Mos Def is known for creating some of the most revered hip hop to come out of the last two decades, hosting the Def Poetry Jam, and appearing in numerous films. Yet the rapper (born Dante Smith) elected to let go of the name Mos Def and instead go by his current moniker, Yasiin Bey. The name change was initially a bit of head-scratcher, considering his integral albums Black on Both Sides and Ecstatic were penned under the title Mos Def. But a few years into the switch, Bey continues to tour and stir up controversy. While his name has changed, his touring record over the last few years reveals that he’s still willing to unleash epic tracks from his lauded repertoire.
Sat., April 11, 8 p.m., 2015
If there’s music or art involved, she’ll take a chance on it.