Christmas in Compton
The first annual "Christmas in Compton," with with the artist The Game, his son, and Kumasi was held at Mt. Pilgrim Church in Compton 300 S. Santa Fe 90221. The neighborhood is just blocks away from where Game and Kumasi were brought up. Toys were purchased by Game himself and other toys were donated by Matel Toys. Clothes from Travis Barkers filled a mini van with items from toddler to men. The Game's Black Wall Street line donated t shirts and BWS Polos. All of the children and there families were able to get a picture and autograph with the artist. A thankful community consisting of Polynesian, Hispanic, and African children and parents, crowd control was not an issue. Next year they hope to have more Churches and Mosques apart of organizing this event. Kumasi says, "I first took the idea to the ILM foundation who is known to put together the "Humanitarian Day" feed the homeless event down town each Ramadan.The ILM foundation had a source that just recently gave its toys away at another event...May ALLAH allow us to serve ALLAH's creation."
In a time when Muslims think that giving dawah is in a pamphlet or cute slogans on a t-shirt, my brother understands that the best dawah is in your actions. Our Prophet (S.A.W.) said in terms of reward - "Whoever guides another to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs." What better deed than to lead another to Islam or the words of Shahadah. I would love to see more Muslims out in the communities showing the poor and destitute the light of Islam. Inshallah, we can all make an intention for 2010.
Vallejo, CA
419 Georgia Street,
Downtown Vallejo, Ca
Featured Performers:
-Nomi (Power Struggle)
-J.O.A.L. (Praxis Roks)
-Zelstarr (Rhapsodistas)
-Digital Maryrs
-Swim To Syndey
-DJ Halo (CT)
Visual Artists
(Live Art +All pieces for sale will be priced under $100. Proceeds donated to Bay Area Bayanihan for Typhoon Disaster Relief):
-The Individual Collective
-DAT:AA
-3 Eye Elephant
Celebrating the Birthdays of:
-DJ Rod Roc (OSS Resident DJ)
-Ben Y (Individual Collective)
OPEN MIC/TURNTABLES/CANVAS/SPACE/MINDS/ETC…
Open Mic sign ups from 6pm-7:30pm (fills quick, sign up early).
Freestyle Cypher at the end of the night.
When:
Nov. 28th, 2009
6pm-10pm (or later)
Where:
Individual Collective Gallery
419 Georgia St.
Downtown Vallejo, CA.
Cost:
$1-$5 (Sliding Scale Donation)
Pay what you can afford, No one turned away for lack of funds.
The Vibe Mondays
The Fresh Air Tour will be doing three shows in the Bay Area this weekend. They kick off tonight in Santa Cruz, CA at the Catalyst hit Slims in San Francisco Saturday night then finish up the weekend in Santa Clara at the Avalon Nightclub. Complete details for all three shows are below.
10.16.09
Venue: The Catalyst
Address: 1011 Pacific Ave
City: Santa Cruz, CA
Cost: $12/$16
Ages: 16+
Doors: 8:00PM
Performing: Brother Ali, Evidence, Toki Wright & BK-One
10.17.09
Venue: Slim's
Address: 333 11th St.
City: San Francisco, CA
Cost: $15
Ages: All Ages
Doors: 8:00PM
Performing: Brother Ali, Evidence, Toki Wright & BK-One
10.18.09
Venue: Avalon Nightclub
Address: 777 Lawrence Expressway
City: Santa Clara, CA
Cost: $15/$20
Ages: All Ages
Doors: 7:00PM
Performing: Brother Ali, Evidence, Toki Wright & BK-One
Brother Ali -
I'm Baaaack
As Salamu Alaikum all. I hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Ramadan. As you see I took Ramadan off to focus on myself and my position with my Creator. It was the best Ramadan yet. I also took time to reflect on why I do this blog and if I want to continue. I came to the conclusion that I will continue to blog about Muslim Hip Hop for the love of the art and my support of the artist. I feel that Muslims around the world have plenty to say. Artist need many platforms and balconies to convey their message. Their message of peace or their message of pistivity.
I need to emphasize that I am no self proclaimed scholar or professional writer. I am however a sister who appreciates the culture of Hip Hop and supports her brothers and sisters doing their thing.
I did however feel the need to create an inward balance spiritually so I created a new blog called Reflecting Moment http://www.reflectingmoment.blogspot.com . This blog is filled with short reminders of Allah, His Mercy, and forgiveness. I want to share the reminders that keep me spiritually charged.
Inshallah, I will have more articles to come. Check out my updates on twitter, facebook, and myspace.
Masalama
JINX
Farid- Quality R&B 2009
A far cry from the folk melodies associated with Islamic Music, 26 years old Farid’s soulful sound is a breeze of fresh air to convert/ revert to Islam. Born to a father from Indonesia and his mother from Singapore, Farid calls his birth place San Jose and his stomping ground Santa Clara.
Born and raised as a practicing Muslim, he attended Granada Islamic School in Santa Clara. Being raised in America, he was completely part of American culture, and was very much exposed to R&B/Pop/Hip Hop. At first, he was taught Music was haram, but later realized that there are different opinions. He expresses, “We can’t ignore avenues of communication to our youth. I was/am a youth, and Music spoke to me and continues to.”
