Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) On His Favorite Musicians, Chappelle & New Art | Full Interview | MSNBC

Artist Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) talks to MSNBC anchor Ari Melber in this extended interview from inside Bey's new installation at the Brooklyn Museum, where Bey explains his approach to making music and art today, why Dave Chappelle is one of “his dearest friends for life,” and his reflections on verses from Bey's classic album “Black on Both Sides.” Bey also lists some of his favorite artists, including Kendrick Lamar, Earl Sweatshirt, Blu, JPEGMafia, Kelsey Lu, Blood Orange, Robert Glasper, Eubie Blake, The Tony Williams Lifetime, and Emahoy Maryam. (On Dec. 20, 2019, an edited version of this interview aired on MSNBC’s “The Beat with Ari Melber,” thebeatwithari.com).
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Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) On His Favorite Musicians, Chappelle & New Art | Full Interview | MSNBC

[@justinzuleta820]

Not enough people today know how iconic this man is.

[@etolerific]

True... he’s my first cousin❤️❤️❤️💯

[@imperialstats]

@@etolerific word.. he's an incredible person one my favorite artist of all time

[@etolerific]

@@imperialstats word... my father and his father are brothers. Same paternal grandparents.

[@imperialstats]

@@etolerific im literally listening to mos def/yasiin right now when i seen this message lol peace and love to you and yo whole family .. Im watching mos def boiler room Miami live set on KZbin

[@etolerific]

@@imperialstats Word that’s what’s up! Peace and blessings to you and your family. Enjoy...

[@cloudraker]

Black on Both sides is one of my top 10 Hip-Hop albums.

[@johndelaney1787]

Classic!!!@

[@mackboneyakakushthoughtspo589]

Nothing but facts

[@wormsali]

New world water 💚

[@cardigansarecool]

Definitely!

[@mcnamaraky]

I've said this before, but I honestly think it might be the best hip hop album of all time. I'm just never sure if it should be "Black on Both Sides," or "Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star."

[@nelliej4558]

I love this guy. He is such a beautiful soul.

[@thothtrismegistus929]

This guy speaks and acts like dave chappelle

[@BantuTu]

And gentle.

[@landolorean51]

Absolutely.

[@dwightcortes1130]

There is 25 now🙁😕😟☹️

[@Vaisin]

Mos Def (currently Yasiin Bey) is one of my favourite rappers of all time, such a hero to me!

[@marcushudson6528]

His name has been Yasiin Bey for quite a few years now. I’d say respect the man’s wishes, we all know he started out as Mos Def

[@internetcarson]

Yasiin listening to Earl Sweatshirt and JPEGMAFIA. My listening diet is validated.

[@mr.e2297]

Word. Just bought Black on Both sides and IDLSIDGO A couple days ago.

[@logan4x6]

@@mr.e2297 Hip-Hop staples 👌

[@logan4x6]

@@mr.e2297 Some Rap Songs is on a whole other level. Not to say it’s better. It’s just so off-kilter, unique, and eclectic.

[@973walid]

Bro this is crazy he looks so old?!!! Me and Nas still looking in are 20s holyshit. #FreeC-Murder

[@Tom-kh9zo]

Don't forget Hommy

[@domnikip.8521]

He can make you cry and smile in the same time with every song ..poet.

[@Shucksofficial]

I live in Canada and I traveled to Brooklyn this past weekend just to listen to Negus and see the exhibit. I had to stop myself from crying multiple times because I was standing in the same room he had stood in. It tripped me out. I admire him so much and I wish he would release the music so I could hear it again.

[@oussemaboukil5545]

That's a great story

[@user-df9rb6kk9b]

can you tell me where i can listen to negus?

[@wendymdouglas2642]

He is missed in the music world.

[@whyilee]

I was at his concert yesterday, he didn't really leave

[@gasslighterr]

You’re acting like he died

[@driss6503]

The music world is missed in him

[@olldcast99]

Sadly he has never performed in my country : ((

[@jaakrudov4793]

you miss him because you are not looking

[@prhyme734]

Those 7 dislikes were mistakes, we forgive you.

[@frederickhoward5598]

Each one has the right to object,no bullying🤔

[@prhyme734]

@@frederickhoward5598 no bullying here, we also forgive you.

