RE-VOLT MAGAZINE ISSUE 14 | Jan/Feb 2015

ISSUE 14 • JAN/FEB ’15

YOUR MONTHLY DOSE OF REAL HIP HOP & ARAB CULTURE

re-volt magazine is a new platform under the same roof as re-volt blog, which initially started as a space where views on mainstream music can be openly discussed, where the music industry is put on the stand and criticized, and lastly, where underground, talented unrepresented artists are given a chance to stand out.

Our main focus is to expose hip hop as a positive genre and detach it from the corrupted mainstream hip hop.

Starting up an online magazine will benefit this message, as re-volt magazine will reach more readers worldwide and will enlighten people on the power of the word and the role of hip hop in the Arab region.

Aside from the well-known elements of hip hop - which are MC, BBoy, Beatbox, Graffiti, DJ and Knowledge re-volt magazine also focuses a great deal on any other forms of expression/art that concretize the richness of our Arab culture.

The list includes films, documentaries, initiatives, events, companies, charity organization, etc...

A mic, a choreography, a vocal percussion, spraypaint, a vinyl record, a book or a film...

We choose all the above.

The power of the word to inform, to represent and to stay real!

EDITOR HASSANE DENNAOUI ASSOCIATE EDITOR | GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hanane FATHALLAH CONTRIBUTORS If you’re interested to write for re-volt magazine, email us revoltmag1@gmail.com

CONTENTS REVOLT/REPORT MEETING OF STYLES (Jeddah, KSA) MALJA | A creative hub in Bahrain THE BEAT VI FEATURE CORMEGA | Crash Course on Faith, Positivity & HipHop BU KHOLTHOUM | Presenter/Producer at AJ Plus Q&A | ABDULHAKEEM JOMAH Q&A | LOWKEY // A virtuous flow SPOT.F.Y.I LAMA KHATIB DANIEL CORINNE MARTIN MONA KURDI CARTOONS KHARTOON! (4) JABERTOON | ISLAM ON THE GO Q&A | AHMED SOULTAN Q&A | VINNIE PAZ Q&A | SOLAFA YAHYA

Cover Artwork GRENDIZER Graffiti by ASHEKMAN Photo taken by Hassane DENNAOUI Al-Balad, Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) [FOLLOW ASHEKMAN] https://www.facebook.com/ASHEKMAN Twitter @ASHEKMAN Instagram @ASHEKMAN

ISSUE 14 • JAN/FEB ’15

YOUR MONTHLY DOSE OF REAL HIP HOP & ARAB CULTURE

Almost a year and a half and still going...

FEATURE | CORMEGA

[FOLLOW CORMEGA] https://twitter.com/realcormega

Crash Course on Faith, Positivity, and Hip Hop

Your dedication, your passion towards the Hip-Hop culture is admirable. What inspires you to keep going & promote positive thoughts?

Being Muslim has inspired me to think of positive ways to express my music and show the world the positive influence of Islam.

What are your thoughts on the current state of Hip-Hop? The current state of hip hop is interesting because the veterans are returning and trying to restore what made the culture great.

I host Saudi’s first FM Hip-Hop radio show and I keep playing “The Industry”. That track has inspired me personally and I remember when I first listened to it, I felt my brain cells elevated.

Tell us about the process of writing such a powerful track?

Industry was written with the pen of frustration and the ink of truth I was tired of hip hop being exploited and disregarded by people with no love for the music Can you make true, authentic records & still be mainstream ?

If major artist do it and succeed then it can become normal.

Would you collaborate with a Hip-Hop Artist from the Middle East?

I would love to collaborate with an artist from the Middle East especially if I get to come there.

Do you think Radio Play is as important as it was?

Radio is important because it›s an influence on masses but the Internet has caught up and evened the playing field.

Have you ever performed in the Middle East?

If not. would you be down to performing and doing workshops?

I would definitely be down to perform and do work shops.

Who is Cormega listening to now?

Cormega is listening to soul music and my own music that I’m currently writing but I keep up with the vets they inspire me.

Tell Re-Volt Magazine something not a lot of people know about you.

A lot of people don›t know I want to work on radio, A&R artist projects and do books.

REVOLT/REPORT | MEETING OF STYLES (JEDDAH EDITION)

REVOLT/REPORT | MEETING OF STYLES (JEDDAH EDITION)

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has succesfully stepped up its game, its graffiti game to be more exact. This new edition of Meeting of Styles for 2015 started out with our very own Jeddah, Bride of the Red Sea. Colors, styles and skills have expanded to the Orient, where the artists’ sensibility to their Arabian roots blends into their artwork and murals.

