Mos Def

Mos Def emerged onto the recording scene in the ’90s and quickly rose toward the top before diversifying into both acting and activism. No doubt this garnered him lots of attention in the hearts of many hip-hop lovers and haters alike, but it didn't really help his rapping. All is good, though: His 2009 album The Ecstatic, featuring guest work from Madlib and Slick Rick, got him firmly back in the music game with his best work in 10 years—a significant feat for a rapper whose middling work is better than most. More recently, he has changed his stage name to Yasiin Bey to “reflect personal growth.” As long as “personal growth” means putting out a new Black Star album with Talib Kweli this year, then whatever you say, Yasiin.

Updated 02/08/2012