Mos Def - Umi Says
November 9th 2008 06:26
Mos Def (born Dante Terrell Smith, 1973) is an American actor and hip hop artist.
Selected filmography:
Bamboozled (dir Spike Lee, 2000)
Monsters Ball (2001)
The Woodsman (2004)
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
16 Blocks (2006)
Film clip for the song Umi Says (from the Black On Both Sides album)
Black on Both Sides was released in 1999. It is an "alternative rap" album which blends socio-political rhymes, jazz, and unusual samples. It is a departure from typical "gansta rap".
"Umi" refers Mos Def's mother and the song is about finding solace in your cultural identity and using the stuggle for freedom as a positive. It is a progressive song about appreciating what you have and remembering all the possibilities the world has to offer. The message is to live each day to its fullest and seize every opportunity.
selected lyrics from Umi Says:
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
My elders said shine your light on the world (Hey hey)
Shine your light for the world to see
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
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
(Black people, my people....)
I want black people to be free, to be free, to be free
That's all that matters to me
Mos Def is Muslim. His father ("Abi" in the song) was a member of the Nation of Islam. Mos Def credits his parents with guiding him away from such negative content in his lyrics. He credits his faith with keeping him on the straight and narrow.
Mos Def is now 34 years old and has seven children.
Heres what Mos Def says he would do if he were President:
I dedicate this post to Barack Obama and the audacity to hope.
Selected filmography:
Bamboozled (dir Spike Lee, 2000)
Monsters Ball (2001)
The Woodsman (2004)
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
16 Blocks (2006)
Mos Def in The Woodsman
Film clip for the song Umi Says (from the Black On Both Sides album)
Black on Both Sides was released in 1999. It is an "alternative rap" album which blends socio-political rhymes, jazz, and unusual samples. It is a departure from typical "gansta rap".
"Umi" refers Mos Def's mother and the song is about finding solace in your cultural identity and using the stuggle for freedom as a positive. It is a progressive song about appreciating what you have and remembering all the possibilities the world has to offer. The message is to live each day to its fullest and seize every opportunity.
selected lyrics from Umi Says:
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
My elders said shine your light on the world (Hey hey)
Shine your light for the world to see
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
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
(Black people, my people....)
I want black people to be free, to be free, to be free
That's all that matters to me
"You're not gonna get through life without being worshipful or devoted to something. You're either devoted to your job, or to your desires. So the best way to spend your life is to try to be devoted to prayer,"
Mos Def is Muslim. His father ("Abi" in the song) was a member of the Nation of Islam. Mos Def credits his parents with guiding him away from such negative content in his lyrics. He credits his faith with keeping him on the straight and narrow.
Mos Def is now 34 years old and has seven children.
Heres what Mos Def says he would do if he were President:
I dedicate this post to Barack Obama and the audacity to hope.
| 46 |
| Vote |
Shared on
Add To: 
Subscribe to this blog
Comment by Cheryl J
Funny Videos
Rhythmatism
Zentertainment
Budget Centsability
Much of what he said was sensible advice (although totally unworkable) but the sentiment was good. If you have more, give more. And I am a big believer in free breakfasts for all children. If a child is hungry, their blood sugar levels drop making them tired and leaving them with poor concentration skills which affects their education. Thankfully their are programs in place for this like this one.
Interesting profile Morgan, I have to say, I was surprised he was a musician. I have seen his work as an actor and had no idea.
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Current Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
i should find a clip of him acting because when hes in character he can "act" like someone who speaks clearly!
i must have watched too many "hood" movies and tv shows because i actually didnt find him hard to understand - although my parents cant understand the "boston" accent and it sounds clear as day to me . . . ahhh the benefits of having square eyes! haha
thanks for the link to the program!
Comment by Cheryl J
Funny Videos
Rhythmatism
Zentertainment
Budget Centsability
The Boston accent is hilarious! every time I hear Mayor Quimby on The Simpson I get the giggles.
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Current Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
hey Mayor Quimby is a good one!
i also think of Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting "how bout them apples?" haha
hi Ruby,
yeah i think it is part of the urban cultural identity - i actually think it sounds quite smooth and lyrical, running words together and drawing out vowels
i think hes cool, beautiful and cool!