Search - Ali Shaheed Muhammad :: Shaheedullah & Stereotypes

(Ali) Shaheed breaks us off a lil somethin' INDEED!

Kimber | Brooklyn, USA | 10/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"October was a refreshing month for Hip-Hop releases...so far we got Talib Kweli, Mos Def and now Ali Shaheed Muhammad (Tribe Called Quest and Lucy Pearl fame) whose "Shaheedullah and Stereotypes" CD was released under the radar. It should be considered an energizing and at times politically conscious contribution to music in general. And this is what Ali offers us--with open arms--MUSIC. It's been a while since that gift has been presented without the bells, whistles and misguided allusion of a Trojan Horse.



Though Ali comes to us as a world renown DJ, he isn't just the "beat guy" for this CD. From the first track ("Social Reform") we understand who this album belongs to and at the same time we see Ali generously and brilliantly expose talented individuals from his fold. Their contributions to the CD help polish the goldmine he has unearthed for us.



Ali easily takes the forefront as a lyricist and singer(who KNEW?!?!)--two skills he obviously had up his sleeve for a long time and wasn't revealing until the time was right...and for real y'all...the time is NOW.



The stellar group of lyricists on his team include...Kay Jay from Houston, TX. ("Tight", "Family"). Kay's fresh style flows naturally off the tongue and easily to the ear. Sy Smith is a songstress whose sweet flavor in your ear gracefully plies and pirouettes on three tracks ("Honey Child", ""

Ali Shaheed has gone out like Eric B.

BiolanteX | Valparaiso, Indiana United States | 10/30/2004

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Honestly, I can't give this album a good rating. I'm a huge A Tribe Called Quest enthusiast, but this album isn't worth your hard earned money. In fact I like tons of albums that get mad hated on, but this one just doesn't cut it at all. I like some of the beats and instrumental music on this album (but not all of it). However almost all of the tracks are ruined by some very wack vocals. There are 2 or so MCs that put in ok performances, nothing remarkable at all, but there are also some of the cheesiest R&B singers I have ever heard featured through-out this album. Lets not even mention that Ali pulled an Eric B. and thought he could actually rock the mic. Not surpisingly he can't, and his wack vocals and weak lyrics ruins all of the tracks he appears on. Even his spoken word segments come off as incredibly hokey and forced. I wish this album was instrumental, maybe I would give it a better rating. Take my advice and go pick up the new De La Soul album or something else instead."

Thank You For The "Something New" Stew!!!

Nubia | Staten Island | 11/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I thought this CD was definitely different from what's out now...and that's a GOOD thing!! For those who are concerned whether it's more A Tribe Called Quest or Lucy Pearl...I would lean towards Lucy Pearl in terms of experimentating...and it's good to see someone do something original and something that WORKS!! Even Kanye West is biting off of his OWN stuff ("Get By, "I Try", That John Legend song....aint that all the same tune??)



I think Ali Shaheed Muhammed did a great job at letting folks know that there is more out there than just old school samples these rappers can buy, rhyme over and call a hit...he's got original music that makes ya move your feet and nod to the beat... I listened to the "Shahedullah and Stereotypes" snippets above before I bought the CD and I'm glad I did cuz the CD is worth the money!!



I'm SO tired of all the artificial/process cheesy music out there...



Thanks for your home-cooked gumbo Ali...hopefully others who are really TALENTED will follow your path!!!"