, with what it is I have."

[@justusnimely6984]

WE NEED THIS TYPE OF GODLY AND POSITIVE ENERGY IN THE HOOD RIGHT NOW.

[@danielobrien1881]

When I’m old and my grandchildren ask me to play a song from my time…this 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@kenosabi]

This was my jam at about 16. I moved out of my parents house hella early and at the end of the day after work and school this was always on the Playlist. I'd listen to music and read and just sorta vibe out. Music is like a snapshot in time. You'll always remember what the track meant in your life. That's always unique.

[@Dundealmusic]

College years music. We were rolling White Owls, the original Dutch Masters and Phillies. Smoked out constantly. Thanks for the flashback.

[@RareRapVideoz]

We do it evryday still

[@jamalryant254]

FACTS, vibes

[@lordtrill7731]

@415City Swishers are GARBAGE

[@jamesday6182]

My white owl burning kinda sloww...i was to young to understand what that was back in 94, but shot out to outkast

[@emilioestevez3469]

1999 right? Sheesh goosebumps idk why

[@Benger2185]

When the world ends, this is the song that will be playing to soothe the chaos.

[@i8cow]

Smokin to this song is top tier peaceful ☮️

[@LucasPenido]

One of the greatest hip hop tracks of all times

[@deedontcare584]

Such a deep song the chords everything gives me that 70s vibe

[@dissolvingduality8496]

So freaking good. So talented. I didn't realize he played all of those instruments too.

[@tamaraspriggs4468]

20+ years later, still listening to this music, tearing up. Yes, Mos Def, I want my people to be free,.

[@monpaige]

Want my black ppl to be free to be free to be free..........🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@phillismitchell8919]

🙏🏽❤🖤💚☮🙏🏽💐

[@DWolfLycanis]

A classic-timeless song of hip hip brilliance

[@dinellbuford4110]

I ain’t no perfect man I’m trying to do, the best that I can With what it is I have Man I felt that😢😭

[@fabiancampbell1406]

One of those tracks that summarized our whole existence...cultural, spiritual, love, life, emotional, struggle, thankful, freedom, joyful, think,

[@dwaynedillon719]

The Truth 👋😇🔥🙏❤️💯💖💎🏆 🏆💎💖💯🙏 Amen 🙏💯💖💎🏆

[@kiriyareview9823]

I feel almost in tears watching this thinking of simpler times. Man I’m getting old but my goodness. This hit me kinda hard And unexpectedly.

[@toneriggz]

Mighty Mos! Rawkus was on fire in the late 90s and early 2000s

[@rashidabdul-salaam9090]

“Sometimes I don’t want to be a soldier I just wann be a man” indeed

[@seanwright8786]

I remember when I bought this CD as it 1st came out (Black on Both Sides). Had to support the homie Yaasin Bey aka Mos Def. Straight outta the livest Borough in the NY.......BROOKLYN!

[@KevinMcGathey]

My Mother passed in December of 2021. Before her passing we weren’t close, weren’t even on speaking terms. Listening to this song, and growing spiritually, make me miss my Umi. RIP Patricia (Burden) Springfield, Hope I’m making you proud.

[@Starplatinium]

Timeless

[@HefeJack]

Just discovered greatness, 2024 Most high is leading me here

[@ChitlinsLaundry]

Most uplifting hip hop song of all times 🙏

[@CatherineCampbell-i1p]

Whenever I lose my sh*t to people dying everyday in the news, I listen to this song, so I listen to it at least 6 times daily, everyday, ever since I was old enough since 12 years old to be upset by the news, I am now 38 and so therefore, I have listened to this song tens of thousands of time and why havent I gone insane listening to this song that many god awful times is anyone's guess

[@keithmorris7207]

A soothing song to motivate you to do better, be better...

[@dayonebooker1623]

2020 and this song still good

[@indigoGoddess7]

2021 and this still gives me chills.

[@anthonygregory3680]

2023 and I'm getting them now!!!

[@JustinaElumeze]

30 years later, still one of the BADDEST tunes out there!

[@Lovejoyful606]

Replay this over and over on the radio 2020💫

[@TheHomeTeamNYCNewYork]

One of the best songs ever 😉

[@itsacorporatething]

This is a beautiful and timeless song

[@MissDetox]

RIP Umi, prayers going up for Mos Def & his family 🙏🏾

[@user-nw2si7hu3u]

This song still reigns supreme this many years later it’s brilliant

[@THEJAESTER718]

This was the song my wife and I walked out of our wedding to 26 years ago 💯❤️❤️❤️ Gives me goosebumps every time I hear it 😊🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@c.christopher6115]

26 years ago? I thought this came out in 1999

[@THEJAESTER718]

@c.christopher6115 Yes, it came out in 1999....25 years ago 🙄, but my wife and I met I 1997 (actually 27 years ago), so it all blended together, LOL!! My mistake 🫡

[@robertwashingtonjr1839]

This Song speaks to me, my daughter was killed in 2019, I miss her so much & my mom misses her even more, thank you Mos Def for this classic and timeless song.

[@eldondavis1983]

I just saw a video of Joey Badass doing a cover version of this song. It was pretty good.

[@AnthonyRodriguez-vk5lu]

This song so deep, I remember when I first heard this song on MTV Jamz early 2000's

[@gr8rexrey]

This is one of the best songs I have ever heard. My God.

[@jgonzalesm6]

Heard this song in a Michael Jordan commercial "Much Respect" back in the day.....fell in love with the song as well as the commercial. The good ole days ya know.....MJ killin it on the court with the Celtics, the Lakers, Pistons, Sixers, Jazz.

[@hiphoptvwhy]

MOS DEF IS FKIN LEGEND

[@DeandreCrosby-hn1pc]

This will never get OLD

[@bobbybushay7623]

Give Mos Def his flowers fr. This video should definitely have over a mil.

[@mspussygalore]

*MAD LOVE FOR MOS DEF!!*

[@xolanicedricxaba3498]

Been looking for this song for 5 years straight with no luck, till now .good gracious ❤

[@oneluv72]

MOS captured the essence of the poet, one of the architect of pure hip-hop culture the one and only legendary Gil- Scott Heron!! 🙏🏽💯

[@cesarbaca]

This was my song every morning in the shower getting ready for the day. Word Up👊🏽

[@memoreflexion3926]

One of my favorite songs ever...

[@dannydalton4972]

This still sends chills through my soul in 2021 #timeless

[@StarZendonna1687]

I was a teenager when this song came out and still relevant to this day for men and women

[@Mongezi44]

Shine your light for the world to see

[@willisbrice4143]

I love the grittiness of the whole video

[@carloslora583]

This is still one of my favorite songs to date.

[@JacobAndJamal]

One of my favorite songs of all time 🙏🏽

[@olijadu]

Mos Def is just something else. He should always be mentioned in the conversation clearly, his lyricism and versatility as an artist is unquestionable. This song is on that soul level, connect with your higher self plane.