Malik Yusef El Shabazz Jones[1] (born April 4, 1971) is an American spoken word artist, poet, rapper, record producer, and director based in Chicago, Illinois.
As a spoken word artist, Jones uses poetry to explore a wide range of personal and social issues while maintaining a global perspective aimed at fostering benevolence.
Yusef draws inspiration from various sources, including his children, dreams, ancestral heritage, and influential poets such as Langston Hughes, William Shakespeare, Haki Madhubuti, and Phillis Wheatley.
His spoken word artistry has not only shaped his career but has also been featured in high-profile promotional campaigns for brands such as ASCAP, Sprite, Coca-Cola, General Motors, Chrysler, Verizon, Miller Brewing Co., and Nike.
[citation needed] 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."
[citation needed] 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.
Another song called "By Your Side" which featured Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams and singer Brando, leaked on the internet Vocal Production by Christopher Denson Yusef made an appearance on the G.O.O.D.