Our very own Hassane Dennaoui, a.k.a. Big Hass, was there to support this wave of creative individuals, to document this unique event and finally - what he does best - animate and incite the fire of ingenuity and artistry among the young artists.

16-17 January 2015

Athr Gallery, Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) :: Featured Artists :: F3F NSB CREW, DEYAA DHAD FAMILY, AZ, 3ZS, MAZ, ER, NOOS DHAD FAMILY, KIM, WXM, RAFF DHAD FAMILY, MARYAM, ASHES SWZ CREW, ENZO 594 CREW, OUD OUD (Jeddah) GIO2 594 CREW (Amman) BECS SWZ CREW, ZESC SWZ CREW (Almadinah) BOLO WSS CREW (Mekkah) SENZO, ABID (Morocco) ZEPHA (France) DATER LOVELETTERS CREW (Germany) DEMA, PATIKS, NIKLO, MRDEHO (Portugal) HUVIL (Bahrain) BU 50, KELS 594 CREW, JOEGRAFFITI (Kuwait) MARTE NUCLEAR1 (Italy) DEEV (Amman) WISM (Shaded) M3ALIM (Lebanon)

REVOLT/REPORT | MEETING OF STYLES (JEDDAH EDITION)

REVOLT/REPORT | MEETING OF STYLES (JEDDAH EDITION)

Lama Khatib Daniel Art Page

Warsheh Design Studio Amman, Jordan

REVOLT/REPORT | MALJAA • BAHRAIN

[FOLLOW MALJA] http://malja.redbull.com/ Instagram @MaljaBahrain

REVOLT/REPORT | MALJAA • BAHRAIN

“MALJA””

A creative hub in Bahrain On January 30th, I was really honored to be invited by “Malja” to attend its official opening. Malja is Bahrain’s and the region’s first creative hub where artists can connect, collaborated and just jam. It was refreshing to be in a space where positive minded people are floating all over.

Being an “urban art” supporter in the scene, you can imagine my excitement when I was told that I will be there for an “Exclusive” tour before the official launch of the Malja and it truly didn’t disappoint. The space is perfect for an Art Exhibition, A jam session, an album launch, a workshop or an event. What I personally liked were the stories behind how “Malja” first started as an idea and how it eventually became a reality. I was listening to the people that made this happen and it sparked positive fire in my soul, I was proud YET I wished that we could have a similar spot in Saudi. I was also very happy to see that Malja will be supporting local & regional artists by inviting them to perform which is always a great feature being that we lack these kind of venues in the Middle East!

The launch included a special tour around the hub, a great Dj-ing session by Bahrain’s #1 DJ DJ Outlaw and then the floor was open for artists to start freestyling, we had KSA represented by Klash and Oday from Jeddah Legends who had a great engagement from the crowd and who some flew in just to meet Klash! Also, Bahraini rapper “Flipperachy” grabbed the mic and performed to the crowds chanting!

After a while, the break-dancers came through and took turns in turning our heads to what was a beautiful improvised jam session. All that was accompanied by great Graffiti work that was done outside and around the premises of Malja. Among who was invited were Omani art therapist Gailani and Graffiti artist Monstariam from Kuwait; whom I was honored to meet!

I am personally very proud of this initiative and wish Malja management all the best. Be sure that I will be hosting couple of events there very soon.

Hassane DENNAOUI (Arabnews - February 2015)

ON THE GO | Q&A AHMED SOULTAN

[FOLLOW AHMED SOULTAN] FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/AhmedSoultan2009 Twitter https://twitter.com/SoultanAhmed

‘Afrobian Vibes’ Ahmed SOULTAN

1. What inspired you to become an Artist?

To be honest I never wanted to be an artist. I am not going lie to you and say “yeah i was singing since day one when I was Young blabla...” :) It was a pure accident.

2.Your style is unique and we love it. What are your thoughts on the Music Industry at the moment?

Hey thanks a lot for supporting Afrobian Music!

I’m confident that a lot of people are supporting real music, the industry will follow, it’s just a matter of time.

We need to stick to the plan, hard work and patience :) 3. Where is your dream performing stage?

Man All the Capitals of Africa & Middle East!

That’s my dream, because we are the future.

4. What are you currently working on?

Working on MHNB (Music HAs No Boundaries) It’s my 3rd album, which I started 3 years ago. I still got a lot to do. Artists such as Femi Kuti, George Clinton, Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis, Macy Gray, Akala, Tekitha & RZA are on the project. I hope to release it before Feb 2015 inshallah.

