At a midpoint between flashy and more left field conscious emcees, Hip Hop always finds a way to balance itself out. Much in the way pop sensation MC Hammer and politically driven Chuck D once coexisted, Drake and Lupe Fiasco are able to occupy the same space today. Sharing traits with both of the aforementioned, Hasan Salaam is a biracial Muslim with staunch underground leanings, impassioned about telling his personal truths to the world. Though he has ascended the rungs of independent success over the past decade, 2011’s Music Is My Weapon not only made a difference for his burgeoning career but the lives of others, with all profits going to fund educational and health initiatives in West Africa. As a voice of the times, his latest release Life In Black And White represents two of the most vivid and illustrative sides of America’s increasingly hostile social tension.
Reflecting back to a time where higher-minded acts including X-Clan, Poor Righteous Teachers and Brand Nubian reached the masses, Hasan Salaam uses his story to inspire mental revolution. Setting the stage for the album’s theme of cultural exploration, “Definition” provokes thought in its literal breakdowns of the respective positive and negative stigmas behind white (“the color of pure snow”) and black (“absence of light”). Linking up with his confrontational angry A-alike Immortal Technique on “Jericho,” Hasan spares nothing with his timely attack against domestic injustice. Placing himself on the front lines, he invokes the names of fallen victims stating “They call for blood, they’re calling the squadron/But I am Oscar Grant, I am Trayvon Martin.” Also going so far as to dismiss the commercialized (and arguably ineffective) leadership of Al Sharpton here, he waxes poetic with “Racism been stayed right on track, and none of it changed just because the president’s black.”
Using interludes from Spike Lee’s “Jungle Fever,” Hasan Salaam musters up the courage to share his innermost turmoil, drawing a parallel to the famed director’s knack for portraying human depth. “Father’s Day” is a solemnly bitter tale of neglect that switches to introspective empathy upon discovering his dad has fallen ill, Salaam’s issues compounding on “Pain Killer” where he explains why alcohol is his coping mechanism of choice. In a similar vein, “The Way (Kilo)” speaks to people in less developed phases of self-realization struggling to make it through life’s rat race. Where his sense of civic responsibility is commendable, he mostly falls short due to the lack of flexibility in his gruff vocal inflections. This flaw is most glaring on “Mile High Club” which barely comes off as a friendly dedication to the fairer gender, and the drum free “Like Silence” where the contrast of acoustic guitar clashes with his harsh delivery.
Stepping up to the plate in hopes of benefitting others, Hasan Salaam’s musical gift lies in well-intentioned messages shaped by transparent honesty and genuine human concern. Evidence of this is found in songs like “Modern Warfare,” where he’s determined to confront and expose evils while figuring out solutions; true to Hip Hop’s former strides towards systemic overhaul. Hailing from the former Rap hotbed of New Jersey, his community minded efforts have made a global impact. However, his important ideas are an acquired taste likely to reach the hearts of a relative few. Often guilty of preaching to the choir, Life In Black And White lacks the accessibility that would push Hasan’s name further. Instead, he remains relevant to those patiently open to accepting the brash toughness that runs concurrent with the gems he drops.
This album was everything! Actually as a woman…I love Mile High Club!
Dope!!
Great review for an excellent, excellent album! Definitely 1 of the top albums that dropped in 2014!
in regards to what DX said were flaws.. haha I like.. the raw and gruffness of the vocals is to each his own.. definitely a fan of that style.. in NYC when he first dropped we’d always say his voice is God’s gift..definitely a powerful tone
in regards to preaching to the choir yes… thank God for Has’ integrity and commitment to making sure the ‘truth’ is out there..consistently
Again shout to DX for ur perspective and review.. I think u guys wrote a great review although I disagree somewhat with the POV. but I’m glad u guys reviewed this one! blessings
Really dope album from start to finish.
Very solid album.
While I agree with some of this review, it’s hard to take it too serious when the author leads in by comparing the difference in MC Hammer and Chuck D to the difference in Drake and Lupe Fiasco. Not that Drake isn’t a prime example of “hip-pop”, but Lupe Fiasco is no Chuck D, and doesn’t belong in this conversation. Most of the compliments given in this review are certainly warranted, whereas most of the criticisms are highly subjective at best.
