Rapping since the age of 9 and professionally acting since the age of 14, Brooklyn born Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) has been regarded as one of hip-hop's most introspective and insightful artists. He has shaped a career that transcends music genres and artistic medium. A child of hip-hop's Golden Era, the native Brooklynite spent his childhood embedded in the culture surrounding him, as well as absorbing knowledge from across the artistic spectrum. He has range, appearing in everything from award-winning films (e.g. Monster’s Ball, The Italian Job), to the Chappelle Show, collaborating with Gorillaz and The Black Keys, to his active role in several social and political issues. Find him in his new role in the hit TV series Dexter. Check out tracks from his latest album The Ecstatic on myspace.