5. Would you collaborate with an Arab Hip-Hop Artist?

Yeah Sure! I got a lot of friends like Arabian Knightz, Daffy, and all the Moroccan/Algérians hip hop acts. It’s just a matter of time, but will do it inshallah.

6. In your opinion. Is Radio Play as important as before?

It’s good to have it, but you can start without it.

7. Tell Re-Volt Magazine something not a lot of people know about you I don’t remember my lyrics on stage lol Interview by Hassane DENNAOUI a.k.a. Big Hass Twitter @BIG_HASS

CARTOONS

New Khartoon!

Sad Khartoon! I’m Just a Muslim From a Muslim #Cartoonist RIP Charbonnier, Wolinski, Cabu and Tignous I wish we could’ve talked our differences out #CharlieHebdo

Discuss this cartoon on Twitter @revolt_magazine #revoltmag_cartoon

CARTOONS

New Khartoon!

The Chase

ON THE GO | Q&A VINNIE PAZ

[FOLLOW VINNIE PAZ] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/vinniepaz

Q&A Vinnie PAZ 1.Your thoughts on Hip-Hop now-a-days?

Well, to be honest, I don’t think much has changed.

There’s GOOD shit, and there’s BAD shit. There was Vanilla Ice, and there was Public Enemy. It’s still the same.

2. Is Radio play as important as before?

Hmm...I never got radio play, outside of college radio... so, FUCK the radio.

3. What’s the importance your faith plays in your career?

Faith? Faith is a belief. What do I believe in? I believe in brothers like YOU. And when I meet brothers like YOU, that solidifies my faith in Allah (swt).

4. What is considered real hip hop to you?

Look, I’m from Philly. I grew up on Cool C. Steady B. Schooly D. that’s what I was raised on. but I wont pretend to be the guy who tells people what “hip-hop” is.

Perception is reality, ya know?

5. What are you currently working on now? It’s a secret 6. Tell Re-Volt Magazine something not a lot of people know about you I’ll tell Re-Volt a few things people don’t know: I’m a mama’s boy. I hang with my mama more than I hang with any of my friends. I listen to TERRIBLE rap music.

Down south trap shit. Most of the time, I’m listening to Norwegian Black Metal.

s p o t f . y . i .

Lama Khatib Daniel

Freelance Artist & Illustrator

[FOLLOW LAMA KHATIB DANIEL] https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lama-Khatib-Daniels-artpage/158303947547621?fref=ts

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ON THE GO | Q&A FILMAKER SOLAFA YAHYA

[FOLLOW SOLAFA YAHYA} Email info@punk-pictures.com Facebook Punk Pictures Instagram @punkpictures @soyahya

Q&A Filmmaker Solafa YAHYA PUNK PICTURES Director |Production Designer 1. What got you into filmmaking? My passion in the fields of creative writing photography led me to filmmaking. After my university studies of graphic design and photography, I progressively became indulged with the notion of transforming ideas and themes into reality. Through this powerful vehicle, I started to sense the beauty and undoubtedly the struggles associated with the translation of personal visions into a production for the viewer to enjoy and hopefully benefit from. This constant challenge is surely what keeps work exciting and ultimately gratifying.

2.You are based in Saudi Arabia, a male-dominated environment. Is that an advantage for what you do?

Despite the differences between the markets here at home and elsewhere, each pose certain advantages and disadvantages. While a female in the field comes with a price tag, it concurrently poses a tasteful uniqueness when success is achieved. The space for women in the business has rapidly expanded throughout the years and certainly, no one is at a noticeable disadvantage.

You work; you achieve; you are a brand.

Excuses are not for anyone today.

3. What are your dreams?

My response would be as vague as the question.

Success as a person, a mother, a family member, a professional, and a servant of God. All that at once.

4. Since we’re Hip-Hop, who are some of your favorite artists coming out of Saudi?

Qusai, Run Junxion, Moh Flow, Qawa3id Ishtibak, Ommat Al Dhad, Erikkk, J-Fam, Ayzee, Majeed Suave, Bugsy, Black Bannerz, Edd Abbas, Sleuther, Slow Moe and Moghazi.

5. Tell us about your experience in directing “Dream” preformed by Anas Arabi featuring Qusai?

Anas Arabi and Qusai gave me the concept of the song ‘Dream - ‫ ’حلم‬and I thought it would be interesting to creative direct the video since I had the freedom to develop the idea, build it, and shoot it. Overall, it was a great shoot with plenty of coffee in the system that helped with the all-nighters.

