Who Is Yasiin Bey? Age, Biography and Wiki
Yasiin Bey, born on December 11, 1973, is an influential American rapper, actor, and activist known for his artistic prowess and profound lyrical content. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Bey gained prominence in the late 1990s as part of the duo Mos Def and Talib Kweli, known as Black Star. Over the years, he has diversified his career into acting and activism, making significant impacts in various social movements.
As of 2025, Yasiin Bey is 51 years old, and he continues to inspire a new generation of artists and social advocates with his music and message.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 11, 1973 |
| Age | 51 Years |
| Birth Place | Brooklyn, New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Yasiin Bey's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Yasiin Bey stands tall at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). His weight fluctuates around 165 pounds (75 kg), maintaining an athletic build, which he often showcases in his music videos and public appearances. Bey’s style has always been eclectic, reflecting a deep appreciation for both fashion and self-expression.
Yasiin Bey (born Dante Terrell Smith; December 11, 1973), formerly known as Mos Def, is an American rapper, singer, and actor. A prominent figure in conscious hip hop, he is recognized for his use of wordplay and commentary on social and political issues, such as police brutality, American exceptionalism, and the status of African Americans in the United States.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Yasiin Bey comes from a close-knit family background. He has a son and a daughter from previous relationships, and he is known for valuing his role as a father. As of 2025, there is little public information regarding Yasiin Bey's dating status or potential girlfriend. However, he has often discussed the importance of family and personal relationships in various interviews.
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. Bey was not exposed to Islam until the age of 13. He is close friends with fellow Muslim hip-hop artists Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Q-Tip.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Yasiin Bey's net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. His earnings primarily derive from his music career, acting roles, and business ventures. Through years of creativity and artistry, Bey has built a substantial and diverse income portfolio, making him one of the respected figures in the entertainment industry.
Bey appears alongside Kanye West on the track "Two Words" from The College Dropout album, the track "Drunk and Hot Girls" and the bonus track "Good Night" off West's third major album, Graduation. In 2002, he released the 12" single Fine, which was produced by West and featured on the Brown Sugar soundtrack.
Career, Business, and Investments
Yasiin Bey has had a dynamic career spanning over two decades. He is not just a musician but also an actor, having appeared in films such as "Be Kind Rewind" and "The Italian Job." In addition to music and film, Bey has explored various business ventures, including collaborations with fashion brands.
He has been a pioneer in championing social issues through his art. His decision to change his name from Mos Def to Yasiin Bey reflects his commitment to cultural self-identity and personal growth. His record label is one of the key investments that contribute to his financial stability and creative freedom.
After embarking on his career in 1994, he joined his siblings in the short-lived rap group Urban Thermo Dynamics (UTD) and guest appeared on albums by Da Bush Babees and De La Soul.
In 1996, he and fellow Brooklyn-based rapper Talib Kweli formed the duo Black Star, whose debut album Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star (1998) spawned the singles "Definition" and "Respiration" (featuring Common). His debut solo album, Black on Both Sides (1999) was met with critical acclaim, along with his fourth album The Ecstatic (2009).
Bey's 2000 single, "Oh No" (with Pharoahe Monch featuring Nate Dogg) remains his sole entry on the Billboard Hot 100 as a solo act. In 2014, About.com listed him 14th on its "50 Greatest Rappers of All Time".
Social Network
Yasiin Bey maintains a relatively low-profile presence on social media, which he uses judiciously to connect with fans and share insights into his life and work. He tends to focus on platforms that allow for more meaningful interactions rather than superficial engagements.
Despite his preference for privacy, he often shares updates on his music and advocacy through his official channels, engaging fans who appreciate his authenticity.
In late 2009, he created his own clothing line with the "UNDRCRWN" brand called the "Mos Def Cut & Sew Collection". The items were released in select U.S. stores and almost exclusively on the UNDRCRWN website.
That year, he was among the MCs aligned with American entrepreneur Damon Dash's DD172 and collaborating with American blues rock band the Black Keys on the Blakroc album, a project headed by the Black Keys and Damon Dash.
Bey appeared with Harlem-bred rapper Jim Jones and the Black Keys on the Late Show with David Letterman to perform the Blakroc track "Ain't Nothing Like You (Hoochie Coo)".
Education
Bey's educational background reflects his passion for the performing arts. He attended the Baltimore School for the Arts as a teenager, where he honed his skills in acting, music, and performance. His experiences at this school played a significant role in shaping his artistic endeavors and passion for expressing truth through his art.
On June 28, 2019, Bey appeared on Bandana, an album by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib, alongside Black Thought, on a track named "Education". In November 2019, he stated that unreleased music, such as his collaborative album with Mannie Fresh, was still "on deck" for release.
In 2021, he launched "The Midnight Miracle" podcast on Luminary, along with Dave Chappelle and Talib Kweli. In April 2022, a release date for the long-awaited Black Star project was officially announced. The album titled No Fear of Time was released via Luminary on May 3, 2022.
