Attracted to hip-hop since the age of 10, the New Jersey native equates hip-hop to jazz. "I use words like an instrument," Hasan explains. "There's a build up in emotion and a climax you can feel." Smashing stereotypes and mediocre emcees, he delivers socially aware raps with an undeniable, bassy voice with grit. With his first independent release, Paradise Lost, Hasan asserts his message is one of total freedom despite hardship. How so?
"I prefer not to deal with labels because then you put yourself in a box, dictating what people expect to hear," says 24 year-old Hasan. With versatility and consistency, he speaks in a way all walks of life can appreciate, addressing issues and emotions many emcees are scared to touch or can't articulate. Using music as a platform for positive social change, he has also performed all over the East Coast including nationally aired performances on NBC's "Showtime at the Apollo", FUSE TV's "Digital Downloads", MUN2 TV's "The Roof", Music Plus TV, and at the Anti-War Rally March on C-SPAN. Gaining exposure in the underground, Hasan eventually edged forward opening performances for the legendary Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaata, Curtis Blow, Wyclef, Naughty by Nature, Busta Rhymes, Black Moon, Floetry, Common, and dead prez. But don't call him a conscious rapper.
"My music is my therapy that allows me to confront various issues in life, oppression, relationships, and certain trials and tribulations I've experienced that I want to share with the world," Hasan says. "Not because I'm perfect but because I'm human." On conceptually driven tracks like "Fountain of Youth," Hasan displays his knack for storytelling while delving into societal issues. And on "Diaspora" and "Boom Bap" he etches his name and his purpose into the minds of his listeners with candid lyricism and insight.
Current production credits include tracks by DJ Static of Stronghold, Rugged- N-Raw, Mike Marvel, & Shy Money from the Dream Team (known for their work with Nas, LL Cool J, and AZ) and a slew of new talented producers. But since taking first place at the 2003 Battle Dome Championships for beat making skills, Hasan intends to develop his craft. Currently on a promotional tour, he continues to sell thousands of his underground mixtape at various venues and online. His next phase promises to be just as rebellious but refined exploring his issues as a bi-racial child with his parents and the world. Already working on the follow up to Paradise Lost, Hasan's views are forward thinking and ever evolving. For sure, Hasan is an emcee people will remember as one who worked hard to elevate the minds of the youth.
Musical Chairs
Hasan Salaam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How many... in the window...
As a kid I was raised on the sounds of motel
... like the B boys broke down
... in the depths of despair
No matter how bad, the music gets there
... the Congo square, and I fell...
Same spirituals on the plantation for salvation
I so scared, just know the last
And if it wasn't for the music, I'd be better...
Chorus:
Uh, it lifts me up, and calms me down
When I'm lost, is through the sound
I find my inner right for music
Music is my life!
The vibe that I'm giving you, been the same since...
No... hairbrush, microphone and a bull box
... from the bricks to the bulldogs,
Hip hop got the baseball opened up, higher than blue...
Get... like... on the block...
Air guitars turn us all in superstars
Hit a song, sing along, no matter who you are!
Chorus:
It lifts me up, and calms me down
When I'm lost, is through the sound
I find my inner right for music
Music is my life!
This is for the godfather, the...
... I got your fire...
A bigger part, still rock to the music...
... no bullet can take music away!
Burn in Hollywood...
Damn it, fuck the police...
... and if I lost freedom,
God found it in the rhythm!
Listen to the pain...
I all God, and the...
... the angels existed
Jimmy Hendrix, purple haze...
... for the voiceless, just gotta say
This keeps celebrating...
Chorus:
It lifts me up, and calms me down
When I'm lost, is through the sound
I find my inner right for music
Music is my life!
The lyrics of Hasan Salaam's song "Musical Chairs" are a powerful statement about the role of music in people's lives. The first verse talks about the power of music to bring people together and lift them up, even in the darkest of times. The line "No matter how bad, the music gets there" speaks to the idea that music is always present, even when things are at their worst.
The second verse is a personal reflection on the role of music in the artist's own life. He talks about how he was introduced to music as a child and how it has been an important part of his life ever since. He also touches on the idea of music being a universal language that can bring together people from different backgrounds and experiences.
