Malik Yusef El Shabazz Jones(born April 4, 1971) is an American spoken word poet, rapper, writer, actor and producer based in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
He was raised in Chicago’s South Side neighborhood known as the “Wild 100’s” and is a former member of the widespread Islamic street gang The Blackstone Rangers. In his youth he became friendly with rapper Common. He is dyslexic, which he first realized as a teenager. He has evolved over the years from a street hustler into a street poet. His name means "King Joseph" (Malik and Yusuf respectively) in the Arabic language, the liturgical language of Islam.
The Great Chicago Fire; A Cold Day in Hell (Universal Records 2003)
He released his solo album featuring local talent including Kanye West, Carl Thomas, Marvo 11, Chantay Savage, Michael Coleman, Common and Twista, documenting an amalgam of eroticism, religion, gangster folklore and hip-hop. The Source magazine dubbed the debut "a classic."
G.O.O.D. Morning, G.O.O.D. Night (G.O.O.D Music Recordings 2009)
He released his sophomore effort, G.O.O.D. Morning, G.O.O.D. Night in June 2009, featuring guest musicians and producers Kanye West, Common, Raheem Devaughn, Jennifer Hudson, Michelle Williams, HearonTrackz, KRS One, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Twista, Jes.Tone, rock band Violet Nine and soul pianist John Legend, as well as musician Mr. Hudson. The concept of the reflective double CD displayed Protagonist vs. Antagonist/Lower Self vs. Higher Self, exhibiting the poet's struggle between his internal dualities.
The first single "Magic Man" featured Kanye West, Common and John Legend. Another song called "By Your Side" which featured Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams and singer Brando, leaked on the internet.
2012-present: Cruel Summer
Yusef made an appearance on the G.O.O.D. Music collaborative album, Cruel Summer, which was released on September 18, 2012. He appeared on the track, "Sin City," along with fellow G.O.O.D. Music artists John Legend, Teyana Taylor, Cyhi the Prynce, and Travis Scott.
Malik Yusef El Shabazz Jones(born April 4, 1971) is an American spoken word poet, rapper, writer, actor and producer based in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
He was raised in Chicago’s South Side neighborhood known as the “Wild 100’s” and is a former member of the widespread Islamic street gang The Blackstone Rangers. In his youth he became friendly with rapper Common. He is dyslexic, which he first realized as a teenager. He has evolved over the years from a street hustler into a street poet. His name means "King Joseph" (Malik and Yusuf respectively) in the Arabic language, the liturgical language of Islam.
The Great Chicago Fire; A Cold Day in Hell (Universal Records 2003)
He released his solo album featuring local talent including Kanye West, Carl Thomas, Marvo 11, Chantay Savage, Michael Coleman, Common and Twista, documenting an amalgam of eroticism, religion, gangster folklore and hip-hop. The Source magazine dubbed the debut "a classic."
G.O.O.D. Morning, G.O.O.D. Night (G.O.O.D Music Recordings 2009)
He released his sophomore effort, G.O.O.D. Morning, G.O.O.D. Night in June 2009, featuring guest musicians and producers Kanye West, Common, Raheem Devaughn, Jennifer Hudson, Michelle Williams, HearonTrackz, KRS One, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Twista, Jes.Tone, rock band Violet Nine and soul pianist John Legend, as well as musician Mr. Hudson. The concept of the reflective double CD displayed Protagonist vs. Antagonist/Lower Self vs. Higher Self, exhibiting the poet's struggle between his internal dualities.
The first single "Magic Man" featured Kanye West, Common and John Legend. Another song called "By Your Side" which featured Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams and singer Brando, leaked on the internet.
2012-present: Cruel Summer
Yusef made an appearance on the G.O.O.D. Music collaborative album, Cruel Summer, which was released on September 18, 2012. He appeared on the track, "Sin City," along with fellow G.O.O.D. Music artists John Legend, Teyana Taylor, Cyhi the Prynce, and Travis Scott.
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