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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.

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Hasan Salaam 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


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Interviews

Meet Singer TruSoul Davis

As an up & coming artist hailing from Cleveland, Ohio’s Morris Black housing projects, TruSoul Davis is adamant to keep love in music.

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TruSoul Davis
TruSoul Davis

As an up & coming singer hailing from Cleveland, Ohio’s Morris Black housing projects, TruSoul Davis discovered his affinity for music at a young age, singing in local choirs in his youth.

TruSoul Davis discovers his voice

In his later years, he began to take music more seriously, honing in on his gifts and finding his voice. TruSoul Davis went on to release multiple singles leading up to his first major release “The Tru Experience” to widespread local & international (UK) acclaim.

After a short promotional tour that included various radio station visits & shows such as “The FreeThinkers Tour”, “Indie Acoustic Soul Live” & “Song Wars 5” to name a few, TruSoul looks to make an impact in the R&B scene by “Bringing real R&B back”, as he says.

Unheard Voices had a chance to ask TruSoul Davis some questions on his journey.

Get to know the soul singer below and see why he’s Unheard Voices featured artist of the month.

Unheard Voices: When did you fall in love with music?
TruSoul Davis: At a very young age, probably about 5 years old. I can remember back when my mother used to bring home records from her job at the local record shop and let me just “dive” deep into her collection from artists like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, etc.

Unheard Voices: How would you describe your style of music?
TruSoul Davis: Simply a touch of 90’s RnB with today’s twist.

Unheard Voices: What is the meaning behind your name?
TruSoul Davis: My name came from me and a friend of mine listening to music. I started to sing the song we were listening to with a lil bit more sauce then my friend was like ” man you sang that with some true soul ” so I just dropped the “e” and put it together.

Unheard Voices: What does your work aim to say?
Trusoul Davis: With my music, I sing songs to the hearts of women and the minds of men showing the up’s and downs of love and life, good and bad, and just trying to keep ” love” in music because we need it.

Unheard Voices: What or who have the greatest musical influences on you and your music?
TruSoul Davis: There are just too many to name. I can name a few to keep it brief; artists like Luther Vandross, Donny Hathaway, Johnny Gill, Dave Hollister, Michael Jackson just to name some ALL PLAY A GREAT PART IN MY MUSIC.

Unheard Voices: What has been the biggest challenge you have encountered during your journey with music?
TruSoul Davis: The biggest challenge I have encountered is being my own worst critic, and just trusting the process.

Unheard Voices: Where do you see yourself musically in five years?
TruSoul Davis: I can’t say but what I will say is “where ever hard work and consistency gets me”

Unheard Voices: What is next in the works for TruSoul Davis?
TruSoul Davis: Dropping a video to my latest single “Wildflower” ft my homie Big Trip. Shout out my shooter Logan Kyngston also some big shows coming this summer.

Unheard Voices: What do you like to do in your free time (outside of music)?
TruSoul Davis: Outside of music I love spending time with loved ones, working out, and doing something proactive for those around me friends and strangers alike.

Unheard Voices: In closing, I would like for you to leave the Unheard Voices readers words of encouragement and inspiration, especially for those pursuing a career in music and entertainment.
TruSoul Davis: Some words of encouragement for those grinding just like me “keep ya head down stay focused stay sharp rock with the people that rock with you just like that and TRUST THE PROCESS stay consistent and results will come”.

Check out him on Reverbnation.


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Interviews

Missin Peace holds police accountable with national misconduct database

Missin Peace is the only national police misconduct database that collects formal civilian complaints against law enforcement.

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Missin Peace national police misconduct database
Envato Elements

Missin Peace is on a mission to connect the dots when it comes to police misconduct.

For decades, many Americans have suffered various forms of brutality and injustice at the hands of “bad” law enforcement officers.

With the upsurge of cell phone cameras, citizens are finally able to document their interaction with police. The unfortunate murders of
Daunte Wright, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and many others have galvanized the masses to demand justice.

Police officers are intended to be public servants, but what happens when the officer is accused of misconduct?

Sometimes, a civilian puts in a complaint in a step towards holding the officer accountable. But only a small percent of complaints result in the officer being disciplined —partly because the accusations are hidden.

Records of misconduct are filed away and rarely seen outside of their department.

Investigators can’t take action against corrupt officers if they are missing the pieces of the puzzle regarding stories of misconduct.

That’s where Missin Peace comes in.

How Missin Peace works

Missin Peace is a national police misconduct database that collects formal civilian complaints against law enforcement.

Missin Peace organization

 

Released in 2017, the registry offers two type of accounts.

One, it enables civilians to put the formal complaints they filed against the officer on record. Civilians are able to submit the official civilian complaint along with pictures, videos, and other accompanying documentation.

Two, the database also serves as a portal for investigative journalists, hiring managers, and civil rights attorneys to conduct research. For this type of account, users must contact Missin Peace to be granted access.

Currently, Missin Peace is the only national police misconduct database that allows citizens to follow and find any police officer’s history of complaints. The organization’s goal is to increase awareness on the database to be used as a tool for police accountability.

Check out Unheard Voices interview with Missin Peace founders:

For civilians who file their complaints on the database, personal information is stripped from the complaint, assuring complete anonymity.

The intent is to put on record police misconduct without fear of retaliation.

Traditionally, corrupt law enforcement officers have been allowed to transfer from one department to another and avoid the repercussions of their actions. To circumvent the recycling of corrupt cops, the American public and politicians finally understand the need for a centralized database of citizen complaints.

Missin Peace is here to fill in that void.

How to submit your complaint(s) in the database

If you have filed a complaint against a law enforcement officer, Missin Peace encourages you to put your complaint in the database to fill in the missing pieces. It doesn’t matter how old the complaint is, as long as it’s official.

To visit Missin Peace, check out their website and spread the word with your loved ones.


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Interviews

Rapper Chad Watson Is Poised To Become LA’s Next Rising Star

Chad Watson is a lyricist, songwriter, producer, and classically trained pianist based out of the Los Angeles area.

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Rapper Chad Watson
Chad Watson

Chad Watson is a rapper, songwriter, producer, and classically trained pianist based out of the Los Angeles area.

Who is rapper Chad Watson?

His roots began in the church at a young age where his love for music manifested. But it was only a few years ago that he started taking music seriously and he’s never looked back since.

His deep appreciation of acts like Andre 3000, transcends into his own style. He is the quinessential artist that is poised to become one of the biggest acts in the country and he’s well on his way.

With his growing buzz, he has appeared on various media platforms and now Unheard Voices.

We had the chance to chat with Chad Watson, asking the music artist questions on his journey.

Check it out below and click here to listen to his music on YouTube.

Interview


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