Monthly Archives: November 2011

Interview with Black The Ripper on Mainstream Music

Do you consider yourself a conscious MC?

People have been calling me that for a minute now. That’s a way to categories me. If I talk sly shit I can talk it better than niggas. I’m consciously aware and I say it.

I think most of them [other rappers] are conscious but most of them don’t know how to express it.

Because you have to remember certain issues attract haters. When you keep it fairly simple  you don’t have the haters. When you address certain issues you have people who are powerful who are there.

Why aren’t artists like you promoted in the mainstream?

Because it’s against their agenda. For them to push us, it’s working against them. For record labels it’s all about money. They are trying to pollute your message.

Given the recent unrest in this country – riots, occupation at St Pauls – are things slowly changing?

We are in England and it has just started now. We are just starting our wave now. We still remember were we come from. There are a whole bunch of white people who are cool with how things are.

The media has got everything to do with it. If there’s a political rapper in the media the whole world would fall in love with them. But they [the media] then have a problem ‘coz they’ve now got to silence them.

Why are a lot of your lyrics about political issues and things other MCs wouldn’t talk about?

I’ve got self-belief. I stand for something. I don’t think they [other rappers] do – they just need that quick money. For them to talk political they could get black boarded.

You’ve got a song called Wake Up. When do you think people will ‘wake up’ and what do you think will happen when they do?

I think it’s about time. I don’t think nobody is going to wake up – everyone is comfortable, they are cool. Get benefits, not really starving. You don’t get no help in certain countries like Libya. Man are getting free shit here.

I’m second generation. Our grandkids, they are not going to give a flying fuck. They aren’t going to take it. We were born here we aren’t going to be content. They’re [our grandkids] going to be less content. Ultimately means nothing though. Nobody stood up [after the riots] when they came to your mums house and arrested you… they weren’t on a bad ting then.

Twitter: omar_shahid

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Review: Restless Beings, Human Writes 2 @ Rhythm Factory

Hip Hop and Rap isn’t always portrayed in the best way: diatribe, misogyny and violence is often linked with the two. However, Restless Beings, a non-profitable charity founded in 2007, decided to bring a nexus of talented Hip Hop artists together to ‘ignite your conscious’ on Saturday night. The event, called Human Writes, was held at Rhythm Factory in Whitechapel, and intended to promote awareness of some of the most neglected communities across the world. “This is not music for the sake of music. It’s music with a message, for charity,” said Mabrur Amhed, co-director and founder of Restless Beings at the event.

“We believe in creativity and visual arts because art is accessible to everybody,” said Rahima Begum who, along with Mabrur, set up the charity. Kayne Anthony, an 18-year-old rapper and one of the standout acts of the night, said: “I think it’s a really good outlet for people to learn something new.” And it’s true. Historically, Hip Hop has been used as an instrument to educate and inspire. “You need music to bring about change. Hip Hop has educated people. Who was Malcolm X? Who was Gandhi? People have found out about them through Hip Hop,” said TY, a prominent rapper in the British hip-hop scene.

At the very front of the hall, on DJ Snuff‘s workstation, hung a Keffiyeh (the ubiquitous black and white scarf that was made popular by the Palestinian resistance movement in the 1960′s). And, although there was probably no real reason why it was there, it was symbolic of what Restless Beings stand for: the fight for human rights.

However, Mohammed Yahya - who along with Sarina Leah, make up the duo Native Sun – elucidated before his performance: “We attach ourselves to certain causes and forget about others. Who knew about the riots in Mozambique [in September]?”

Yahya’s words are indicative of the Restless Beings organization who aim to bring hope to the most marginalised and impoverished people throughout the world – communities often ignored by the mainstream media. Restless Beings, most notably, concentrates on four projects worldwide: Bangladesh street children, the Roma gypsies, the Rohingyas and the Uighur community. To find out more about these projects, click here.

Melissa Melodee, who sung and rapped about: the ephemerality of material possessions, the importance of family and the lack of world justice, praised the work of Restless beings: she said: “I think what they are doing is amazing. I can put them on the same level as Amnesty international. Events like this opens the consciousness of minds of people.”

Femi Santiago, like Melodee, is a singer/ songwriter and performed with Poetic Pilgrimage on stage, he said: “The amazing thing about this type of movement is that it will inspire people to make a stand – whether they attach themselves as part of this cause or create their own cause. And this is how we will evolve as humanity. “

Jimmy Jitsu, a rising star in the UK Hip Hop scene, said: Restless Beings shed light on issues which haven’t been covered. I personally connect with the homeless population in the UK, drug addicts and those with mental illness.

TY tweeted after the event: “I’ve never done a show anywhere in the world and the day after, the audience and the artists are all speaking on twitter. NEVER.”

The atmosphere was, on the whole, palpably friendly. We need more of them.

