The deejaying of Ali Shaheed Muhammad

Copyright Ann Timmermans
Copyright Ann Timmermans

Brooklyn MC, DJ and producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad (1970)began focusing on turntablism at an early age. He was asked to produce music for Eric Bennet, D’Angelo, KRS-One, Angie Stone and Mos Def and co-formed The Ummah with Q-Tip and Jay Dilla.

From 1990 to 1998 Muhammad recorded five classic hip hop albums with high school friends Q -tip and Phife Dawg. A Tribe Called Quest remains the ultimate musical initiation point for anyone wanting to explore the meaning of genuine hip hop. The combination of their intelligent rhymes, infectious melodies and the use of jazz and funk samples results in an unforgettable, warm sound which is still up to date. 

Muhammad, Dawn Robinson and Raphael Saadiq recorded a Lucy Pearl album in 2000. 
Muhammad states the formation of The Ummah, ATCQ and Lucy Pearl was only possible because their members were close friends. With music bonding them, their friendship's chemistry constructed a playground in which expressive, sincere and innovative music was created.

In 2004 the time was ripe for Shaheed's debut album Shaheedullah And Stereotypes, followed by Untitled New Studio Album in 2011.

Muhammad is still spinning his records to get people dancing. His London Jazz Cafe gig was a delight thanks to his excellent choice of music. This Native Tongue pioneer keeps it real and his favorites can soon be enjoyed live in Brooklyn and San Francisco .

http://alishaheed.com

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