Saturday, September 26, 2009

Allah's Apprentice- ACT

photography provided by Rahbi Wood (Spelman '09)

So I recently released my first album (Praise God!), and although I have had pretty good success with sales and promotions, I am not convinced that people really comprehend what this project is about (even some of the most faithful supporters). I decided to do a series of posts about the songs and skits to explain my project to those who have it and will buy it in the future. Thank you by the way!






ACT: This is the title track of my debut album "ACT" pronounced "A-C-T". This track embodies the spirit that this album was made out of. It is about moving on your dreams. So often we just TALK about things we want to do and goals we have, but to actually realize our goals and make our dreams reality we have to ACT on them. For a long time, I said that I wanted to make music and produce an album. I would talk about the music on the radio and how I felt that artists should make positive music. I would also talk about how it was possible to have music that was enjoyable, crunk, and appealing with a positive message, but it wasn't until I ACTed on producing this album that I could prove that. This track means alot to me, beacuse by doing it, I am held accountable by a charge to myself to ACT on my dreams and erase my habit of procrastination. It forces me to conquer my fears of both success (which brings more responsibility, expectations, and pressure) and failure (which brings pain, doubt, and ridicule). I hope that it will help others to reach their goals as well.



Don't get it twisted though! This song is not about just jumping out and going for your goals blindly! Notice before the beat drops I say, "Make a plan, and make moves." The plan is very important. You must have direction. Once you have direction and a way of getting there, though, don't let excuses and fear hold you back from achieving your goals. A-C-T!



WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW!!!! Listen to ACT and share somethings that you need to or want to A-C-T on or somethings that you have accomplished by using the principle of A-C-T. Right now my dorm room is a little junky so I need to A-C-T oncleaning it up and after that I need to A-C-T on some homework due next week! Enjoy

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

"Allah's Apprentice" Releases Album



By day, he’s Vinson Muhammad—the guy you see on the yard totting a trumpet as he walks toward Brawley Hall. But by night, he’s Allah’s Apprentice, a rapper spitting lyrics that evoke what Muhammad calls the original essence of Hip-Hop music. On Saturday, February 7, 2009, the Apprentice graced us all with his craft in Morehouse College’s own Jazzman’s CafĂ© as he released his new album ACT.

With a title that reflects its message, ACT is Muhammad's call to our youth, encouraging us all to stand up and take active roles in the events that shape our lives.
"Don't talk about it. Be about it," said Muhammad as he passionately explained the idea that drove the project. "Have a plan and move on it.”
Muhammad's ultimate goal is to fill all of our heads with his philosophy that through faith—especially in God and yourself—nothing is intangible and no dream is unreachable. With tracks such as $20 Budget, he evokes the spirit of a destitute student, struggling to make ends meet and vying for the respect of a musical community. The song was inspired by "real life situations," he said.
Leading a life that lends much room for spiritual and artistic growth, Muhammad’s own experiences are the very thing that set him apart as a musician. The colorful lyrics in his songs are rich with elements of his spoken word pieces and free-style poetry, which explains why so many AUC students have frequented Jazzman’s for so many years.
“I know most of the people around because I’ve been doing this since freshman year,” said Muhammad. Ask around, he’s right, and we were all in for a treat.
At about 8:00 p.m., an intimate crowd lounged around at tables, and huddled near a bar, to watch as the dapper Zamir "Green Tea" Walton introduced a very special friend of his. Before Muhammad took to the stage, Walton reacquainted the audience with Allah's Apprentice and what makes him such a visionary.
Hip-Hop inspired photographs by Spelman College student Rahbi Wood were placed about the venue to set a tone that embodied Muhammad's soulful aura. Muhammad himself served as the muse for most of the portraits, set near graffiti tagged walls and other urban niches.
By the end of the night, the audience was more than satisfied and the Morehouse senior was well on his to a successful album launch.
Jamal Hansberry
Arts & Entertainment Editor