The event was also graced with performances by: Black the Ripper, Nathan ‘Flutebox’ Lee, Quest-Rah, Poet Curious, Lorianne, Caxton Press and Mangaliso Asi.

Follow Omar Shahid on Twitter: www.twitter.com/omar_shahid

An interview with Diary of A Badman Star, Humza Arshad

Why do you think your act has exploded and become so popular?

To be fair, its probably because of my looks.  You can’t be ugly and famous. I genuinely believe it’s the looks.

But if you want a serious answer, I owe it to God. He’s given me this opportunity. Nothing to do with talent. I’ve been given this… to use my fame and position in a responsible way not just to entertain but to make people smile and hopefully learn something from it.

Its not just Muslims who watch your videos, why do you think it appeals to so many people?

I think people can appreciate the humour and there is a message behind it, a moral behind it, it’s not entertainment there’s an extra added value.

You don’t have to be a Muslim to respect your mum or women or not finding violence as the answer and I think people can relate to that.

Do you feel comedy is the best way to ‘break the ice’ when portraying Islam?

I don’t think comedy is the best way to portray Islam. But its definitely one way to teach morals and values. I’ve tried to provide entertainment with good message, but allow people to learn from it. The most powerful thing is it engages everyone.

I’ve had people from everywhere saying they like my videos: Mexico, Kenya, China, Singapore, Poland…actually I made Poland up. But in America and Pakistan etc you expect a fan base. People from different countries tweeting me saying ‘I really like your video and you’ve got a massive fan base here.’ I’m like: ‘Do you lot even speak English’?

Comedy is so powerful; it’s a great way to engage people.

What is the real message behind your videos and what is your reason for doing it?

What I think I’m capable of is making people laugh and smile. I’m crap at everything else but I can make a fool out of myself. If I get their attention I want to give back. I want to do something positive. For this particular project [diary of a badman], I wanted to give something back and spread a good, positive light on Islam. Most people don’t realize we are normal human beings as well.

We have the same morals and etiquettes as they do. We’re stereotyped. A lot of the Muslim community – especially the youngsters – get led astray but even if one person might get inspired and go out and do his own research then it’s all worth it.

I was in Birmingham and this guy told me he went off the rails and started drugs and joined a gang, and he said when he saw my Diary of a Badman, it touched him so much he wanted to change. Now he is studying law.

I think the most rewarding thing is when people say ‘I watched your video and now I respect Islam’ or ‘thank you for giving me a better picture of Islam’. Even atheists are saying ‘I’m looking into Islam now’. At least a handful of people have reverted because of it.

It’s just that tickle. If you go full on then people will lose interest. You don’t want to feel you’re manipulating them, jut give them a little advice.

Its up to them to make the choice. It doesn’t have to be about converting people. If people are happy with their faith that’s fair enough but go back and treat your mum with more respect at least.

Sorry for such a long answer blad.

Do you ever get any negative reception for your videos?

One thing I’ve learnt is that no matter how hard you try, you can’t please everyone. I’ve had negative feedback . The first mean comment I got, I was really upset, my brother sat me down and said this is how to look at it: ‘you know you’ve made it when you’ve got haters’.

Jay Z is the one of the biggest rappers of all time. [He's got] more fans than most people but then look at how many haters he has. These people must be ugly. As long as I make more people happy, I’ll carry on doing this.

What did that person say to upset you?

I genuinely can’t remember but it was a stupid thing. It’s jealously.

You can take it two ways. You turn a blind eye or use it to motivate you.

People are very quick to judge. They need to look in their own mirror.  We make mistakes. You don’t have the right to say this is wrong. You have just got to ignore it. These people are trying to bring you down. And they are the ones probably cleaning toilets.

Even this 60 year old was saying to me you’re very funny. I genuinely thought it would just appeal to the youth, I’ve got so many young fans but even aunties and uncles. I went to a BBC Asian network charity football event and the amount of old people taking pictures of me. I don’t know if they were like: ‘all the kids are doing it, so lets look cool’!

Have you always wanted to be a comedian?

Yeah definitely. I would do anything for a laugh when I was younger. Don’t want to get into details but… I was such an attention seeker. Always been naughty kid in the family, Chatting too much tutti.

When I was doing GCSE’s I was genuinely dumb. I couldn’t do anything right, one thing I could do is make my friends laugh so I decided to use it as a career.

I don’t see myself doing anything else now. From a little kid, you’re like: I want be a policeman or a fireman or a rocket scientist but from day one I wanted to be an actor.

Unfortunately there are a lot of similarities between me and Badman. Certain things are over exaggerated though.

You’re going to be taking your act Nationwide, with tours across the country, tell me what the motivation was behind this?

Money Init. Cars or something. Might get my mum a new kitchen so she can make less daal.

