Album Notes

Hasan Salaam - "I'm an emotion teller. Even my straight spitting deals with something I'm going through, something that's in the world, or something that someone I know is going through."

At 23 years of age, Hasan Salaam exhibits wisdom and talent far beyond his years. As he started rhyming with older cats from the tender age of 10, Hasan is no New Jack to the world of beats and battles, stories and rhyme tackles. His refined, yet bassed-out gritty voice can be heard on various underground mix tapes, compilations, and radio shows. Smashing stereotypes and mediocre emcees, he displays versatility and consistency. Hasan speaks in a way all walks of life can appreciate, addressing issues and emotions many emcees are scared to touch or can't articulate.

With John Coltrane, Billy Holiday, Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix as his four top musical heavy weight picks, Hasan is as different from other MC's as these four artists are from one another. The New Jersey native equates hip-hop to jazz. "I use words like an instrument," Hasan explains. "There's a build up in emotion and a climax you can feel." Hasan addresses social consciousness, personal struggles and family issues as only a great thinker can.

Using music as a platform for positive social change, he has also performed all over the East Coast including a nationally aired performance on NBC's Showtime at the Apollo, FUSE TV's "Digital Downloads" and C-SPAN at the 2003 Anti-War Rally March in Washington D.C. Hasan eventually edged forward opening performances for the legendary Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaata, Curtis Blow, Wyclef, Naughty by Nature, Busta Rhymes, Black Moon, Floetry, Common, and dead prez.

Current production credits include tracks by DJ Static of Stronghold, Rugged N Raw, Mike Marvel, & Shy-Money from the Dream Team (known for their work with Nas, LL Cool J, and AZ) and a slew of new talented producers. But since taking first place at the 2003 Battle Dome Championships for beat making, Hasan intends to develop his production skills. Already working on the follow up to his debut album "Paradise Lost", Hasan's views are forward thinking and ever evolving. For sure, Hasan has a guaranted banger for everyone.