The chorus repeats the idea that music has the power to uplift and soothe the soul. The lines "It lifts me up, and calms me down/When I'm lost, is through the sound/I find my inner right for music/Music is my life!" are a powerful statement of the importance of music in the artist's life and the lives of many others.
Overall, the lyrics of "Musical Chairs" are a celebration of the power of music to bring people together and heal the soul.
Line by Line Meaning
The melody is in harmony, stick to your real life
Stay true to yourself and don't get caught up in distractions
How many... in the window...
The artist reflects on his childhood memories
As a kid I was raised on the sounds of motel
The artist was exposed to a variety of music genres growing up
... like the B boys broke down
The artist feels a connection to hip hop culture
... in the depths of despair
Despite hardships, music provides a source of comfort for the artist
No matter how bad, the music gets there
Music is always there for the artist, even in tough times
... the Congo square, and I fell...
The artist reflects on the history of music and its roots in African American culture
Same spirituals on the plantation for salvation
Music has been used by oppressed groups for healing and resilience throughout history
From blue Shamans, the DJs and...
Music has been used by various cultural groups as a form of expression
I so scared, just know the last
Music provides a sense of security and comfort to the artist
And if it wasn't for the music, I'd be better...
The artist relies on music to cope with struggles and wouldn't be who they are without it
Uh, it lifts me up, and calms me down
Music has a powerful effect on the artist's emotions
When I'm lost, is through the sound
Music serves as a form of guidance for the artist
I find my inner right for music
Music helps the artist find their inner peace and purpose
Music is my life!
Music plays a central role in the artist's existence
The vibe that I'm giving you, been the same since...
The artist's style and message has remained consistent over time
No... hairbrush, microphone and a bull box
The artist remembers using makeshift objects to create music as a child
... from the bricks to the bulldogs,
Music transcends social barriers and reaches all communities
Hip hop got the baseball opened up, higher than blue...
Music serves as a means of breaking down societal barriers and facilitating diversity
Get... like... on the block...
Music can bring people together and create a sense of community
Air guitars turn us all in superstars
Music allows anyone to feel like a celebrity and express themselves regardless of talent level
Hit a song, sing along, no matter who you are!
Music is universal and unites all people
This is for the godfather, the...
The artist gives a shoutout to those who paved the way for music
... I got your fire...
The artist feels inspired by those who came before him
A bigger part, still rock to the music...
The artist recognizes their place in music history and will continue to create regardless of external circumstances
... no bullet can take music away!
Music is a powerful force that can never truly be destroyed
Burn in Hollywood...
The artist remembers musicians and artists who have been unfairly treated or marginalized by the industry
Damn it, fuck the police...
The artist expresses frustration with societal injustice and discrimination faced by minority groups
... and if I lost freedom,
The artist acknowledges the potential consequences that come with speaking out
God found it in the rhythm!
Despite adversity, music can provide a sense of hope and meaning
Listen to the pain...
Music can be a form of communication and advocacy for marginalized communities
I all God, and the...
The artist sees a spiritual component to music and recognizes its divine influence
... the angels existed
Music serves as a form of inspiration and a catalyst for social change
Jimmy Hendrix, purple haze...
The artist gives a nod to a legendary musician who revolutionized music
... for the voiceless, just gotta say
Music can be a means of amplifying the voices of those who are ignored or silenced
This keeps celebrating...
The artist recognizes the importance of continuing to celebrate and uplift music
Music is my life!
Music plays a central role in the artist's existence
Contributed by Andrew B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Charles Salerno
You sound like Pharaoh Monch great lyrics love the inspiration
Shay J
Was an honor to be a part of this video. Thanks to Raj & Hasan for revealing the realness of my love with Kalil. Thank you for everything Hasan, much love always brother.
stokelycalm
this is probably the MOST PASSIONATE AND EMOTIONAL SONG of 2011!!! much respect to hasan salaam..and the deep references he uses in this track!
Gogimegi
great music! I love being apart of something big...just downloaded your song off of itunes!!
crazyalcayne
Really dope song and video!
TheBeatboxqueen
Love it!!
Mateo AndOne
Congrats ...Great Project !!!
KupiArt Design
Baron! Thanks for rocking my red "Bombs" shirt design in the video!
visionprism
awesome song!! his writing is as messy as mine lol!
D123Roger
Dope song and video....and vry dope project to build a school. This project def deserves support!