Yasiin Bey, the artist formerly known as Mos Def, was recently featured on GQ, and he spoke on his name change, his style evolution, as well as hip-hop.
Yasiin says he originally changed his name back in 1999 but only for friends and family, however, now he has declared it openly for the public. "I began to fear that Mos Def was being treated as a product, not a person, so I've been going by Yasiin since '99. At first it was just for friends and family, but now I'm declaring it openly," Yasiin said.
He also calls hip-hop the "last true folk art." "Hip-hop is the last true folk art. I got involved with Ale et Ange because it represents hip-hop in a way that isn't pandering. It's nice to see something that's elegant, skillful, and raw."
Finally, he comments on hiss style change, and credits the passing of his grandfather for instilling a change in the way he dresses. "When my paternal grandfather passed a few years back, I started to wear a shirt and tie every day, like he did. Michael Jackson's death had a big impact on me, too. Right before the Ecstatic tour in 2009, I began wearing loafers and high-waisted pants. And that's where my look started."
Yasiin Bey Talks On Name Change From Mos Def, His Style Evolution">[Image courtesy of GQ]