I feel most proud when I think about all the people I have worked and collaborated with on this project.

‫ﻗﻢ ﺑﺰﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﺣﺪﻯ ﻓﺮﻭﻋﻨﺎ ﻟﻠﺘﻌﺮﻑ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻤﺰﻳﺪ ﻋﻦ ﻣﻨﺘﺠﺎﺕ ﺁﺑﻞ ﻭ ﺍﻛﺴﺴﻮﺍﺭﺍﺗﻬﺎ‬ ‫ﺃﻭ ﺯﻭﺭﻭﺍ ﻣﻮﻗﻌﻨﺎ ﺍﻻﻛﺘﺮﻭﻧﻲ ﻣﻦ ﺍﺟﻞ ﺍﻟﻤﺰﻳﺪ‬

Visit our store to learn more about our Apple products and Accessories Or visit our website for more.

www.izone-stores.com i.zone www.izone-stores.com TM and © 2013 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

[FOLLOW OMAR ABDULHADI] Instagram @OMARALABDULHADI

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Omar Abdulhadi Digital Artist

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CARTOONS

New Khartoon!

New Khartoon! Recruitment ... #CharlieHebdo New Cover #Paris

Discuss this cartoon on Twitter @revolt_magazine #revoltmag_cartoon

CARTOONS

New Khartoon!

Happy #Valentine’s Day ... #Iraq #Syria #ISIS #IS

FEATURE | BU KOLTHOUM

[FOLLOW BU KOLTHOUM] Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/bu-kolthoum Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bukolthoum Youtube http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2qHjf24tf7TMhwXqI0LkFg Twitter https://twitter.com/Bu_Kolthoum

Q&A HipHop Artist

Bu Kolthoum ‫بو كلثوم‬

FEATURE | BU KOLTHOUM

1. Did you choose Hip-Hop or did it choose you ?

I believe that, generally, in life everything happens for a reason, everything is meant to be, and from the way I see it logically it goes both ways. It’s a real relationship between me and Hip Hop, and music in general since I was 11 years old and it kept going to the point where it became subconsciously a part of me.

2. Tell us about your stage name “Bu Kolthoum” ?

As it seems it came from Um Kolthoum the legend!

But it’s a combination between her and Amr Bin Kolthoum, the Arab legendary fighter poet we used to learn about since we where kids in school back in Syria.

3.You’re a lyrical beast.

What inspires you to write at such level?

Well thank you for the compliment! And I guess it’s a full package of things: what comes first in the list is anger.

I spent the last phase of my life on anger management pills but nothing worked with me as Hip Hop, and if I tell you the “It’s a way to express myself” cliché expression I might not be giving Hip Hop much credit because it’s true that it is a way to express but on another level; on a personal level that, when I write a verse I really mean what I wrote from the bottom of my heart, mind and soul. That’s why it actually takes a lot of energy and time to process a right mental state to write and open my mind’s door for listeners and invite them to a couple of minutes journey, and that’s why I sometimes make 2nd and 3rd versions of some tracks I make to update the listeners who know exactly where I am in my journey right now.

4.You are currently based in Lebanon, releasing, recording tracks from there and dedicating every verse to your home country #Syria.

In your opinion, how do you think musicians/music can elevate and change perceptions?

Well no I am not ! Lol I am based in Amman for almost two years now and I am now working with Immortal Entertainment on a couple of projects: one of them is my upcoming album and it’s been an honor to be a part of their family now. And to answer your question, well, musicians can’t elevate and make a change on there own

It’s a full package but we can be a part of the big change movement by being honest in expressing our opinion(s) and towards the listeners, about a certain issues not because that’s what’s cool these days to talk about and to overuse and that’s the main reason I wrote the 1st verse of Owm Wselna track 5. If you had a microphone and it broadcasted to all Syria, what would you say?

“It’s a civil war, quit the fancy names!”

6.Your thoughts on the Arabic Hip-Hop now-a-days?

It had some ups and downs and over using and what I like to call concept spamming but I can tell you now that it is heading up for it’s biggest highlight since it started as you can see in the region, the evolution and the new level of lyrics and production and albums coming out all over the place! Yes it’s heading up sir!

