Hasan Salaam giving back through his latest project “Music Is My Weapon”

Hasan Salaam isn’t your average rapper. When rappers talk about flashing money and riding fast cars, Hasan Salaam is trying to change the world through his music.

The New Jersey rapper is known for his activism and community service particularly in Jersey City, where he mentors the youth. However it was a trip and performance in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, where he decided to expand his global presence and his activism hence his latest project, Music is My Weapon. The proceeds of Music is My Weapon will go to the children in West Africa to help build a school. Hasan isn’t just saying it in his music, he is definitely practicing what he preaches.

I was made aware of what Hasan Salaam was doing through an email I received on a series of videos he was posting for his latest project. I was truly inspired.

Unheard Voices had the opportunity to ask Hasan Salaam a few questions regarding his project.

Can you tell UV a little about yourself?
My name is Hasan Salaam a MC, writer, producer, educator and ski ball champion from Dirty Jersey.

You’re different from a lot of artists. You are involved in activism and you are culturally & politically conscious with your music. How do you think your voice has become a positive influence/force in the industry?
Honestly I’m just being myself. i have some good qualities but I’m far from perfect. For me its all about honesty I’m less concerned about the industry than I am about the people. The industry has never really accepted me, I make music for the people. Its all about the folks who have contributed to the It Takes A Village cause from the other artists and volunteers, to the fans I’m playing my part.

How did the project “Music is My Weapon” come about?
Ms. Devon Austin traced her ancestry back to Guinea Bissau and started doing charitable works in and for the country since her discovery. After looking online about different articles related to Bissau she came across one speaking on how I was the 1st American artist to rock over there so she contacted my manager Raj about how we could connect. Raj brought me the idea of donating all the profits from the Music Is My Weapon EP to Djati. The Ep was originally going to be a free download but we decided to donate the album, meaning to say that this will raise funds forever so it show and proves that music can make a difference.

What does “Music is My Weapon” mean?
It means that Music is a powerful tool. So many people speak about our culture and our music for all the negatives but Hip-Hop has added on to so many peoples lives across the world in a positive way, it has inspired, awoken and motivated millions. Music has been a weapon for social change all over the globe and in these times of mass marketing & consumerism some forget that it all starts in the soul. Music is powerful, words are powerful. When used to uplift they are a weapons for freedom, justice and equality.

Can you tell a little about your trip to West Africa and the initiative “It Takes A Village”
Traveling to Senegal & Guinea Bissau was honestly a dream come true. My Mother went to Goree Island when i was a kid and told me that I had to get there to pay respect to the sacrifice and strength of our ancestors who passed through that door of no return, so being there and feeling something overwhelmingly powerful is an experience. I will carry with me till the day I die. Performing in Bissau and the love the people showed over there was amazing, i felt home. Working with the kids out there and connecting them with the youth in Harlem and Queens, honestly was one of the greatest things I’ve ever been a part of. inshAllah I will get back there soon.

I see you work a lot with the youth in Jersey City, NJ. What initiatives and/or programs are you involved with, in helping with the youth?
I have just put together a 16 class creative writing workshop proposal for 9th-12th graders that i will be teaching at the CUDA/NBK Community Center in JC once all the paperwork is done. We also do monthly food & clothing drives every 3rd Sunday of the month on Grant & MLK.

How does it feel to be able to give back to the community?
It feels right. My Mother raised me do for others, using my art to do so is the perfect synergy and i am honored to be a part of this project.

What other endeavors do you have in store? –

I have a new album in the works “Life In Black & White” & working on a lot more music. I also have traveled to different Universities and Colleges giving lectures on the history of Black music and relation to our struggle for civil rights entitled “From The Spirituals To Hip-Hop”.

Check out Hasan on Facebook, Website, or Twitter