Mos Def, the famous American rapper, actor, and activist, is now known as Yasiin Bey. He announced this name change in 2011, but it did not become official until 2012.
When did Mos Def change his name?
Mos Def first announced that he was changing his name during a concert in October 2011 at the Highline Ballroom in New York City. During the concert, he told the crowd that he would no longer be using the name Mos Def moving forward. He said that his new name would be Yasiin Bey, which he said was inspired by 19th century slave narratives. However, it took some time for the name change to become official.
In May 2012, he appeared in a PSA for the reproductive rights organization Oxfam under his new name Yasiin Bey. This was one of the first official uses of his new name in the public sphere. Later in 2012, he was credited as Yasiin Bey in the TV movie Dexter and the film Begin Again, making the name change official.
Why did Mos Def change his name?
Mos Def has not explicitly stated all his reasons for changing his name to Yasiin Bey. However, he has indicated a few key factors that likely influenced his decision:
- Distancing himself from the music industry and show business – Mos Def was moving into new phases of his career, including acting and activism, and wanted a name separate from his musical persona.
- Connecting to his roots – Yasiin Bey has roots in Islamic and African culture. His new name reflects the influence of Islam and nineteenth century African American historical figures.
- Avoiding future confusion – As he entered new areas of work, Mos Def wanted to reduce any potential confusion between his musical releases and his other projects.
Overall, the name change from Mos Def to Yasiin Bey allowed the rapper to signal a transformation in his life and career. While his music will always remain under the name Mos Def, his other endeavors now take place under Yasiin Bey.
How do you properly address him now?
Now that Mos Def has officially changed his name to Yasiin Bey, the proper way to address him is by using this new name. Some key points on addressing him properly include:
- In formal settings, he should be addressed as Mr. Bey.
- In writing, his name should be written as Yasiin Bey on first reference and Mr. Bey thereafter.
- In conversation, it is respectful to call him Mr. Bey.
- Referring to him as Mos Def is still acceptable when specifically discussing his music career and older works.
- Avoid using two names interchangeably in the same setting, either use the old or new name.
- Introducing him as Yasiin “Mos Def” Bey helps build familiarity when the name change is still unfamiliar to the audience.
With time, Yasiin Bey will likely be known universally by his new name, even in the context of his musical career. But for now it is thoughtful to use both names strategically based on context when discussing the man formerly known as Mos Def.
What names and aliases has he used over the years?
Over his long career, the rapper now known as Yasiin Bey has gone by several different names and aliases. Here is an overview:
- Dante Smith – His original birth name.
- Mos Def – His well known rap name throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
- Yasiin Bey – His official name change announced in 2011.
- Mos Def Talib Kweli Are Black Star – His collaboration name with Talib Kweli for their album Black Star.
- Flaco – An alias used occasionally early in his rap career.
Even following his switch to Yasiin Bey, some fans reacted with skepticism or confusion. Longtime fans were accustomed to his name Mos Def for nearly twenty years at that point. However, Yasiin Bey has been his only used name now for over a decade, showing his commitment to the change. It is always respectful to refer to him by his chosen name in any context.
Timeline of Mos Def’s Major Name Uses
Year | Name |
---|---|
1973 | Birth name Dante Smith |
Early 1990s | Alias “Flaco” used |
Mid 1990s | Stage name Mos Def adopted |
1998 | Mos Def Talib Kweli Are Black Star (album) |
2011 | Name change to Yasiin Bey announced |
2012-present | Known exclusively as Yasiin Bey |
What has he done professionally since the name change?
In the decade since changing his name to Yasiin Bey, the rapper has stayed active in music, film, and social activism:
- Released two solo studio albums under the new name: The Redefinition (2011), Negus In Natural Person (2015)
- Performed live and toured extensively as Yasiin Bey
- Acted in films like Begin Again (2013), Life of Crime (2013), and Dirty Laundry (2022)
- Starred in off Broadway one-man show A Season in the Congo (2013)
- Led social impact projects, including addressing mass incarceration and gun violence
- Taught courses and gave lectures at universities on topics like hip hop, activism, and black identity
- Released political songs, collaborations with other artists, and protest music as Yasiin Bey
While his output slowed some, Mos Def/Yasiin Bey has maintained a consistent presence in entertainment and culture. His name change did not signal a complete reinvention. Instead, he has flexibly blended his past with new creative directions. Audiences now recognize him by both old and new names, depending on context.
