Mos Def Plans to get Intimate With the Bay Area

Hip hopper to play three Bay Area shows

The lyrical genius that is Mos Def will bring his free styling skills to Yoshi's in Oakland.

The better half of Black Star and the onscreen buddy of Charlize Theron in "The Italian Job" will play April 14 through the 16 at Yoshi's The set will be one of his more intimate Bay Area performances.

And joining him on stage will be an all star cast of friends and characters such as Robert Glasper, Chris Dave and Stephen Bruner.

Mos recently played a sold out run of critically acclaimed shows at Carnegie Hall. He will perform music from his much anticipated fourth solo album, "The Ectastic," which is slated for release later this year.

Mos Def broke onto the underground scene in 1996 when he collaborated with Talib Kweli. The two formed Black Star whose debut album would become one of the most critically acclaimed hip-hop albums of all time.

Mos Def followed that release with his solo debut three years later dubbed "Black On Both Sides," which was certified gold and credited by critics as bringing hip-hop back to its soapbox roots.

Since then, Mos Def has gone on to release two solo albums and played staring roles in several movies, including opposite Bruce Willis in "16 Blocks."

Tickets for the show can be had at Yoshi's Web site, the Yoshi’s Box Office or by phone at 510-238-9200.

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