Hasan Salaam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hasan Salaam
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Salaam performing in 2013
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| Background information | |
| Born | January 12, 1981 |
| Origin | New Jersey, US |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, Songwriter, Hip hop producer |
| Instruments | Rapping, Beatboxing, MPC 2000xl |
| Years active | 2003-Present |
| Associated acts | 5th Column |
Hasan Salaam (born January 12, 1981) is an American rapper from New Jersey. He was born in New York City. His songs often explore topics like African history, culture, and the experiences of people of African descent around the world.
Contents
Early Life and Inspiration
Hasan Salaam began rapping when he was 10 years old. In 1992, he saw a preview for the movie Malcolm X. This movie inspired him to read the Autobiography of Malcolm X, which is a book about the life of Malcolm X. This book had a big impact on him.
Hasan Salaam's Music Career
Hasan Salaam is a talented musician. In 2005, he won two awards at the third Annual Underground Music Awards. He received "Best Live Performance" and "Best Underground Song of the Year" for his song "Blaxploitation." This song was from his first album, Paradise Lost.
Being Part of 5th Column
Hasan Salaam is also a member of a hip hop group called 5th Column. He works with other artists like HiCoup, Rugged N Raw, Impaq, and Badsportt in this group.
Working with Other Artists
In 2006, Hasan Salaam was featured on the album Truthseekers by the UK hip hop group Mecca2Medina. He has also traveled to many different countries to perform his music.
His Album Children of God
Hasan Salaam's third album, Children of God, came out in 2008. This album included guest appearances from well-known rappers like Lord Jamar and Masta Ace. His group, 5th Column, also appeared on the album.
Reviewers said that Children of God was a "well rounded" album. They also noted that Salaam's voice is "trained like an instrument." This means he uses his voice very skillfully. The album was described as being "themed deeply in all religions." One music website, HipHopDX, even called it "the new archetype in what religious-minded rap can be."
Charitable Work Around the World
Hasan Salaam uses his music to help others. He works with charities, non-profit groups, and young people all over the world.
Helping in Guinea-Bissau
In November 2010, Hasan Salaam became the first U.S. hip hop artist to perform in Guinea-Bissau. This country is in West Africa. During this trip, he worked with young artists there. He also taught creative writing classes to young people. He performed a concert to support freedom of speech.
The "Music Is My Weapon" Project
Hasan Salaam started the "Music Is My Weapon" project. This project aims to bring positive change to Guinea-Bissau. It is one of the poorest countries in the world. In December 2011, Hasan Salaam released an album called "Music Is My Weapon." All the money earned from this album was used to build a well, a school, and a clinic in Guinea-Bissau.
Discography
- 5th Column Mixtape Vol.II (2004)
- Paradise Lost (2005) Day by Day Entertainment
- The Reavers Terra Firma (2005)
- Tales of the Lost Tribe: Hidden Jewels (2006)
- Children of God (2008) 5th Column Media
- Mohammad Dangerfield – "Mohammad Dangerfield" (self-titled) (2011)
- "Music Is My Weapon" (2011)
- Life in Black and White (2014)