Who cares if it’s not commercial, people go to art not art to people. Writers shouldn’t care about the masses, it’s abt your opinion as a reviewer of the record. Dope album tho!
Not every album is made for pop success, but that doesn’t make it any less great. I finally got a chance to listen to this album and I think it’s one of the best of the year. Straight up. Reviews are subjective of course, but it seemed like this reviewer was judging this one based on how commercially successful it can be, instead of purely judging it as a work of art full of many messages that are really needed these days. Well written review, but fundamentally have to disagree with many of its criticisms. Life in Black and White is now in my daily rotation. This is why I love hip hop.
I agree with the other comments that the critiques in this article are highly subjective, and that the reviewer did a serious disservice to this album by reviewing it not on its actual merit as art, as creativity, but as whether or not it will have mainstream commercial success. I think if he had done that, he would have to have said this is one of the best and most multi-faceted albums of the year.
It is rare that emcees are this real, this honest, this complex, this able to hold all of their contradictions and still shine. I actually was amazed the first time I heard Hasan Salaam’s song, “Like Silence,” for the powerful content, the soulful delivery, as well as the innovation of rhyming over solely an acoustic guitar.
I would have loved to see a review that didn’t dismiss an entire album it seems mainly on the fact that the reviewer thinks the emcee’s voice is too rough.
This article is pure crap!!!
Hasan Salaam may not be the Pop sensation Rap artist that this journalist is looking for, but at least state & build on the obvious… THIS ARTIST IS TELLING HIS TRUTH and that is what this “REVIEW” should be high lighting. But why should I expect a music journalist to appreciate or want to distribute TRUTH in today’s MUSIC?
JESSE FAIRFAX do yourself a solid and listen to every album Hasan Salaam has made. You may be able to break the Pop/Rap genre chains you’re shackled in.
Get your REAL Hip Hop life! No seriously, go get it!
I disagree with the rating, should be a 4 at the very least. And I liked the contrast in “like silent” despite the reviewers opinion. Also I felt like he was reviewing the album on the basis whether or not it will be a mainstream success as evident by the reviews last paragraph. The album itself is a work of art and should be reviewed as such and not whether or not it would appeal to the masses. Frankly all the subjects touched on in the album should appeal to the masses as they are relevant but sadly the media perpetuates other bs.
Objectively speaking, this was my favorite album of 2014. I think not many artists are brave enough to make themselves this vulnerable yet have enough conviction to sound confident in what they are doing. What I like the most about this album is that it presents the listener with a challenge in being better without being judgmental towards them. Not many people can pull that off. It is well themed yet diverse. For people that have rocked with Hasan for years, this shows his expansion in range not only with his flow, but beat selection and how he has developed wording his message. For new listeners, I think Life In Black And White is the perfect introduction to him, for this is Hasan at his most polished. I definitely think this album should have more than a 3/5, but I do appreciate the writer being able to highlight the best of the album and at least understand where Hasan is coming from.
I love the album. Don’t love the review. I’m new to Hasan’s music. A friend put me on and he knows I don’t really like underground rappity rap stuff. He played me The Way and Father’s Day and I was hooked. The only thing that wasnt accessible about his music for me was that I hadn’t heard of him before. Im really glad I have now. Can’t wait to check out his other albums.
Love how everyone saying just because he has a message he deserves 5 stars lol comical. Just because you a “conscious” rapper doesn’t mean you getting a top rating off top. That’s bs. This album is 3/5. Nothing special. It is a B grade Soul on Ice. He has a few gems in here but just because it’s central around a message or telling the truth about black and white relations doesn’t give him any points. Reviewwe got this right…. bring on the hate Stans. Just make sure you bring talking facts.
The album does deserve 5 stars because here is someone not trying to fit into mainstream. This is someone who is putting his message out there (whether you like it or not) and giving a voice to those who are usually ignored and belittled by the masses. It’ brutally honest and that’s what makes it worth the 5 stars. And as a female responding to this review THANK YOU Hasan Salaam for sounding like a MAN on “Mile High Club.” We need more “gruff vocal inflections” rather than all this purring and whispering we keep getting from these rappers. THANKS!
