Malik Yusef

Malik Yusef El Shabazz Jones[1] (born April 4, 1971) is an American spoken word poet, rapper, writer, actor and producer based in Chicago, Illinois, United States.

Malik Yusef
Birth nameMalik Yusef El Shabazz Jones
Born (1971-04-04) April 4, 1971
OriginChicago, Illinois, U.S.
GenresHip hop, R&B, spoken word
Occupation(s)Spoken word performer, rapper, poet, writer, actor
Years active1995-present
Labels
Associated actsKanye West, Common, Raheem DeVaughn, John Legend, Carl Thomas, Vic Mensa
Websitemalikyusef.com

Early life

He was raised in Chicago's South Side neighborhood known as the "Wild 100's"[2] and is a former member of the Blackstone Rangers street gang.[3] In his youth he became friendly with rapper Common.[3] He is dyslexic, which he first realized as a teenager. He has evolved over the years from a street poet into an actor, mainly acting out his "street hustler" persona. In an interview an ex-girlfriend said this persona couldn't be further from the truth. His name means "King Joseph" (Malik and Yusuf, respectively) in Arabic

Poetry career

As a spoken word artist, poetry allowed Yusef the aesthetic freedom to comment on a wide breadth of personal and social issues while his lyrics remained commensurate with a global vision: to encourage the benevolence in all people. His voice incorporates street vernacular against backdrops of hip-hop beats, organic keyboards, guitars and horns. The Chicago native has made his career as a "wordsmith," reciting verses that chronicle inner city life growing up on the urban streets of the Windy City. His lexicon tells stories that speak to both the intricate depths and heights of ghetto culture, as well as global socio-economic woes.

The inspiration to formulate his mosaic of words comes from his children, his dreams, the ancestors and other prolific poets. Some of his influences include Langston Hughes, William Shakespeare, Haki Madhubuti and Phillis Wheatley. His spoken word artistry has contributed to promotional campaigns including ASCAP, Sprite, Coca-Cola, General Motors, Chrysler, Verizon, Miller Brewing Co. and Nike.

Personal life

He is the father of six, a husband, and a revolutionary, one that has remained steadfast as an advocate of urban revitalization and extensive social reforms. In the local Chicago community he has established initiatives such as 'For Yourself Foundation,' a program designed to help combat illiteracy, 'Girl Power' a non-profit aimed towards uplifting and empowering young girls and the 'Drop Squad,' consisting of a team who work to clean trash and debris off neighborhood streets. He is devoted to the principles and values of Islam but studies a global array of culture, history and religions.

Acting career

He got his first break when New Line Cinema Director Ted Witcher commissioned him to coach Larenz Tate in the romantic drama "Love Jones" which went on to garner a Sundance Film Festival Award and three NAACP Image Awards. While filming in Chicago, Yusef additionally made a cameo as a guest spoken word artist.

In 2007 he collaborated with Director Frey Hoffman (Kanye West's "Jesus Walks," Sa-Ra' featuring Erykah Badu and Talib Kweli "Feel the Bass") for the film adaptation of Yusef's poem "Hollywood Jerome." The two contemporaries previously joined forces for Yusef's 2005 music video "Wouldn't You Like to Ride" featuring Kanye West and Common. Their film "The Untimely Demise of Hollywood Jerome" presents a gritty street drama, chronicling the tale of a 14-year-old South Side gang member who idolizes classic Hollywood gangsters like the archetypical Scarface and Godfather. Yusef and Hoffman's film openly confronts pop culture's misrepresentation and glorification of gang warfare. The film culminates in the protagonist caught up in a police stand-off on the opposite side of town. Cameos include Kanye West and Twista.

Television career

His most noticeable performance came in 2002 during a featured poem entitled "I Spit…" on Season 2 of HBO's "Russell Simmon's Def Poetry Jam." The segment also featured artists including Malcolm Jamal Warner and legendary hip hop icon Rakim. Yusef appeared as himself in the 2005 VH-1 Television Series "Driven," a documentary surrounding the life of friend Kanye West, also featuring appearances from Common, Damon Dash, Jermaine Dupri, Jay-Z, Ludacris and Russell Simmons. He additionally made guest appearances on ABC Worldwide News, WGN Morning News, CLTV's Garrard McClendon Live!, BET's Rap City and MTV's Hip-Hop Week.

