Happy birthday! Mos Def turns 52 today

By Lori Macatee
Washington
Last updated on December 11, 2025

The iconic and legendary rapper turns 52 on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025.

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Mos Def is celebrating his 52nd birthday today. As a number of online tributes attest, he is one of the most acclaimed rappers of his generation.

Popular rapper Mos Def (Mathematics, Ms. Fat Booty, ...) has always liked to keep a bit of himself hidden from view. At 52nd birthday, he remains a man of many facets.

Mos Def, a cultural icon

Born Dante Terrell Smith in New York on December 11, 1973, his career spans an arc over many different eras and tastes in American history. Mos Def's not just a great rapper, he's an inspiration, an icon and a successful business man. At this point in his career, there seems to be little Mos Def hasn't done.

And we've got a feeling the next 12 months are going to be even bigger and better for Mos Def as he promises more to come. After all, he's only 52.

Happy Birthday, Mos Def, you're the best!