When asked about the collaboration for the song “Fitnah” he says that he and Tyson grew up in San Jose and have been close friends for many years. “People who share the same interests are bound to hook up.”
At first his parents too, felt music was haram. However, their perspective changed as scholars opinions started to accept music. They've become way more lenient in the last couple yrs. At this point, his parents are full supporters of what he does and are proud of his music
“I’m very particular about my music and songs, so I need to write everything. My favorite writer is Babyface, because his songs are very poetic and sophisticated, yet the language is common enough that everyone can still connect”…”For "Fitna", Tyson co-wrote some of my lyrics, but the bulk of that song and all my other songs, I write.”
The Album 3 years in the making set to drop soon!
http://www.faridmusiconline.com/Home.aspx
Farid- Mashallah!
A breath of fresh air.
It's a hot Saturday afternoon in S.D. I make my Dhuhr, throw my kids around on the bed, laugh at facebook, and finally check my email. I receive a brief note with a link. I check it out, hoping for the best...
WHAT!?! Where have you been? Why do I not have your CD? I need be in my back yard pumpin' this and drinking lemonade. Please check out his videos and links below. All I can say is Mashallah! Thank you so much for the link, and may Allah grant you success in this life and the next.
For more information check out this link:
http://www.faridmusiconline.com
and article:
http://www.altmuslimah.com/a/b/m/3208/
Third Eye Collective Presents: Solano County Fair Performance
Mohammed Yahya, Masikah & Muslim Belal - 'Half My Deen'
Extremist... by Saif Ullah
Omar Offendum-New Day
To Contact Muslim Hip Hop Minute
Thank you to all my supporters around the world!!
JINX
The Ashes
"After starting to record his album, he changed his name from ‘Osiris’ to using his own birth name and got rid of over 60 tracks."
Tai Mahmud decided to refrain from the use of profanity in his material committing to keeping it real as well as clean. Tai Mahmud is such a skilled lyricist expressing him self with such passion without explications seems to come so effortless.
"Colorful vocabulary and punch lines show with an intense and gripping flow that distinguishes Tai from a rising genre."
After watching this video of evidence, he is certainly a brother to look out for. I have nothing to say about this brother because he says so much. I could never do him justice, I'll just let him speak for himself!
What is New Muslim Cool?
I hope everyone had an opportunity to check out this film on PBS! Put it on your DVR. This film was a huge step for Muslim Americans. Much of the footage you see of Muslims on television is of immigrants Muslims or Black Muslims from the Nation. I can identify with this film as an American Muslim. I am so proud of my Muslim brother. He has truly come along way. Becoming the son his mother always wanted him to be. Jihad is every man's struggle, but some cowards choose to close their eyes and listen to Lil Wayne.
Bye to Vibe !?!
Someone had to be around to document hip-hop’s journey to the center of the pop-cultural universe. Enter Vibe. But now it’s gone. Where does that leave hip-hop?
http://www.theroot.com/views/rip-vibe-1993-2009
Do You Remember the Time....
This film took me back to a time when I truly loved hip-hop. It took me back to a time when I had mixes of underground rap on lime green transparent audio tapes. It brought back memories of watching my uncle practicing his skills on the turn tables. The drama of hooking it up. Oh, and the woopins for messin up my moms records.
It took me back to a time when I would walk to the park with my uncles and this huge boom box that had a record player at the bottom. We thought we were cool but sounds pretty ridiculous in retrospect, LOL! and learning to break dance on cardboard boxes. This film took me back to a time when I ran home from school to watch "Yo, MTV Raps." -Driving my family crazy doing the "Ed Lova" in public.
I remember writing down the lyrics to this song and memorizing them:
I remember my B-girl days at "The World Beat Center" in San Diego, rockin' Cross Colors and it was all about the boxers!
I remember Friday Cyphers at school. And the first and last time I choked. (Salamz to Liquid Sunshine-My whole crew took Shahada, Mashallah.)
This is the wonderful energy behind art. It touches and inspires individuals in so many ways. Art can take its admirer to feel its beauty, its pain, its experiences, the anger of social injustice. The artist has gained a form of freedom by releasing what was once carefully cradled within and sharing it with those who will love it and protect it just as the artist does or crush it without regard. An artist is by definition is unique in style, presentation, and many times message. It is this passion that the audience feeds off of. Example:
X Clan... Everyone has an opinion, but truth be told in the mezcla of information, X Clan forced me to research my "blackness"~Africa~ my first glimpse of Islam. I always tell my children "Take what is good, and leave the rest." (of course if it is within the guidelines of your deen).
Many times you sit and listen to a CD and it's awful- Ask yourself WHY, awful. It lacks passion, energy, and sometimes a complete thought. I have heard some songs that sound like the recitation of the alphabets over a random beat. We all know that some of the best artist are on the underground which allows them to stay true to themselves and not true to the dollar. This film gave opportunity for me to reflect on my relationship with hip hop, how hip hop influenced my journey to Islam, and it brought back some really good memories.
HA! HA! HA! HA!