Music career

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.[4]


Discography

Albums

Singles

Collaborations

He and jazz saxophonist Mike Phillips (Hidden Beach Records) collaborated on the song "This is Not a Game", which was selected by basketball star Michael Jordan and appeared on the interactive CD-Rom included alongside his limited edition Jordan 17 Sneakers in August 2002. His work has also been featured on a string of albums, particularly alongside his comrades and Chicago natives.

Producing or writing, composing
  • Drake - "Glow" OVO Sound, Young Money, Cash Money, Republic Records 2017
  • Vic Mensa - "The Manuscript" Virgin EMI Records 2017
  • Vic Mensa, Mr Hudson - "almost there" Virgin EMI Records 2017
  • Vic Mensa - "heaven on earth" Roc Nation, Capitol 2017
  • Vic Mensa - "Didn't i" Roc Nation, Capitol 2017
  • Vic Mensa - "OMG" Roc Nation, Capitol 2017
  • Vic Mensa - "The Fire Next Time Lyrics" 2017
  • Vic Mensa - "Wings" Roc Nation, Capitol 2017
  • Vic Mensa - "We Could Be Free" Roc Nation, Capitol 2017
  • Vic Mensa - "Down for Some Ignorance" Wings" Roc Nation, Capitol 2017
  • Vic Mensa - "Memories on 47th St." Roc Nation, Capitol 2017
  • Beyonce - "Lemonade" Parkwood, Columbia 2016
  • Beyonce - "Sandcastles" Parkwood, Columbia 2016
  • Vic Mensa - "There's Alot Going On" Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings 2016
  • Vic Mensa - "16 Shots" Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings 2016
  • Vic Mensa - "Free love" 2016
  • Kanye West - "The life of Pablo" Good Music, Def Jam Recordings 2016
  • Kanye West - "Famous" Good Music, Def Jam Recordings 2016
  • Kanye West - "Ultralight Beam" Good Music, Def Jam Recordings 2016
  • Kanye West - "Father Stretch My Hands PT.1" Good Music, Def Jam Recordings 2016
  • Kanye West - "All Day" Good Music, Def Jam Recordings 2016
  • Kanye West - "Feedback" Good Music, Def Jam Recordings 2016
  • Kanye West - "Highlights" Good Music, Def Jam Recordings 2016
  • Kanye West - "Free Style 4" Good Music, Def Jam Recordings 2016
  • Kanye West - "I Love Kanye" Good Music, Def Jam Recordings 2016
  • Kanye West - "Waves" Good Music, Def Jam Recordings 2016
  • Kanye West - "FML" Good Music, Def Jam Recordings 2016
  • Kanye West - "Real Friends" Good Music, Def Jam Recordings 2016
  • Kanye West - "Wolves" Good Music, Def Jam Recordings 2016
  • Kanye West - "30 Hours" Good Music, Def Jam Recordings 2016
  • Kanye West - "No More Parties in LA" Good Music, Def Jam Recordings 2016
  • Kanye West - "Fade" Good Music, Def Jam Recordings 2016
  • Channel Live - "Ghetto B.I" Flavor Unit 2016
  • Ty Dolla $ign - "Actress" Atlantic Records 2015
  • Common - "Nobody's Smiling" Def Jam Recordings 2014
  • Snoh Aalegra - "Bad things" 2014
  • Kanye West - "Yeezus" Def Jam Recordings, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc 2013
  • Kanye West - "Bound 2" Def Jam Recordings, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc 2013
  • Kanye West - "On Sight" Def Jam Recordings, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc 2013
  • Kanye West - "Black Skinhead" Def Jam Recordings, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc 2013
  • Kanye West - "I Am A God" Def Jam Recordings, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc 2013
  • Kanye West - "Hold My Liquor" Def Jam Recordings, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc 2013
  • Kanye West - "I'm In It" Def Jam Recordings, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc 2013
  • Kanye West - "Blood On The Leaves" Def Jam Recordings, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc 2013
  • Kanye West - "Mercy" Def Jam Recordings, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc 2012
  • Kanye West - "New Slaves" Def Jam Recordings, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc 2012
  • Kanye West - "Cruel Summer" Def Jam Recordings, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc 2012
  • Kanye West - "Sin City" Def Jam Recordings, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc 2012
  • Kanye West - "The One" Def Jam Recordings, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc 2012
  • Snoop Dogg - "Gangbang Rookie" Doggystyle, Priority 2011
  • Snoop Dogg - "i don't need no bitch" Doggystyle, Priority 2011
  • Kanye West - "All of the Lights" Def Jam Recordings 2010
  • Kanye West - "My Dark Twisted Fantasy" Def Jam Recordings 2010
  • Kanye West - "Dark Fantasy" Def Jam Recordings 2010
  • Kanye West - "Gorgeous" Def Jam Recordings 2010
  • Kanye West - "Devil in a New Dress" Def Jam Recordings 2010
  • Kanye West - "Runaway" Def Jam Recordings 2010
  • Kanye West - "Power" Def Jam Recordings 2010
  • Kanye West - "Monster" Def Jam Recordings 2010
  • Kanye West - "Robocop" Def Jam Recordings 2010
  • John Legend and the Roots- "The Little Ghetto Boy" Good Music 2010
  • Raheem DeVaughn - "The Love & War MasterPeace" Jive, Zomba 2010
  • Raheem DeVaughn - "Fragile" Jive, Zomba 2009
  • DO or Die (D.O.D) - "Around Here" 2010
  • Kanye West - "Magic Man" Good Music 2009
  • Raheem DeVaughn - "Woman I Desire" Jive 2009
  • Kanye West - "Amazing" Roc-A-Fella Records (Def Jam Recordings) 2008
  • Kanye West - "Love Lockdown" Roc-A-Fella Records (Def Jam Recordings) 2008
  • Kanye West - "Heartless" Roc-A-Fella Records (Def Jam Recordings) 2008
  • Kanye West - "Promised Land" Roc-A-Fella Records (Def Jam Recordings) 2008
  • Kindred the Family Soul - "Always be Arriving (Finale)" Hidden Beach Recordings, Shanachie Records 2008
  • Kindred the Family Soul - "Poetry Interlude" Hidden Beach Recordings, Shanachie Records 2008
  • Kanye West - "Stay Up" Roc-A-Fella Records (Def Jam Recordings) 2007
  • Rhymefest - "Mr. blue collar" Def Jam Recordings 2006
  • Kanye West - "Late Registration " Def Jam Recordings 2005
  • Kanye West - "Crack Music" Def Jam Recordings 2005
  • Carl Thomas - "Know It's Alright" Big Beat Records 2004
  • Common - "My city" Relativity Records 1997

