Mos Def, born Dante Terrell Smith on December 11, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York City, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. He is known for his socially conscious lyrics and versatile acting skills. Raised in Brooklyn's Roosevelt housing project by his mother, Sheron Smith, whom he calls Umi, Mos Def was the eldest of 12 children.

His father, Abdul Rahman, whom he calls Abi, lived in New Jersey. His early life was marked by the challenges of growing up in a rough neighborhood during the crack epidemic of the 1980s and early 1990s.

Mos Def began his music career in 1994, forming the group Urban Thermo Dynamics with his younger siblings. He later gained recognition as a solo artist and as part of the duo Black Star with Talib Kweli.

Their debut album, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, released in 1998, was critically acclaimed. His solo debut, Black on Both Sides, followed in 1999 and solidified his place in the hip-hop community. He continued to release successful albums, including The New Danger, True Magic, and The Ecstatic. His music often addresses social and political issues, such as police brutality and the social status of African Americans.

In addition to his music career, Mos Def has had a successful acting career. He made his stage debut in fifth grade and later appeared in television films, sitcoms, and theater. Some of his notable film roles include Something the Lord Made, Next Day Air, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, 16 Blocks, Be Kind Rewind, The Italian Job, The Woodsman, Bamboozled, and Brown Sugar. He also appeared in television series such as Dexter and House and hosted Def Poetry Jam from 2002 to 2007.

His personal life reflects his commitment to his craft and his community. He is a practicing Muslim and has been open about his faith's influence on his life and work. He has six children and has been involved in various social and political causes throughout his career.

His contributions to music and acting have earned him numerous awards and accolades. In 2014, About.com listed him 14th on its "50 Greatest Rappers of All Time" list. His impact on both the music and film industries continues to be felt, and he remains a respected figure in the entertainment world.