Roofs be raising in Rec Hall on Sunday night, when critically acclaimed producer, musician and rapper the mighty Mos Def drops hip-hop on Happy Valley.
Born Dante Beze, the break-out artist has two albums under his belt, Black on Both Sides, released in 1999, and Blackstar, released in 1998 with label mate Talib Kweli. Beze is currently working on his new album, Hated by Them, Loved by Them, Respected by All due out in spring.
Fans of Mos Def span the country.
Music promoter and self-titled MOSiologist, Nick Zaher of Ann Arbor, MI, has been a Mos Def fan since his first recordings.
His Web site, www.mosology.com, is one of many of his pertaining to the hip-hop community.
"What brought me to him is that he has a different style than what else is out there," Zaher said.
Mos Def's range of jazz, funk and hip-hop influences are encapsulated within his relaxed, socially conscious style, as evident in tracks such as "New World Water," "Know That," and "Mr. Nigga." Controlled, tight poems lapped over smooth groove flaunt a flow parallel to his passive demeanor.
"He never flashes anything but himself," said Jake Rachman (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies).
"His lyrics are some of the best out there."
Rachman's view is similar to that of MTV, which featured Mos Def in their episodes of Lyricist Lounge Show and its compilation albums. Mos also cameos on many other albums in the hip-hop world: Macy Gray's The Id, Bilal's 1st Born Second, Black Eyed Peas' Bridging the Gap and label mate Hi-Tek's album Hi-Teknology.
Mos Def's concert is one of the many shows put on by the University Concert Committee. Future concerts are still tentative but one thing is certain, this concert will MOSt DEFintely be free. It's also bringing some much needed musical diversity to State College, which is blanketed with cover bands and large scale pop/rock fused numbers such as Britney Spears, N'Sync, Fuel and soon-arriving Linkin Park.
"You have to get something that everyone agrees on," said Craig Mandel, publicity chair for the UCC.
Alongside Mos on stage will be his new full-piece rock band, The Black Jack Johnson Project.
"His band can cater to more people," Mandel said. "Everyone here is enthused."
Currently, he is showcasing more of his performance and lyrical skills on the popular HBO series, Def Poetry. Special guests of the show include Cedric the Entertainer, Jewel and comedian Dave Chappelle.
Chappelle, known for his role in the movies Half Baked and Screwed, will be the UCC's next event this semeseter.
The concert will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the Eisenhower Auditorium and the HUB ticket window with the presentation of a Penn State I.D. Only one ticket per I.D. will be allowed.