Dope. Interesting perspectives all around.
This is a classic album that represents the diversity of Hip Hop in its truest form. “Like Silence” & “The Mile High Club” are indicative of the artists’ range that only true lyricists have. Any rapper can be one dimensional. I thought the use of inflection throughout the album was very appropriate. 5/5
I think this in an important album that touches upon several themes worthy of reflection. I think the album i simply amazing as is the artist himself!
As an emcee myself, I enjoy this album! The content is structured and focused on delivering a truth. A truth that Hasan has been exposed and a truth that appears to have influenced the man he is today. Writing about ones’ experiences is never an easy thing. Not because the writer does not want to express it, but rather how will we the audience accept it. In my opinion Hasan does this exceptionally well! He grasps your attention with his fine detail to bars and overall writing that knocks your emotions just as much as your head knocks to the beat. Definitely worth adding to your collection of music. Do not label this album because of its content, embrace the content and then label the album under “Dope!”
This dude is nice. What you want some soft Drake ballads? This review is way off the base. Just cause it’s not trap or simple minded you say it’s not for the masses? Fathers Day is for everyone who’s alive and has a Father, a good or bad one. Real recognize real.
Best work yet! Two thumbs up. This artist is extremely talented. I have been exposed to his gritty truth first hand for over 10 years and it only gets better. I can’t wait to hear what’s next.
4/5. Such a great album here. Most of the songs stay on heavy rotation. Father’s Day is so unbelievably dope and deep, good Lord. Crappy review in my opinion, but glad it was reviewed on here so more people may check out the album.
Terrible review. You didn’t say anything was bad on here but you give a 3.0?
At least a 4 on this one.
I thought the review was on point. You all are overhyping this.
I respect the message but musically its just decent
Production is so so throughout. Where’s Immortal Technique when you need him?
No artist should have to stay inside of what’s respectfully cool & radio accepted to appeal to the masses. The masses these days don’t have anything to do with radio. The message in his work is beautiful & uplifting, versatile yet grimey, truthful yet sincere. Every word that comes from one person’s truth may not be respected as the dopest shit to ever bless the page but I can honor the rigid honesty in it. Most ppl can’t open themselves up that way & share their lives in that manner
Life in Black & White is a breath of fresh air in an industry that has become generic, flashy and predictable. While everybody is obsessed with who’s leading the way with the newest fad, Hasan takes hip-hop back to its essence by concentrating more on bars than trap beats. Not to say he’s slacking in any way when it comes to the production, it’s still sonically pleasing to the ear, but the music perfectly accompanies Hasan’s words as opposed to competing against them.
The substance of this album is definitely something that will require a few listens to fully understand the mindset of the artist. He takes on America’s narrative on race relations, Middle Eastern conflicts as well as personal success while at the same time, never shying away from the trials and tribulations that got him there. Hasan as an lyricist is one of the most overlooked when it comes to that discussion. With a gravely voice reminiscent of Shyne in his prime, and the verse construction that has hints of the West Coast Legend Ras Kass, Hasan Salaam is definitely a rapper true hip hop heads can look forward to listening to as the anecdote to the monotony that the mainstream pushes
The beats are dull and although he’s nice with the pen…it just doesn’t come together.
This album has depth and substance. The beats match the mood and dude got bars.
Immortal Technique-lite…I’ll pass.
Nothing really memorable on here. I need fire if I’m gonna peep your message.
Recycle bin rap
Hasan Salaam’s “Black & White” is as real as real gets. It makes you think, and feel. It inspires movement, and has the potential to inspire A Movement. It’s personal and touching with a hint of controversy. It’s the truth. and for me, inspired tears, anger, & a laugh all bundled up in a black and white bow. All 50 minutes, from start to finish, there were no disappointments to be found. “Black & White” is as classic as the colors black and white. With all the trash that is advertised on the radio, it’s refreshing to hear music with substance for a change. Favorites: Jericho, Father’s Day, Like Silence, The Way, And Savor the Moment.
Pure genius and truth!!!