[@Promesberger]

He is such a humble beautiful soul

[@theprophet_-__cxvii__-_8693]

Word

[@dwightcortes1130]

It's ok mos dose his thing love him still 2020

[@KCsFunHouse]

Mos Def is the man, I have so much respect for him and his work. What a great interview for Ari to get!

[@KL-zt6jx]

*Yasiin Bey

[@samphakane3361]

Mos Def is a legend....Black On Both Sides is one of my favorite hop hip/Rap albums of all time 😎👌🏿🔥🔥🔥

[@nathaniellollis3868]

Absolutely LOVE and RESPECT Mos Def!!!!! WONDERFUL interview, Ari!!!!!! I'm not and never have been a fan of the hip-hop culture. BUT a couple of the ladies on my old job back in NY had taken me out to celebrate my birthdate. It was a HUGE surprise!!! They'd taken me out to dinner and then took me to Central Park for this concert. I didn't know who was playing or anything. I had never seen Mos Def except on TV. And he came out and started doing his thing. And he had REAL musicians backing him!!! That BLEW MY MIND!!!!! And they were playing a bunch of JAZZY music!!!! Being a bassist, I had soooo much respect toward this dude!!! I was in TEARS most of the time because I'd never seen anything like that performance!!! Still haven't. Then I'd started seeing Mos Def on TV with Dave Chappelle, then Mos Def in movies... this brother can ACT!!!!! And he never seems [to me] to break with his character or moral center. THAT is outstanding to me!!!! And THAT'S why I LOVE this brother!!!!

[@sandraheggs5878]

Good vibrations n a appositive attitude he is Mos Def ..I Love his part in Alisha keys video at the restaurant. Philly's own Jill Scott Rain fall down on me /Mos Def..etc..Such a Smooth Brother💯

[@wormsali]

Mos plays instruments and sings also

[@6thElementComics]

@Nathaniel Lollis I hope you became a fan of Hip-Hop culture brother, it's all about heart, creativity and spirit at its core, all the rest is just symptoms of life that some on the outside misunderstand for glorification of violence and drugs etc. which couldn't be further from the reality of it. Take the time to look deeper within like you did at that concert and you'll find yourself in tears many many more times my man. P. E. A. C. E. -1

[@KL-zt6jx]

*Yasiin Bey

[@tevinharold2306]

"The light is not afraid of the dark"

[@AerialPenn]

"The cosmic situation is far greater than the poverty of nation's" - Mos Def 🤯🤯

[@obykanoby2555]

I had this on repeat yet I didn't understand what it means

[@KL-zt6jx]

*Yasin Bey

[@mustbemeech]

@@obykanoby2555 get in touch with your higher self and you will understand brother

[@getmoneychill6462]

@@obykanoby2555 meaning as a nation it’s deeper than being broke.

[@thomaspage7511]

Yasiin (Mos) mentioned Mach Hommy on a national scale. That alone speaks volumes.

[@badactor71072]

There are so many layers to this brother that one's train of thought can get overloaded just trying to peel away at it, this dude has always been one of my favorites. PEACE, PEACE, PEOPLE.

[@MrGaurav865]

Shout-out to all the real Gs who searched for the full interview.

[@benmunoz2766]

Was listening to his song Auditorium a while ago thinking there will never be another Mos Def!

[@devonmendes4451]

I literally just came from that

[@KL-zt6jx]

*Yasiin Bey

[@Ender424]

Travellin' Man is one of my favorite songs of all time.

[@melissaafernandes902]

Really conscious and grounded way of speaking. Loved this interview. Black on both sides will always be one of my favourites.

[@darque836]

I have so much honor to share the same name as my favorite rapper. I was literally crying out of joy for half an hour when he changed his name to Yasiin. Living legend...

[@hrazzak01]

Love this brother. Living legend. Best rapper alive.

[@brwn16eyes]

This man is an artistic genius....that is all. His intelligence stimulates my soul. His tone ignites my mind. He personifies sensuality musically. ❤️

[@yerusalemabreha4578]

Well said sis

[@spicetbedhead]

I wanna hear another Blackstar album :)

[@gravecode]

best alliance and in hip-hop

[@LedgesandLoops]

It's done. All produced by Madlib. I can't wait.

