Mos Def was not exposed to Islam until the age of 13. His father was initially a member of the Nation of Islam and later followed Imam Warith Deen Mohammed, who merged into the mainstream Sunni Islam from the Nation of Islam. The eldest of 12 children and step-children, he was raised by his mother in Brooklyn, while his father lived in New Jersey.
Mos Def was born Dante Terrell Smith on Decemin Brooklyn, New York City, the son of Sheron Smith and Abdulrahman Smith. Some of his top hits include "Oh No", " Definition", and " Respiration". The editors of listed him as the 14th greatest rapper on their "50 Greatest Rappers of All Time" list. His debut was followed by The New Danger (2004), True Magic (2006), and The Ecstatic (2009). He was featured on the roster of Rawkus Records and in 1999 released his solo debut, Black on Both Sides. He subsequently formed the duo Black Star, alongside fellow Brooklyn-based rapper Talib Kweli, and they released their eponymous debut album in 1998. Bey began his hip hop career in 1994, alongside his siblings in the short-lived rap group Urban Thermo Dynamics (UTD), after which they appeared on albums by Da Bush Babees and De La Soul. Yasiin Bey ( / j æ ˈ s iː n ˈ b eɪ/ born Dante Terrell Smith, December 11, 1973), previously known by his stage name Mos Def ( / ˌ m oʊ s ˈ d ɛ f/), is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. For the basketball player, see Donta Smith.