~This is not a share story
Sheikh Terra feat. Soul Salah Crew - Dirty Kuffar
Okay now time for your opinion...Tell me what you think! I saw this and I had many thoughts but I will share Sunday...You have until Sunday to post your thoughts.
Peace!
I believe that hip-hop is one of many art forms and outlets of self expression. Artist have taken a lot of time and energy to create a piece that truly represents how they feel or are feeling at that particular time and the product was not intended to reflect you. Not one of us is unanimous character or temperament. This may not reflect your opinions, but it is obviously the opinion of someone else.
I personally do not know first hand or second hand how it feels to have my home blown up or for some other government to decide that I can no longer live in my country because they want to live here. I don't know what it is like to have my school destroyed because teaching me to read is terrorist training. I understand that these injustices ignite anger but as Muslims we are given the tools to deal with these feelings.
In all parts of the world, your community, and even your masjid, you will find the good the bad and even the ugly regardless of Shahada. In general individuals deal and express pain, anger, and loss in many different ways. Some may find it harmless while others find it harmful. Bottom line is that we have to express ourselves in manner that is pleasing to Allah t'ala.
As many Americans wouldn't want Bush to represent them in a dodge ball tournament, I wouldn't want this video to represent Muslim Hip-Hop. This video gives any anti-Muslim group ammunition. As Muslims we should carry ourselves and our deen with dignity. We must rise to the religion and stop humiliating ourselves.
Peace
DUNYA- Amir Sulaiman
Amir Sulaiman presents DUNYA:::Directed by Mustafa Davis from amir sulaiman on Vimeo.
{the alchemist}
[the alchemist] by Amir Sulaiman from amir sulaiman on Vimeo.
For Sisters Only June5, 2009!!
Mustafa Davis. Amir Sulaiman.Dunya
"There is a Devil"*TYSON* Directed by Mustafa Davis
New Muslim Cool in the Wold Beat Center-May 2009
Sister Makeda, known throughout San Diego as Reggae Makossa on Radio 91X Sundays at 8pm, opened her home, the World Beat Center, to the community of LICC. Makeda is one who respects and honors culture and religion which made it very easy to approach her with the idea for a San Diego screening of New Muslim Cool.
Hamza offered a Question and Answer session with the viewers. He spoke briefly on the fact the our Prophet, Peace be upon Him, did not only help Muslims, but those who were not Muslim as well. That we need to look at people as human beings not as Muslim, Jew, Christian, Black, White and Latino. My favorite quote from Hamza was, "We cannot offer a sandwich in one hand and a pamphlet in the other."
New Muslim Cool in Rohr Park- May 2009
LICC is a community of diversity in background, culture and ethnicity. It is no wonder that most visitors feel they are amongst family. This small community is grounded by deen and dawah who ask no financial compensation for their efforts.
The sisters tried to maintain their composure as "You Got the Right Stuff" by New Kids on the Block played on the Ipod. All giggles as their hands gestured "The Rebok" and any other dance that was associated with that video. (its on Youtube!!). Why did everyone get excited when "Thriller" came on? They had mentioned a video with Filipino prisoners learning the dance routine? Idunno... anyway back to Rohr Park...
New Muslim Cool-Sunday and Monday in San Diego!
Hasan Salaam 2009
of course you do. 2005 the only information I could find on Hasan Salaam was on his myspace page. Today in 2009 you can google "Hasan Salaam" and find his bio everywhere from small media outlets to wikipedia.
Hasan Salam has spent time in the U.K. and Germany rolling in his double decker bus, late nights in the chip shops, and representing at the Battle Scars competition in Brixton http://www.eodub.com/mc-challenge/mc-challenge-results/article/33.html. He performed with SPEAKERS CORNER QUARTET http://www.blogger.com/www.myspace.com/speakerscornerquartet%20- - and DJ SNUFF.
Since the release of his new album "Children of God" he intends to schedule more shows around the U.S. and Europe throughout the year with Immortal Technique. He also has another project in the works with a few brothas in his camp labeled "Muhammad Dangerfield". Look out for that one!
He continues to work with 5th Column and conduct monthly food and clothing drives in Jersey City. He also works with youth aiding them in creative writing and chess. He is a real genuine brother who was inspired by the lives of his students and his own when creating "Children of God." He holds himself to be a person of action and interaction with Muslims and non-Muslims. You can reach him on twitter, facebook, aim, and myspace.
"Children of God" is available on Itunes and at cdbaby.com/cd/hasansalaam4
"There is a reason Zakat and Salaat are mentioned so closely in the Quran. Prayer without the action in our lives to help others (Muslim and Non-Muslim) is just a show. The word Is am is rooted in the Aramaic word "Lam" which means Peace, as Muslims we should be the peacemakers and show and prove on our faith. Standing up against injustice and aiding those who are in need creates peace."- Hasan Salaam
The Narcicyst Album is out NOW!!!!
From the clutches of Compton to Islam- Wake Up!!
This Week in a Muslim Hip Hop Minute
M-Team Bismillah
Look out for this!!
Hasan Salaam(live) in Berlin @ Cassiopeia
Thanks again Bro!