Grammys

Yusef has won six Grammy from twelve nominations.

Tours
  • Winter 2018: Jay-Z 4:44 Tour / Jay-Z and Vic mensa and Malik yusef
  • Summer 2008 : "The Art of Love Tour" f/ Raheem Devaughn and Chrisette Michele
  • Spring 2008 : "Real Thing Tour" f/ Jill Scott & Raheem Devaughn
  • Fall 2005 : "Touch the Sky Tour" f/ Kanye West & Keyshia Cole
  • Summer 2000 : Carl Thomas & Mary J. Blige Tour
gollark: As I said, C's metaprogramming isn't good enough to patch shiny new features in in a pleasant way.
gollark: I don't think C has those? Or at least nice ones.
gollark: It's not good. People don't consistently get it right and it's annoying.
gollark: Yes, it's Turing-complete*, but that doesn't mean I want to write```cint32_t_iterator_of_some_kind thing = make_iterator();while (int32_t x = get_element(thing)) { // do thing with x}free_iterator(thing)```* not actually Turing-complete, due to weird spec quirks
gollark: It isn't. Its type system CANNOT correctly express generics, which you need for good iterators. Its insufficiently good memory management mechanisms would require manually freeing and allocing them, which is no. Its lack of good metaprogramming capabilities (the macros are not sufficient) means I couldn't make iterators which were actually *nice to use*.

References
  1. ACE. "ACE Repertory". Ascap.com. Retrieved September 28, 2019.
  2. "Official website". www.malikyusefjones.com. Retrieved September 28, 2019.
  3. "Malik Yusef Jones's Biography". Thehistorymakers.org. Retrieved September 28, 2019.
  4. Young, Alex. "Kanye West's Cruel Summer tracklist revealed". Consequenceofsound.net. Retrieved May 30, 2014.
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