Artist Image artist_img_mosdef_lg

Mos Def

Regarded as one of hip-hop’s most introspective and insightful artists, Mos Def has shaped a career that transcends music genres and artistic medium. With the release of Universal Magnetic, Mos became an underground favorite in the hip-hop world, leading to his legendary collaboration with Talib Kweli. The two formed the group Black Star, whose debut album, Mos Def and Talib Kweli Are…Black Star, would become one of the most critically acclaimed hip-hop albums. Mos followed that release with his 1999 solo debut, Black On Both Sides, which was certified gold and credited by critics as bringing hip-hop back to its soapbox roots. He released a new studio album in 2007 titled True Magic (Goodtree Media/Geffen Records). The Estactic marked the artist and activist’s fourth solo release and highly anticipated return to recording.  Heralded as his finest full length to date, the album was met by praise across the board for its hard hitting rhythms including Esquire Magazine who said “Because there is no better lyricist (or deliverer of lyrics) in music. Not hip-hop. Music.”

As with his music, Mos has demonstrated insight and passion with his acting career. He has appeared in the critically acclaimed projects Monster’s Ball, The Italian Job, the HBO movie Something the Lord Made, The Woodsman, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and 16 Blocks. He also recently completed filming Be Kind, Rewind, directed by Michel Gondry, in which he stars alongside Jack Black. Mos completed his Broadway debut in 2002 in the Tony-nominated, Pulitzer Prize-winning Topdog/Underdog; and re-teamed with the playwright Suzan Lori Parks and director George Wolfe for the off-Broadway play Fucking A, for which he was awarded an Obie Award. In addition, Mos has served as the host, music supervisor and co-executive producer for the HBO series Def Poetry, which returned for its sixth season in 2007. He has received Grammy, Golden Globe, EMMY, NAACP Image Award nominations for his work.

Share

Back to Artist Home

What They Use

    • Super 55
      Large Product Image prod_img_super55_s
      Deluxe Vocal Microphone
      Combines the vintage design of the original icon, with a contemporary upgrade in audio performance.
      Product Use
      Lead Vocals
      On a Budget?
    • 55SH
      Series II Iconic Unidyne Vocal Microphone
      Unmistakable stage icon features signature satin chrome-plated die-cast casing for vintage look and feel.
      Product Use
      Lead Vocals
      See what they use
    • BETA 58A
      Vocal Microphone
      Esteemed vocal microphone accentuates the warmth and clarity of lead and backup vocals.
      Product Use
      Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals
      On a Budget?
    • PG58
      Vocal Microphone
      A rugged microphone tuned to accentuate the clarity of lead and back-up vocals.
      Product Use
      Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals
      See what they use
    • BETA 52A
      Kick Drum Microphone
      Optimized for low-frequency bass punch/high-power SPL handling. Designed for kick drum.
      Product Use
      Kick, Floor Toms, Bass Cabinet
      On a Budget?
    • PG52
      Instrument Microphone
      High-performance cardioid dynamic kick drum microphone tuned to capture low-end punch.
      Product Use
      Kick, Floor Toms, Bass Cabinet
      See what they use
    • SM57
      Instrument Microphone
      Multi-purpose mic for clean sound reproduction of amplified or acoustic instruments.
      Product Use
      Snare Top/Bottom
      On a Budget?
    • PG57
      Instrument Microphone
      A versatile microphone for use with amplified or acoustic instruments.
      Product Use
      Snare Top/Bottom
      See what they use
    • BETA 98A
      Beta 98A What They Use Thumbnail Image
      Miniature Cardioid Condenser Microphone
      Precision-engineered for professional drum and instrument in live and studio applications. Two configurations available.
      Product Use
      Rack Toms
      On a Budget?
    • PG56
      Snare | Tom Microphone
      A compact drum microphone for close miking. A50D Drum mount included.
      Product Use
      Rack Toms
      See what they use
    • SM81
      Instrument Microphone
      Industry-standard mic renowned for sonic accuracy in stage and studio performances.
      Product Use
      Hi-Hat
      On a Budget?
    • PG81
      Instrument Microphone
      A sensitive, flat response microphone ideal for acoustic instruments.
      Product Use
      Hi-Hat
      See what they use
    • KSM32
      Embossed Single-Diaphragm Microphone
      Embossed single-diaphragm, side-address microphone for highly critical studio and live sound productions.
      Product Use
      Overheads
      On a Budget?
    • PG81
      Instrument Microphone
      A sensitive, flat response microphone ideal for acoustic instruments.
      Product Use
      Overheads
      See what they use
    • SM58
      Vocal Microphone
      Legendary vocal microphone, tuned to accentuate the warmth and clarity of lead and back-up vocals.
      Product Use
      Saxophone, Flute, Vocoder
      On a Budget?
    • PG58
      Vocal Microphone
      A rugged microphone tuned to accentuate the clarity of lead and back-up vocals.
      Product Use
      Saxophone, Flute, Vocoder
      See what they use