7. Do you think that Radio Play is as important as before?

To us? Nope! I think it can’t be anymore because of the gap between how it was and how it is right now and the contrast between what we produce and what they put on air now-a-days; plus we should put technology and social media in consideration and the ability to choose what you want to listen to and what to broadcast and how to do so as a musician.

s p o t f . y . i .

[FOLLOW CORINNE MARTIN] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/corinnemartinart Twitter @CorineMartinArt http://www.corinnemartin.com http://blog.corinnemartin.com/ http://shop.corinnemartin.com/ http://work.corinnemartin.com/

Corinne Martin Contemporary Middle Eastern Art & Culture

“Where is our Grendizer” (2013) “Acrylic on Canvas | 130 cm x 130 cm

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“PowerPuff Girls Diptych” Acrylic on Canvas | 90 cm x 150 cm + iPhone Cover Design

“3oshki” ‫( عشقي‬My Love) 120cm x 140cm

Mr. Pringles Red Acrylic on Canvas | 130 cm x 130 cm

REVOLT/REPORT | THE BEAT VI

[FOLLOW THE BEAT] Twitter | Instagram #THE_BEAT_JEDDAH Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/349120411854623/?fref=ts

A pulse in the heart of Jeddah Launched only a year ago by Big Hass, THE BEAT is a series of events aimed to support local and regional talents and musicians in Jeddah.

The BEAT VI took place on October 24th, 2014: the line up was so refreshing and a huge success!

It included intriguing and lively music group FUSION FACTORY, R&B sensation Ayzee, diverse Hip-Hop and R&B group Jeddah Fam, multinational Hip-Hop family Run Junxion, up-&-coming rapper and lyricist Moh Flow, spontenaous Alternative Rock group Disturb the Balance, local Rock group PRIVATE EARTH, surprising hit of the evening Abdulhakeem Jomah and last but not least, a special apparence of two captivating female artists, soulful Lou and jazzy Belle.

DJ OZZY was on the 1’s and 2’s.

Hosted by Big Hass Organized by the Backpackers Sponsored by G-Shock.

CARTOONS

Discuss this cartoon on Twitter @revolt_magazine #revoltmag_cartoon

Jabertoon (Abdullah JABER) Al-Islam ‫اإلسالم‬

REVOLT/REPORT | THE CURIOUS CASE OF LUPE FIASCO

THE CURIOUS CASE OF LUPE FIASCO

by Arielle Newton

When rap mogul Jay Z called Lupe Fiasco “a breath of fresh air,” I couldn’t agree more. The year was 2006 when he released Lupe Fiasco’s Food and Liquor. The transition of hip hop as a lyrical haven to a pop culture fixture, was well underway. Gone were the days when stellar rap music was measured by lyrical content and impassioned delivery. Now, the “best” rap songs were weighted on catchy beats and concise hooks and choruses, so as to be repeated easily. Rap was no longer a labor of love, it was a corporate chop-shop.

Continue reading here [...]

2013 Š re-volt magazine

ALBUM RELEASE | THE ART OF WAR

Maff The Concept - The Art Of War Produced by Maff The Concept [FOLLOW MAFF THE CONCEPT] https://mafftheconcept.bandcamp.com/album/the-art-of-war

[FOLLOW MONA KURDI] Instragram http://instagram.com/monakurdi_art

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Mona Kurdi

Saudi Multimedia Artist

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LOCAL FLAVA’ | ABDULHAKEEM JOMAH

[FOLLOW ABDULHAKEEM JOMAH] https://www.facebook.com/hakeem.jomah/ http://veggiesaurs.blogspot.com/

‫عبد الحكيم جمعة‬

Abdulhakeem Jomah

An actor, a musician and a fitness junkie

LOCAL FLAVA’ | ABDULHAKEEM JOMAH

1. Tell us about Jomah Fitness? When did you launch it?

And how has the feedback been so far?

Jomah Fitness is simply an extension of my love for health, fitness, and wellbeing. Be it to gain weight or lose it, build muscle or tone it, or simply to improve overall quality of life through cardiovascular and core exercises.

All diet and exercise plans are completely tailored to what the client wants for themselves. Irrespective of age, gender, socioeconomic status, the service is FREE and accessible to everyone, health is a basic human right, not a service to be bought. As a practicing healthcare professional, that is my mantra.

(Donations welcome, need to show parents I’m legit) 2.You have your own unique personality.

You have a passion to performing LIVE. What inspires you? And who are your role models?

Unique would be the politically correct way of putting it, certainly, my personality has been called worse! I’ve had the honor of sharing the stage with you, so I’ll put it in a way you can relate to: It all comes down to that first reaction from the crowd, be it a gasp or a laugh.

