Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) Breaks Down His Lyrics, Why Racists Are Sad, And Hope For The Trump Era | MSNBC

Rapper and artist Yasiin Bey talks to MSNBC's Ari Melber in this interview from inside Bey's new art installation at the Brooklyn Museum, discussing his approach to making music and art, race relations, criminal justice and growing up in Brooklyn. The two also reflect on iconic verses from Bey's classic album Black on Both Sides, which celebrated a 20th anniversary this year. Bey shares his philosophy on life, saying "there's the opportunity to do something beautiful today, so be great today." Aired on 12/20/19.
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Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) Breaks Down His Lyrics, Why Racists Are Sad, And Hope For The Trump Era | MSNBC

36 comments

  1. ARI “THE HIP HOP HOST” ALWAYZ HAS THA HOOD ON HIS SHOW, ‘CAUSE HE MOS DEF HAS HIS HOOD PASS!!🗽🌉🌉🗽💯💪✊😎✌😂😂😂

    1. I wonder if a black man could because be a Hip Hop news anchor on mainstream television. In the meantime, we just gotta create our own spaces. 🙌🏼✊🏽🙌🏾✊🏿🙌🏻

  2. god bless mcnbc & the reporter, so glad to see a conscious black mans powerful & positive message spread. lord knows the boomers need it.

  3. So true. Look at celebrations of racial or cultural pride around this world.

    The joy, the kaleidoscope of colour, music, movement, meaning, history etc.

    Then look at white pride and its constant indelible presentation of twisted faces, anger, menace, overt violence, zombie like participants, cold, bland, hatefilled and empty.

    I keep saying somehow these beings have fooled, beaten or coerced the world into believing evil, theft, murder and genocide is where its at or something to admire, emulate or aspire to….

    In the words of their spray painted “leader” (that fact alone is comical, considering white is the end all and be all)—– Bigly sad!

  4. Yo can I just say I really do like Ari man, he’s really seems like a down to earth guy after watching this. Plus my bar spitting TV host got to interview the living legend Mos Def? I hearby deem this content

  5. Ari is SOOO COOL he knows more about African American music & ppl then i do..Its not just for “work” obviously he likes our creativity ….Thanks Ari

    1. christine freeman I totally agree about Ari, even his smile gets infectious
      whenever he gets into his love for rap! Much love Ari and Mos Def for
      this precious segment.

  6. Mr. Melber, you so fine and thank you much for welcoming the very fine Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) to your show.

    I seriously recommend putting this video on regular rotation for Yasiin’s comments on racism. Or, simply edit a quick clip of his ‘simple’ yet deeply*profound acne analogy.
    Let’s get it together for 2020 and beyond.
    Thank you MSNBC.

  7. Love Ari Melber! Thank you Ari for regularly incorporating rap lyrics into your show.

    I’m obviously a fan of Ari’s but I’ve been a fan of rap / hip hop for much longer and more generally speaking a devotee to art. I’m going to see this art installation of Yasiin Bey’s this weekend. I grew up in the same neighborhood as Yasiin and have always appreciated his art.

    P.S. I’m glad people aren’t bothering with stupid racist trolls like – Sup Me & Tom Jones who commented on this video. None of us have time or energy for that nonsense. ✌🏽

  8. Great look for the Moors…We the innovators and pioneers of art as a whole…Honors to bro Yasiin Bey. I would love to checkout your Album at the location. Wisdom Will and Love✌🏾✋🏾💯

  9. great to see him interviewing again. wish he talked more about the art installation/album!

    p.s. racism is a spiritual disease

  10. Is this an actual song tho?: “Life is what u make it. So, darling, my dear child, make it. IK that u can.”

  11. 5:42 “Being a racist is really labour-intensive”. That’s absolutely true! …and think about how _pathetic_ a person would have to be that they would choose to spend all their time demanding participation trophies for their filthy White hide rather than doing a little real work and taking pride in it…

  12. Ari Melber Is Propagandists For His MSNBC Boss And They’re Advertiser’s Friends For Example Pharmaceutical Companies, Defense Contractors, Oil Companies And Wall Street Banks #Facts

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