The Hip Hop collective group Blak Madeen with Yusuf Abdul-Mateen and Al-J, came together on an exclusive RAPstation.com interview to discuss their careers and their latest project Supreme Aftermath. They talk about their struggles and highlights of being in Hip Hop and insight into their music that tackles issues in today's society. Among many of the issues people face, they discuss the prejudice and hate that come with Islamophobia and use music as a platform to open up about it to “add something positive to the conversation.”
RAPstation (Kianna Woods) Tell me about your journey in the Rap industry.
YUSUF ABDUL-MATEEN: It's been interesting. I first got involved because two of my good friends were DJs. They would make mixtapes, and spin in venues around Boston. I would go with them, just to help out with the equipment, and that's how I first got introduced to the local hip hop scene. It wasn't until around 2005, 2006 that I started taking it more seriously.
AL-J: My journey was simple. I envisioned what I wanted to do, and it's all in the will of God. I just started out recording demos, sharpening my skills, trying to find my niche. I used to listen to Kool DJ Red Alert and Chuck Chillout. Growing up in Bridgeport, CT, I used to watch Jerry Jer's video show. This is what I wanted to do.
When do you believe you guys clicked after meeting?
YUSUF ABDUL-MATEEN: In 2005, a couple of friends of mine had a group that had just started doing live shows. I was featured on a couple of their joints, so I got on stage with them. Al-J happened to be performing on the same bill. He heard the lyrics I was spitting, then I listened to his lyrics during his set. We just clicked then and there. He was probably surprised to hear a white kid spitting about Islam. A couple of years later, we started Blak Madeen. A couple of years after that, we put out our first project Sacred Defense (2009).
AL-J: It was at a spot in Cambridge, Massachusetts called The Western Front. Yusuf bought one of my solo CDs, and we just clicked. Plus, we were already mutual friends with a promoter in Boston, Leedz Edutainment.
Your latest project, Supreme Aftermath, has the message of “Think of yourself,” and "don't let media or politics tell you how to view the world." What do you hope people will gain overall from the music you release like this project?
YUSUF ABDUL-MATEEN: Well, we live in an age of Islamophobia, where open hatred and prejudice is actually accepted in the media and political arena. We're just trying to add something positive to the conversation. I think back to my younger days, and how the words of Divine Styler really opened my eyes and heart to Islam. I'm not a religious scholar or a geopolitical expert. I'm just trying to share information in an artful way. That's hip hop.
AL-J: Just the music. The music is most important. It has to go with the times and speak to the heart. It has to be relevant to everyday life. If you are an artist or group that leaves an impression on people, they will always remember you. We can speak about things on a local or global level. We just make it work.
What have been your struggles in Hip Hop?
YUSUF ABDUL-MATEEN: I think most independent artists experience similar struggles. If you don't have the machine behind you, you feel as if you are missing out on opportunities. Sometimes being labeled as "too religious" or "too political" hasn't helped, either. But if you believe in what you're doing, you just keep going.
AL-J: Just the business. You can be here today, but tomorrow you are not even a memory. So I've always been consistent. The marketing end of it, the digital age, it's always evolving and ever-changing.
On the flip-side, what have been your highlights of being in Hip Hop?
YUSUF ABDUL-MATEEN: There have been a bunch. Being in the studio with good friends, and making a song that comes out close to perfect is the greatest highlight I can think of. Rocking a show, no matter how big or small it is, and connecting with the crowd is always a highlight.
AL-J: We've met a lot of people. Doing collaborations with guys we've listened to like Cormega, Divine Styler, Jeru the Damaja, Sunz of Man, etc., has been a highlight. Being able to stand out in a competitive scene like Boston.
What is your take on conscious Hip Hop, seeing as Blak Madeen’s latest album tackles issues in society?
YUSUF ABDUL-MATEEN: I think more artists are tackling societal issues because this world gets more insane by the day. As long as the artists are sincere in their efforts, I think this is definitely a positive thing.
AL-J: A wise man once said "artists are the gatekeepers of truth", but you have to be careful about labels. Calling someone a "conscious emcee" is sometimes a death trap. You put someone in a category and it can stunt their growth. There is nothing wrong with "conscious music", but being universal is most important.
Any Shoutouts you may have/want to leave?
YUSUF ABDUL-MATEEN: Shout out to Leedz Edutainment in Boston. Peace to all the people who are supporting Supreme Aftermath. Peace to all websites like Rapstation.com that support real hip hop.
AL-J: To all those aspiring artists coming up, just keep it going. Perseverance is key. Shout out to all the DJs and blogs playing our stuff, keeping us alive. Peace to DJ Flatline.
This group is no doubt contributing to Hip Hop culture, so make sure you follow and keep up with them as they are playing no games!