Does he still respond to Mos Def?
Though he goes by Yasiin Bey, he will generally still respond to his old name Mos Def, especially in relation to his musical career during the 1990s and 2000s. A few key points:
- He understands Mos Def is still strongly tied to his music catalogue and that name recognition persists.
- Using Mos Def is fine when explicitly referencing his older, pre-change albums, songs, and concerts.
- In general conversation, Yasiin Bey is still the most appropriate name to use now.
- He is grateful to have had such a noteworthy musical career as Mos Def, so the old name does not necessarily bother him.
- An introduction like “Yasiin ‘Mos Def’ Bey” can help connect both identities for unfamiliar audiences.
Out of respect for his choice, Yasiin Bey should be the default name used in new contexts. But he accepts Mos Def remaining linked to discussions of his seminal 1990s and 2000s music released under that name.
Why might some still struggle with the name change?
For longtime hip hop fans used to knowing him as Mos Def, the name Yasiin Bey can feel unfamiliar and confusing. There are a few reasons why the name change continues to challenge some fans and observers:
- Nostalgia – Hearing “Mos Def” evokes nostalgia for many who grew up with his music.
- Habit – After knowing him for 15+ years as Mos Def, the new name just feels unnatural.
- Culture shift – Some feel the name change marked a departure from his roots in hip hop culture.
- Muhammad Ali comparisons – Like Ali, Mos Def changed his well-known “black power” name, which was meaningful to fans.
- Mos Def is unique – His original stage name is creative and distinctive, making the blander “Bey” feel like a loss.
Nonetheless, as an artist’s life and career evolve, a name change is a legitimate choice. While awkward at first, making an effort to say Yasiin Bey will show respect for who he wants to be known as today.
How has Mos Def responded to those who struggle with his new name?
Mos Def understands that a segment of his longtime fans still struggle to adapt to calling him Yasiin Bey. Overall, he has responded patiently and philosophically when people use his old name. A few key points about his response:
- He emphasizes that names naturally evolve as people grow and change.
- He thanks people for their years of support when they knew him as Mos Def.
- Without getting irritated, he politely reminds people of his name change.
- He points out he still performs old Mos Def songs for fans, balancing past and future.
- He explains the personal significance the new name has for him.
Through thoughtful explanations in interviews, Mos Def engages with nostalgic fans attached to his old name. He expresses understanding for the difficulty of the transition. Ultimately he views names as secondary to the connection with fans built over decades through music.
What should you do if you slip up and call him Mos Def?
When talking to him or introducing him, it’s best to try to remember to use his new name Yasiin Bey. But if you slip up and call him by his old name Mos Def, here are some tips for handling it smoothly:
- Quickly correct yourself and apologize for the slip.
- Don’t make a big deal about it or get flustered.
- Retry your sentence using his current name.
- If needed, gently remind others of the name change.
- Don’t overexplain or justify using the old name.
- Let him respond without defensiveness if he corrects you.
- Thank him for his patience if he seems understanding.
With these polite, subtle tactics, a name slip up does not have to be uncomfortable for either party. Mos Def is gracious when people struggle with his name transition. With time and awareness, using his new name will become natural.
Conclusion
Mos Def’s name change to Yasiin Bey in 2011 was a major rebranding for the rapper and actor. While longtime fans may still slip up and use his old moniker, it is important to respect his choice and address him by his current name. He continues to create new music, films, and art under Yasiin Bey, showing his commitment to shedding the Mos Def identity. With open communication and understanding on both sides, fans can embrace the evolution of the artist once known as Mos Def.