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

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.

Poetic Pilgrimage, Mohammed Yahya and Sway- July 4, 2009

Do You Remember the Time....

Its Saturday. I couldn't find anything to watch, so I search for documentaries on Netflix. Now, I'm watching a documentary called, "Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme." This documentary won many awards such as the Urban World Film Festival Award, L.A. Independent Film Festival Award, and the Kodak Maverick Award. It features some folks you might know, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and freestylers such as Supernatural and Juice.

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!!

An exclusive, SISTERS ONLY, intimate evening with Poetic Pilgrimage all the way from the UK making their Bay Area debut at Chateu Presidio. There are only 50 tickets available, this event is sure to sell quickly! Sistas, you can't miss this. Girls leave your kids with ya'man at home. Cash Price $25, arrange to get your tickets by calling Halal Honey Hotline (510) 868.Paypal Price $28: send payment to halima@emailus.org Halal Honey Hotline (510) 868-8318

Mustafa Davis. Amir Sulaiman.Dunya

Dunya

another Mustafa Davis JoINt

"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.

Muslims and non-Muslims enjoyed vegetarian patties and pizza, live Cuban Music, and free Starbucks coffee which is always great! Muslim children brought with them their non-Muslim friends and family. Non-Muslims who came found New Muslim friendship. Together we watched an ex-drug dealer's road to redemption. Non-Muslims were able to see that Muslims have the same struggles. Also we were able to witness that divorce and homelessness did not stop this brother's effort to help others discover and walk their own road to redemption.
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."

Hamza had a sore throat the night before the viewing of "New Muslim Cool." Amir Tariq gave him a tea of garlic, ginger, and honey. Later that morning he said he still did not feel well so I gave him apple cider vinegar and honey. Umm....that didn't go to well but he managed to perform anyway. DJ Kidragon on the 1's Y2's and great ending to an inspiring day.

Shout out to: Catherine Balisacan Jesse, Makeda, WorldBeat Center, Rachelle Djraichous Chua, Nada, Summaiyya Lee, AsadAllah, Milaan Shaheed Sharifa Ahmed, Layla, JazmineGrace Rano ,Mohamed Geraldez, Jason Hamza Perez, Najiyya Alim, Ron Kidragon Valdez, Mujahid, Eugene Dinoso Ditona, Walasia Al-haliymu Shabazz, Omar Mahmoud, Isa Palenzuela, Abu Bakr, Edgar Hopida, Jihad, Joshua Lopez, Malik Guimzon, Dawud Abdul-Alim, Muhammad Yusuf, Shahab, Bilal, Ali Malik, Mustafa, Omar Mendoza Mahmood, Basheer, Rami, Maria, Else, Onslaught, Dr. Jeffers, Matt, Omar Qureshi, Nabib, Abdul Qadir, Yusuf, may Allah bless you all for all of your efforts and hard work. LICC - a community powered by Allah.

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.

Chef Asadullah killing it at the grill with his secret sauce. He grilled chicken and hot dogs with the blessing of Bismillah. The community came together to create a mestizo of side dishes from mangoes to baked beans. No one diets at an LICC Bar *B *Q!

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...

Brothers politicking at the grill ,as usual,and babies chasing after bubbles. It was a Muslim Cool Day in Rohr Park.

Mohammed Yahya & Poetic Pilgrimage performing "Earth Cry" Live in U.S.

Hasan Salaam 2009

Do you remember....

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!!!!

This is the Narcicyst first complete solo album. Nineteen tracks featuring Omar Offendum and Shadia Mansour!

Purchase Here:

http://www.iraqisthebomb.com/

or

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=5516246

From the clutches of Compton to Islam- Wake Up!!

Napolean [Mutah Beale] Mutah Wassin Shabazz Beale speaks to the hearts of the youth about the false images of the music industry.

This Week in a Muslim Hip Hop Minute

M-Team Bismillah

Look out for this!!