You just need that first reaction to lose yourself in the performance, there’s nothing like it, it can’t be emulated.

Only the stage can give you that. The inspiration comes from a very deep, very true love for the craft. I’m not a professional performer, I gain no revenue from what I do when I do it. When the motivation is material, the art becomes null and void. And it becomes apparent in ANY craft. (Medicine especially, where patients are just treated like numbers to fill the status quo, the most unskilled doctor can receive the highest praise simply because he TALKS to the patient instead of lobbing investigations at him to make money) 3. What are your thoughts on the Music scene in Jeddah,Saudi?

The music scene in Jeddah is an incredibly young one, ever growing. But like anything that grows rapidly, you’re bound to have the occasional weed. That’s where me and my band comes in, haha. The Gormless Tossers (Also known as Hakeem Jomah and the Tonight Show Band, and formed of myself, the ridiculously talented Maan Balila, and the ridiculously funny Mohammed Fakieh.) are like the antiheroes of the Jeddah music scene. We play for a good time, and it shows. We make mistakes, we capitalize, we banter, we give the crowd an all round show instead of a sole music one. In terms of music, there are people vastly more talented than myself,

I appreciate it where I see it. Jokes aside, however, there are individuals that really bastardize (for lack of a better word) what the art is about and deliver the wrong message.

4.You were the lead role in the “One flew over the cuckoos nest” play that took place in Jeddah, KSA. How did you prepare for such a role? and how was the feedback from the people who attened?

Before I jumped into the shoes of Faris for Cuckoos (and the gargantuan inspiration for the role, Jack Nicholson), I had reached a gym peak in terms of muscle size (ladies).

But it made no sense to me that a mischievous con artist would be that size. I decreased my gym time threefold, went full vegetarian to lose weight for the duration of the rehearsals, and obviously watched the movie and read the play several times to not necessarily MIMIC that character, but to pepper it with a couple of personal touches that would allow me to deliver the fullest extent I could.

The reception was positive (for the most part), I got a lot of feedback concerning my characters ill driven motives and harmful influence. It was then I realized, that to a lot of people, Faris was the antagonist of the play, and a lot of people were on the doctors side. But that’s what’s great about the whole thing, it cuts the crowd right down the middle based on founding belief and overall ideals.

I’m looking forward to taking the stage again (if it would have me), definitely.

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Free Palestine Concert | American University of Beirut - Lebanon | May 2010

LowKey // A virtuous fl FLOW 1_ Tell me the process of releasing “Soundtrack To The Struggle”?

Well, really it just came to the stage where it’s the second album I released; the first album I released was in 2008. But now it is at the stage where I am privileged to have more people listen to my music now more than I did in 2008 and people kept asking for more stuff.

2_ How does Hip Hop help you spread awareness?

Its important to understand that Hip Hop really has the power to speak for people who feel voiceless, to provide a way for the most

downtrodden ignored despised person to speak to the wealthy person and also it has the power to humanize the dehumanized.

We need equality in the world and Hip Hop, as a tool, it can legitimize the illegitimate.

3_ How far are you willing to go with your music and spread the message?

It’s important to understand that we are now at a stage where we don’t have to sign over our masters, our publishers, our mechanizers to these big major labels who monopolize expression. For example, going all the way back to people in the group Public Enemy, there was a man named Professor Griff who spoke of the suffering of the Palestinian people and was FORCED OUT of the group! Reason: The head of Def Jam at the time had certain political interests, which went against the

Palestinian people. I am in a position now where I believe I can be entirely independent, can be successful, can be heard and can live of what I do - being entirely independent and not allowing my voice to be used by somebody else or by people that dont have my best interest at heart 4_ The track “Long Live Palestine” was top at Hip Hop download charts on ITunes up against artists like 50 cent, Eminem, Black Eyed Peas .. Tell us about this track ?

One of the Israeli assault operations left 1,400 dead at the end of 2009.

They used white phosphorus, which is illegal in international law.

During that time, there were alot of demonstrations here in London!

I spoke at one of the demonstrations when originally it was just a poem.

That poem was written out of frustration and something I wanted to say about what was going on.

ALBUM RELEASE | THE JOURNEY AFLAME

AKUA NARU | THE JOURNEY AFLAME

{ALBUM ARTWORK} Akua NARU ... the journey aflame [FOLLOW AKUA NARU] http://akuanaru.bandcamp.com/album/the-journey-aflame