No, seriously,  I’ve been asked to do this tour for a long time but I’ve been reluctant but its a great way to give back to the fans. But the buzz you get from it will be completely different to just sitting in my room making a video.

Follow me on Twitter: omar_shahid

The Tube Journey and Life Metaphor

During rush hour, it is often the strongest or the most determined that guarantee themselves a place on the tube: sometimes people will push and shove their way on to the carriage. Others, however, are left behind and have to wait for the next tube to arrive. When on the tube, some will rush to an empty seat in an attempt to get there before others – somewhat reminiscent of the battle of the fittest idea. It seems that we have a kind of instinctual inclination to do what serves our personal and temporary interests at the expense of others. But, then again, many will get up from their seat when an old lady or a pregnant woman steps foot inside the carriage. Others ask fellow passengers whether they would like to sit down first – even if they are around the same age as them.

The tube will stop every other minute; people will leave and new people will come on – reminiscent of the fact that people will always leave your life while new people will come into your life. Some people will be on the tube for only one or two stops while others will remain on the tube for a long time – just like some people will be on this earth for a very brief moment while others will be here for a longer time. Both, however, will depart from this earth sooner or later.

The people on the tube are dependant on the driver who is in control; he starts and stops the tube every now and then. We often forget the driver is there but his or her role is essential for us to arrive at our destination. However, the driver has no bearing on our conversations, moods or what we do on the tube. This is similar to the relationship believers have with their Lord who is believed to be in complete control but His Omnipotence does not affect His creations free will. Furthermore, we often forget He is there but we are still heavily reliant on Him.

In the morning and in the evening, the tube often becomes packed; there is little space to move – you’re often squashed and uncomfortable. But this is only for a short period of time until the majority of people get off or a seat becomes available. However, during the afternoon, the tube is empty, one sits comfortably and can think, contemplate and day dream whilst gazing out of the carriage window. In life, the inevitable vicissitudes we’re confronted with will mean that we are bound to face hardship. But in between the moments of hardship are periods of ease. And, most importantly, we realise that no hardship lasts forever.

This extended metaphor may seem hyperbolic to some, but there is some truth to be delineated from it.

Omar Shahid

Twitter: omar_shahid

Understanding the Muslim festival of Eid-Al-Adha

Millions of Muslims in this country will be celebrating the festival of Eid-Al-Adha today, but what is its significance? And what can Muslims and non-Muslims learn from this special day?

The Quran expounds the story of Prophet Abraham who was told in a dream to sacrifice his one and only beloved son, Ismaeel. After much confusion, doubts and inner disquiet, Abraham decided to surrender to the call – which he knew was from his Lord. But those who are familiar with the Biblical and Quranic story will know that God was not interested in the sacrifice: He wanted to test Abraham and provide humanity with an invaluable lesson.

The Quran differs from the Biblical narrative in that Abraham first told his son that he was going to sacrifice him. However, what is fascinating is Ismaeel’s response, the young boy said: “Oh my father! Do as you have been commanded. You will find me, God willing, amongst the patient and steadfast.” This highlights that both Abraham and Ismaeel were in complete submission to the Divine.

However, God is not a Shylock. Upon raising the knife to sacrifice his son, God made the knife blunt, Abraham received a lamb instead and the test was complete. Abraham, according to Muslims, is our exemplar and the spiritual father of the three monotheistic religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam. All the prophets of Islam: Adam, Noah, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad et al, where all given great tests, but the test given to Abraham is unparalleled. Tests are an inevitable part of life, whether it be the death of a loved one, the loss of wealth or being betrayed by someone you trusted – we all go through hardships. But every test and vicissitude can be seen through, and often, the outcome benefits us. “Verily God is with those who are patient”- as the saying goes

Eid-Al-Adha also commences the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca by Muslims who are financially, physically and mentally able to do so. Hajj is the single biggest human gathering in the world, it is believed that more than 3 million Muslims gather together in Mecca in unity. The pilgrimage, which Malcolm X famously went on, is unlike any other human event.

Malcolm X said: “During the past eleven days here in the Muslim world, I have eaten from the same plate, drunk from the same glass, and slept on the same rug – while praying to the same God – with fellow Muslims, whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin was the whitest of white. And in the words and in the deeds of the white Muslims, I felt the same sincerity that I felt among the black African Muslims of Nigeria, Sudan and Ghana.”

And:

“Never have I witnessed such sincere hospitality and overwhelming spirit of true brotherhood as is practiced by people of all colors and races here in this ancient Holy Land, the home of Abraham, Muhammad and all the other Prophets of the Holy Scriptures.

Islam is thus the continuation of the messages brought by Moses and Jesus and all the other prophets of God. It is not merely a religion but more a way of life; practising the faith in a purely perfunctory manner misses the point and understanding the profoundly nuanced traditions within the faith is essential.

Eid Mubarak!