[@DeadShogunn]

@Toygun Günes Yeah it's real, search it up, I'm just wondering when it's going to release

[@mannymedrano308]

It's in the works

[@thegoat3153]

Dropping this year

[@acjayc]

There needs to be a video on Yasiin and Thebe (Earl Sweatshirt) having a regular conversation. Pure wisdom, pure intelligence.

[@NomadicNotions866]

I've always loved his energy through his music or on the screen...

[@brendamoore2308]

I have so much admiration for this human being!

[@dynamic9016]

A beautiful mind and human being..And one of my favourite rappers and he is surely a master lyricist.

[@VitelWirelessPlan]

Brilliant interview! The interviewer (Ari--is truly passionate about understanding the art), and the interviewee (Yasiin--intelligently explains his artistic concept).

[@ninety_three_93]

thank you, cool interview. cant wait to see more artists!!!

[@1972adrianm]

This man is one of the greatest artists, poets and Mc’s alive today.

[@forevershampoo]

real art that is not pretentious and is truly original feeds my soul god bless you MOS

[@ObuLikesYouTube]

Shoutout to the interviewer for being so respectful and quick to adapt

[@ecp711]

Dude did this interview on the space shuttle lol

[@pheeqzie]

This was a really lovely interview and interaction between them. Mos seems like a very introspective kinda guy

[@12jewelzi-royalphoenixu-fl13]

Loved this dialogue. Big up's to mos and his enlightening themes

[@kaya9901]

I still remember when I found moss def!! Never stoped loving him since then... So happy I’ve had the opportunity to see him in concert. One of the best concert experiences of my life. Moss def and Andre 3000 are my two favourite rappers.

[@gnarwhal7562]

Chappelle and Mos are 2 individuals who really changed my perception of Islam. Both are genuine souls, who harness that quality through their art. Y'all receive my sincerest thanks

[@thayavang3085]

Most definitely, Bey Yasiin, sharing the poetic wisdom and knowledge of reality and universe. Peace and thanks.

[@originalRAS]

Mos Def's verse on "Little Brother" is CLASSIC Just like pretty much every verse by Mos

[@KL-zt6jx]

*Yasiin Bey

[@Sounzgudd]

This guy is so talented. I have so much for respect him. Everything he does he belongs there

[@dopefiend690]

This soul inspires mine for the very thousand time... My tribe

[@khemestre]

"Be great today" ❤️❤️❤️❤️ - This is very much needed encouragement Thank you 🌹🦋

[@wormsali]

Art installation with music is a genius idea

[@beni7331]

Worms Ali so genius for real

[@etolerific]

Love my 1st cousin! He is truly one of the greats! ❤️💯

[@khaledal-kassimi7121]

Amazing interview..great vibe.

[@garfieldharrison510]

Brilliant interview Ari.. Mos Def(Yasiin Bey) is brilliant. I've listened so much Black On Both Sides so many times. Still digesting the vibes on that album since I brought it back in 2006. He's a Hip Hop Icon.

[@deemoe7301]

How could you not like Mos Def! This guy is the real deal. A very good guy and a very talented and extremely smart!

[@J3FF3RY992]

I come back and watch this and Def is a beautiful person man. I hope I get a chance to meat this brother one day.

[@desireewoodard2387]

Words so clear in lyric and paper. Thoughts beyond this realm. Do not be dismayed! Deep in effectuating change

[@microwavecoffee]

this was such a nice interview

[@judiko142]

Yes! Yasiin shouting out classic reggae tune... life is what you make it

[@TeddyParker]

Whooaaa he's gettin on in age now... What a mark he's left on the hip hop world and the culture as a whole.

[@willisbrice4143]

I love this man's whole style little swag back when I was young he doesn't look like he trying way too hard like other rappers back in the day he was just trying to be himself

[@juanco1019]

Truly talented man mos is so underrated creative and just inspiring

[@jofree5090]

I love him Yasiin Bey is beautiful

[@SyedAli-xm1yq]

I miss this brother.. so knowledgeable.. true hip hop artist

[@crwnvic]

Mos def a 🐐 in my books. Been waiting on an album or any piece of music for a while now🤞🏾.

[@KL-zt6jx]

*Yasiin Bey

[@crwnvic]

@@KL-zt6jx * Black Dante

[@KL-zt6jx]

@@crwnvic *Flaco

[@crwnvic]

@@KL-zt6jx 1/2 of Black Star

[@KL-zt6jx]

@@crwnvic El-Bey the Moor (I like this one the best)

[@UFOhunter4711]

Yasiin always comes across as so genuine I what he does, no bs

[@valenciadale3506]

I’m delighted that this video dropped on my birthday 😁☺️.

