Mos Def

Though he first gained attention in 1998 as one half of Black Star—a rap group with fellow Brooklyn MC Talib Kweli—Mos Def (Dante Terrell Smith) has since become a star on the big screen as well. His performances in films like Monster's Ball, Brown Sugar, and The Italian Job have earned critical raves, along with his work in the play Top Dog/Underdog and as a frequent guest on The Dave Chapelle Show. An outspoken advocate of human rights, Mos Def (who now goes by the name Yasiin Bey) continues to release powerful music as a solo artist.