Malik Yusef

Malik Yusef (Born April 4, 1971) is a well-known African-American spoken word poet based in Chicago, Illinois.

Early life
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 Sense who was a member of the Four Corner Hustlers organization at the time. He was self-diagnosed with Dyslexia as a teenager but overcame his learning disability and word-impairment, earning himself a place among the urban intelligentsia. He has evolved over the years from a street hustler into a street poet. His name translates to “ruler” 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 Chi-town native has made his career as a “wordsmyth,” 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 a father of three and 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 females 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. He maintains close personal ties and friendships with Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Raheem Devaughn, Common, Carl Thomas and Lupe Fiasco.

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' f/ 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” f/ Kanye 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 standoff 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, 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 first solo album featuring a bevy of local talent including Kanye West, Carl Thomas, Chantay Savage, Common and Twista, documenting an amalgam of eroticism, religion, gangster folklore and hip-hop. The Source Magazine dubbed the debut “a classic.”

Kanye West & Malik Yusef Present: Good Morning & Good Night (G.O.O.D Music Recordings 2008)

He will release his sophomore effort, Kanye West & Malik Yusef Present: Good Morning & Good Night (Spring 2009) featuring guest musicians and producers Kanye West, Common, Raheem Devaughn, Pharrell Williams, Lupe Fiasco, KRS One, Twista, Carl Thomas and soul pianist John Legend. The concept of the reflective double CD will display Protagonist vs. Antagonist/Lower Self vs. Higher Self, exhibiting the poet’s struggle between his internal dualities. Both discs Good Morning & Good Night will feature 12 tracks apiece, representing an hour of each day. The first single "Magic Man" features Kanye West, Common and John Legend.

Tours

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

Collaborations

He and jazz saxophonist Mike Phillips (Hidden Beach Records) collaborated on the song “This is Not a Game” which was selected by basketball superstar Michael Jordan to appear 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.

“Promised Land” – Kanye West, Adam Levine, John Legend - Barack Obama: Yes We Can Soundrack (Hidden Beach Records 2008)

“Always Be Arriving” – Kindred & The Family Soul - Arrival (Hidden Beach Records 2008)

“Woman I Desire” – Raheem Devaughn - Love Behind the Melody (Jive Records 2008)

“Welcome to Chi” - Dr. Cornel West - Never Forget: A Journey of Revelations (Hidden Beach Records 2007)

“Crack Music” - Kanye West f/ The Game - Late Registration (Roc-a-Fella Records 2005)

“Stay Up” - Kanye West f/ 88 Keys - The Graduate (Extra Credit) (2007)

“Wouldn’t You Like To Ride” f/ Common & Kanye West - Coach Carter Soundtrack (Capitol Records 2005)

“Know it’s Alright” – Carl Thomas – Let’s Talk About It (Bad Boy Records 2004)

“Trouble Don’t Last Always” – Carl Thomas – Emotional (Bad Boy Records 2000)

“My City” – Common - One Day it Will All Make Sense (Relativity Records 1997)

“Mr. Blue Collar” - Rhymefest - Blue Collar (Allido Records 2006)

Awards

Chicago Music Awards – “Best Poet” (2002 thru 2008)

Truth Awards – “Spoken Word Artist of the Year” (2001 thru 2005)

2006 Grammy Award (Kanye West - Late Registration)

Discography

Albums: The Great Chicago Fire; A Cold Day in Hell (Universal Records 2003)

Singles: “Wouldn’t You Like To Ride” f/ Kanye West and Common (2005)