[@mossestekle5952]

His green headphones has negus(king) written on them in amharic language

[@znilejr1065]

mosses tekle ንጉሥ 👑

[@mrbravo9473]

A true artist and visionary, I really admire this dude

[@seanwhatshisname1831]

I definitely feel this

[@oussamasentissil4621]

Beautiful soul yasiin

[@naomibee8881]

That was 🔥🔥

[@jojofilippa]

Yasiin Bey......top 3! So talented and gifted.

[@west3642]

So sad The Ecstatic was taken down

[@gabel13]

how does one listen to it

[@west3642]

@@gabel13 KZbin

[@bobsaratoga4457]

@@gabel13 cd

[@Beautifulleo26]

I love Yasiin Bey

[@otisjoi]

He is the truest example of a real artist. In the modern world it hurts he will never get the amount of recognition he deserves for what he does. He values art, and doesn't treat it like just another product curated with the sole intent of making a profit.

[@jasonreddish6125]

Mos like Coltrane You hear something new everytime you listen, no matter how many times u heard.

[@briangilman1937]

Ari....... best news on KZbin

[@wootang1113]

Mos def is da best. He just sounds like he his high or hasn’t slept in days.

[@piranhaparran3007]

I LOVE IT!!!

[@eshatubes]

Have you seen Brown Sugar??? He always speaks like this he has a lispy drag to his voice!! I’m confident he’s not high

[@ahayes9945]

100% fact

[@drewtube6838]

Talented rappers mumble in conversation but are clearly legible when they rap. The mumble comes from reciting bars over and over to yourself.

[@JamesWalker-em4eo]

Esha He talks like he got caught with a piece of candy 🍬 in his mouth and one of the Church ushers Just asked him to talk. lol 😂

[@samelliott3828]

Tbf he's had to pull out a couple of gigs recently with a respiratory issue. Think there might be health reasons behind his voice.

[@michaelx1511]

He sounds pilled out

[@shanenolan085]

When he said Blu @ 15:02 💙 "Below the Heavens" is a classic 💯🎼🎵🎶🎧

[@abubakrabdullah6626]

Jazak Allah Khair

[@kyleortiz8038]

Good interview Ari Melber ❤️

[@foolishdestroyer2153]

he is blessed this is why he is one of the best...👍

[@countfrankleton]

This is a good interview.

[@obo873]

We love you, person.

[@GoodxJ]

I wish Mos/Yasiin would come back and drop an entire album of just spitting bars over DJ Premier beats!!!!!!

[@pinkchastity]

Beautiful.

[@70mackdaddy]

Gratitude 🙌🔥

[@peters5090]

i love this man

[@honeybee4566]

I love his smile!!! 🥰😍

[@cmarie6157]

He’s a great actor, as well.

[@MH-nz5jl]

I’m into it Mos Def! I’d love to experience this! I still remember you on Chappelle Show free styling Don’t Push! Barz!

[@peggytheveteran4968]

Incredible artist, incredible human being too

[@seancarter5528]

His performance in the movie something the lords made is beyond excellent.

[@rebeccahopkins9522]

He said “neutrogena” 😂that’s actually my face wash🤣I could not love this man, his music, or his art more. ❤️

[@KingD-light]

Very humble brother 💯

[@chbrown06]

Love Yasiin Bey (I want to say Mos Def). In this interview, he sounds really tired. I hope he is well.

[@amosthandsomebum2299]

@12:35-13:19. A simple truth, well spoken.

[@temitope6830]

"Hey Brooklyn"!!!

[@kix5775]

Khruangbin 🙌🏾

[@daconqueror7777]

UMI SAYS SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THE WORLD. SHINE YOUR LIGHT FOR THE WORLD TO SEE.

[@sbdeluxe2088]

Seriously spoken word lyrics with depth and cadence like Em but actually saying important things. GOAT

[@Duffield_World89]

Salute brother 👍💎

[@Uniquely_Mario]

Bro this man is a hip hop legend, outcast, nas, mob deep, and others

[@wormsali]

Remember when he was on Lyricists Lounge show