Mos Def has become a great success as a rapper. His talent is indisputable but there are rumors that he’s moving in a new direction with his career. He had done some previous acting work but is he in the process of transitioning from rapping to acting full-time? Although he’s not made an official announcement on the topic, we see a definite trend in that direction. Here are the reasons why we believe that Mos Def is leaving his career as a rapper for a new life as a professional actor.
Mos Def changed his name
The famous musician has taken on a new name. In 2012 he made the announcement that by the year’s end, he would no longer use the name Mos Def. His new name is Yasiin Bey. This shows that he’s making a disconnect from his identity as a rapper because this is the name that is associated with that part of his life. He was born Dante Terrell Smith in Brooklyn, New York City, New York. Other names that he has gone by include Dante Beze and Black Dante.
He has amassed 45 credits as an actor
Bey gained a lot of experience as an actor before he became a famous rapper. He made his debut in film in the TV movie “God Bless This Child” in 1988 under the name of Dante Terrell Smith playing the part of Richard Watkins. He went on to play a variety of minor roles in popular television series including “Here and Now,” “The Cosby Mysteries,” “Brooklyn South,” “Spin City” and “NYPD Blue” among others. In 2004 he played a remarkable character in the TV movie “Something the Lord Made.” He’s shown the world that he has as much talent as an actor as a rapper. The question still remains is this the direction that his career is going to take?
His name change was followed by more acting jobs
Bey appeared in the “Dexter” television series in 2011. The following year he made the announcement that he would no longer be known as Mos Def “rapper.” in 2013 He appeared as Saul in “Begin Again.” In the same year, he played the character Ordell Robbie in “Life of Crime.” Yet another role as Foce followed in the film “Tour de France” in 2016. He’s not done yet. He’s also going to appear in the film “The Disconnected” portraying Jacob Kaneda. This project is currently in the pre-production stage.
Final thoughts
While Mos Def has not made anything official with words, his actions point in the direction of a move. Mos Def has been replaced with Yasiin Bey who is busy pursuing an acting career. He’s a talented actor so it would make sense. It seems that he has an arsenal of skills in his rucksack and all he really has to do is pull one out and put it to use. Maybe Bey doesn’t think that he needs to state the obvious to fans who are looking forward to his contributions to the new film that is soon to be released.
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