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What I take from writers I like is their economy - the ability to use language to very effective ends.

Mos Def

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Mos Def
Age: 50
Born: 1973
Born: December 11
Actor
Composer
Film Actor
Film Producer
Rapper
Record Producer
Singer
Singer-Songwriter
Songwriter
Television Actor
Brooklyn
New York
Yasiin Bey
Dante Terrell Smith
Dante Beze
Black Dante
Like
Effective
Writers
Economy
Ability
Language
Use
Ends
Take
Imagery

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I thought everybody got into rock 'n' roll because they didn't want to follow instructions.
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There are a lot of people who call themselves teachers or leaders, but they're really just propagandists.
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With guys I revere, like Marcus Garvey or Malcolm X, their look is less about style than purpose and the expression of beauty. It wasn't just about being noticed, you know?
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Everything's got space between it, the planets, trees, your eyes. Your eyes get too close together, it's a whole different world. You can lose perspective.
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I can't take it y'all I can feel the city breathin Chest heavin, against the flesh of the evening Sigh before we die like the last train leaving
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I don't care about what brand you are, I'm concerned what type of man you are, what your principles and standards are.
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African art is functional, it serves a purpose. It's not a dormant. It's not a means to collect the largest cheering section. It should be healing, a source a joy. Spreading positive vibrations.
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Bob Marley performed the 'One Love Peace' concert in Jamaica with the two different warring political sides. There's always been that in black music and culture in general. It's no surprise because black music is such a reflection of what's going on in black life. It's not unusual for hip-hop.
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The new moon rode high in the crown of the metropolis. Shinin', like Who on top of this?
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To me, it's like happiness is about happiness, but happiness is a fight.
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I think hip-hop is actually one of the most challenging things that's happened in music in a long time. The people who are in charge of what people see or hear are afraid. What you hear on top 40 or what you see on BET or MTV is not a fair representation of what is really going on...
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The moment you start thinking it's hopeless, then it is. [But], if you think it's gonna get better, it really does. Life is a test.
Mos Def
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And remember don't high post when you're far from home, and high posting when you're all alone.
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So rather than really have, like a close relationship to anything that's coming out today, people are just, they've got it on as background music. It's kind of the same way the cabdrivers use music it's very disposable. But, that doesn't mean there aren't a great number of artists who are doing things to change that.
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I can't control what people think. I'm not trying to manipulate people's thoughts or sentiments. I write all the time. You have to experience life, make observations, and ask questions. It's machine-like how things are run now in hip-hop, and my ambitions are different.
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But even creeps deserve to live someplace halfway decent.
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Reckless capitalism kills black people.
Mos Def
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Focused. I'm a hustler. And my hustle is trying to figure out the best ways to do what I like without having to do much else.
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If 'Life in Marvelous Times' can't get on the radio, then I don't need to be on the radio.
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You want to know how to rhyme, then learn how to add. It's mathematics.
Mos Def