Some artists just talk the talk about the injustices and problems going on in the world, but New Jersey emcee and community organizer Hasan Salaam is really out there trying to make a difference.

On the third Sunday of every month Hasan organizes food and clothing drives in Jersey City, and is currently holding hip-hop workshops in Palestine.

With his lyrics and content being the emphasis of his approach, Salaam’s “Like Silence” doesn’t rely on 808s or synths to carry the song.

His rap style has often been described as a combination of KRS-One, Immortal Technique and Chuck D. With his lyrics and content being the emphasis of his approach, Salaam’s “Like Silence” doesn’t rely on 808s or synths to carry the song.

With simply Kendal Good on the guitar, adding vocals for the chorus, you’re forced to listen to the powerful words.

Hasan describes his struggles growing up;  “In order to see the light I had to first go astray, but I’d never trade places, me and pain know each other, got acquainted on a first name basis.”

Determined to be a better father than his was, Salaam speaks on everything from unsuccessful job hunting trying to make ends meet for his unborn child to resorting to selling drugs to make money and ultimately getting the call that his girlfriend miscarried.

From his album Life in Black & White, Hasan Salaam’s simple approach on “Like Silence” speaks volumes.

Music Editor Duane Benjamin, or “Lah’Gic” to those who know him well, has been a member of the Urbanology family since the magazine’s birth. From music, culture, sports or life experiences in general, Duane is always up for an intellectual conversation or debate. A firm believer that laughter keeps you young, amongst friends or strangers, you can often find Duane laughing and cracking jokes to eye watering, belly busting proportions. A fierce competitor on the basketball court and the soccer field, Duane welcomes new challenges to keep him sharp and on his toes, of which Urbanology Magazine is constantly providing.

Comments are closed.