Hasan Salaam(live) in Berlin @ Cassiopeia

Thanks again Bro!

Please Offendum

As I orbit around myspace I come to a street called straight. Syrian American, Omar Offendum (www.myspace.com/offendum) performing in front of an ocean of diversity. Confident but not arrogant, and smooth without fumbling his delivery.
It was amazing to me that someone so clean has been undiscovered and unadvertised. I guess this is why he is not commercial. There is no gimmick about him. He comes true without trying to get by with his Muslim card.
Omar was raised in an Arab-Muslim sub community. With a supportive and open minded family to guide him in finding a balance within his culture and religious life he was given the encouragement to develop his talents.
Growing up in D.C., home to BET, hip-hop was a part of the youth culture. In college he began making beats, MCing and performing with his partner Mr. Tibbz. Together they were known as N.O.M.A.D.S.
He has spent two years in the lab to get the chemistry right for a timeless record that will, Inshallah, impact his audience. An Arabic/English, Nizar Qabbani meets Langston Hughes. A Syrianamericana firmly rooted in hip hop.

Biddee 3iish= I want to LIVE!!

Working with Project Elev8, Omar uses his art to reach out to Muslim youth in L.A. According to their site (myspace.com/projectelev8),their goal is to challenge youth of different socio-economic backgrounds to promote community activism through education.
Modest, he does not go on tour but he performs upon invitation!

You can find Omar offendum online:
http://www.offendum.com/
offendum.blogspot.com
and all my facebook friends:
http://www.blogger.com/www.facebook.com/pages/OMAR-OFFENDUM/52031395779

Inside Deen Tight

These are a few pictures from the premier of "Deen Tight." I personally wondered what the crowd thought. Soon we all will know. Interview with the audience of "Deen Tight" coming soon...
.

CNN reports: Even Al Qaeda Uses Hip- Hop

"Mortar by mortar, shell by shell, only going to stop when I send them to hell,"

The lyrics above were recited by Abu Mansoor al-Amriki, "The American". CNN reports he was given this name by al Qaeda. He is now in Somalia training and counseling Somalis from North America and Europe. According to American "Intelligence" their mission is to overthrow President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed for cooperating with the West.

The CNN's report is entitled, "Al Qaeda exporting jihad with a hip-hop vibe." What? Republicans this is getting old already. Go after some real terrorist and turn your fathers in!

Muslim Hip Hop Indiscriminate

Hip-hop in its earliest structure has been around since the 1920’s. As fans mimicked the funky sounds and moves of James Brown, hip-hop became a culture waiting to be cultivated. That boom, bap, boom-boom, bap became the thick back drop of American music. In the early seventies a culture called hip-hop blossomed in the sound, swagger, dance, art, and dress. The hip-hop culture was adopted by countless "Urban" youth in the seventies before it had a name. Today, those youth have become members of all aspects of society. Teachers use hip-hop to educate and Muslims use hip-hop to motivate.
Now that mainstream America has climbed off their high horse to look into the world of hip-hop, contributors of all religious and ethic backgrounds are looked to for a general impression. Hip-hop is now seen for its expression of the people. It is a well known fact that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. The teachings of Islam influence and change lives without discrimination. It is an honor from Allah to be of the chosen few on "haq" (truth). The appreciation of the artist is visible in the precision in their craft. There have been Muslims in hip-hop for generations, but now we see a generation who has invited hip-hop into the Muslim world. A people who express their love of Islam in their Music, lyrics, and Art. I remember an open mic in San Diego at Voz Alta. Kidragon was the DJ for the evening. He mixed a speech by Malcolm X over a funk beat. Every word Malcolm was saying was amplified as if he was on stage. You could feel Kidragan giving you the message of Malcolm from his turn tables. Everyone was feeling it: Muslim, non-Muslim, young, old, the sceptic, and the believer. This is hip-hop indiscriminate.