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MUSAB BIO:
Musab has a way of telling tragedy without bloodshed, guns or drugs - his lyrics somehow are more thrilling and dramatic than these typical gangster rap
subjects. His songs tell another side to the American ghetto, that of the black
American pimp. A modern day, real life pimp, he puts his own twist on the pimp
game and translates it into the rap game. Often glamorized in pop culture and
rap music videos as a plush lifestyle, Sab will be the first to say that's a big
misconception. "On the other side of the flash and front, it's a very dirty game
and strenuous lifestyle that one must have grit and stomach to endure," he says.
Sab (a.k.a. Minnesota Slicks) is a "pimp by blood"
as they say. He was born to a fifteen-year-old mother during the seventies
"Superfly Era," in Minneapolis, MN, fatherless and raised alone by a teen
mother. He saw and experienced many things most children don't, and was
introduced to "the oldest profession" by family and friends living the
lifestyle. In turn, he became street crafty at a young age. Strapped with a
genius IQ level, Sab had the mind and remarkable wit to hurdle the many
obstacles put in his way throughout his life and career. Living by one of his
favorite sayings, "Don't work harder, work smarter," Sab has built one of the
most profound stories in hip-hop culture, earning his peers’ respect through his
hard grind and sharp decision-making.
From the first time he heard "Rappers Delight" at one of his mother's house
parties, he was obsessed with rap. He penned his first rap in the third grade
and continued to write as a hobby until the age of eighteen. After losing his
cousin to murder in the apartment they shared, Sab realized he was in the street
game too deep and had to turn to a new direction before it was too late. So, he
began taking rap seriously. He teamed up with Ant
(Atmosphere) and started to write and record songs nonstop as he tried to
flee life on the streets. He was asked to become a member of local rap
collective The Headshots in 1993. The Headshots went on to record classic
mixtapes out of the basement of producer Ant. These mixtapes would go on to
spawn one of the most fruitful hip-hop scenes in the country... right in snowy
Minnesota.
Between the recordings of The Headshots mixtapes, Sab recorded his own album
under the name Beyond in 1996. The album was titled Comparison and was the first
release of indie hip-hop label giant, Rhymesayers Entertainment. It was an
instant regional classic and greatly influenced the Minnesota Hip-Hop sound.
Musab guest appeared on Atmosphere's classic first release, Overcast (1998),
then teamed up with Atmosphere, I Self Divine of Micronauts, Gene Poole of Full
Circle, and producer Ant of Atmosphere to form the super-group The Dynospectrum.
They recorded a self-titled album, which became another critically acclaimed
instant classic.
While trying to provide for his three children, he still managed to release
The Be Sides on cassette in 1999. However, his focus on music was in-and-out due
to financial stress. This was a major transition period for Sab as an artist. He
decided to drop his recognized emcee name of Beyond in favor of his own name,
Musab, because he wanted to express truth in all platforms of his art.
Redeveloping his sound and songwriting, he recorded and released the maxi-single
"Actin' Rich" in 2000. It garnered mixed reaction amongst underground rap fans
that were unsure of Musab's new direction. This is when the "pimp" started to
speak louder than the "MC," as heard in songs like, "Guard Your Harem," and
"Where My Mama Chill." He knew this sound and direction might draw controversy
amongst underground rap fans for his provocative pimp slur. However, he felt he
was telling a story that needed to be told - his own. For as much music as he
was recording, there was still a side of him not being revealed in his music. He
decided to let the pimp's voice be heard on his next album, Respect the Life in
2002. With production from Jake One, Vitamin D, Brother Ali and Ant, he recorded
a candid and vivid musical biography. Respect the Life introduced the world to
Minnesota Slicks, the Southside mack.
A single was never released from the album and many feel it wasn't well
promoted. Creative differences arose between Musab and Rhymesayers
Entertainment, but Sab didn't fold. He polished his game and brought Minnesota
Slicks to the forefront of his career in undeniable fashion. With a loyal fan
base awaiting his next release, he stayed true to his indie roots and in 2007
joined forces with Oakland based rap pioneers, The Hieroglyphics. After eleven years in the rap game, his
steadfast hustle has brought Sab to the front of the line. Musab's next
groundbreaking album entitled Slick's Box, is set
for release in July, 2007. With a lot of life lived and a lot of pimpin' done
between albums, Slick’s Box, will surely add to the legacy of this colorful
hip-hop pioneer.
Halo's interview with Musab!
5.7.08 The Social Hour 1
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