After recently changing his name to Yasiin Bey, the artist formerly known as Mos Def has just received a rather prestigious honor in regards to the Muslim religion. The actor/musician becomes just the third American celebrity or sports star, after Muhammed Ali and Kareem Abdul-Jabar, to be named one of the world's most influential Muslims. This year's conglomeration marks the third annual compilation of 500 Muslims, chosen by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center, as the following as a whole makes up approximately 23% of the world's population. Mos Def's entry listing reads as follows:

Mos Def (born Dante Terrell Smith) is a hip-hop artist who has recently become more popular for his acting career where he received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. He is noted for his stance against the misinterpretation of the Qur’an.