Mos Def has changed his name to Yasiin Bey

In the latest issue of GQ, the Brooklyn lyricist-actor explains why, “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.”

On his personal style: “I like drawing connections between pieces and patterns that would make someone else think, ‘Those two things would never go together.’ Well, to me they do.”

On representing his hip-hop roots through fashion: “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.”

For the FULL interview with Yasiin Bey, visit GQ

Photo credit: Steven Pan / GQ