YRAC SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW- Hardcore Detroit: Bringing a Street Dance to a Professional Atmosphere
By: Nadirah Angail
YRAC Editor/Journalist
Detroit Michigan, home of Ford Motor Company, Motown Records and… B-boying? That’s right, B-Boying. It may not have started there, but it’s definitely found a home in this northern city, thanks to Hardcore Detroit.
Don’t know what Hardcore Detroit is? Picture this: a crew of 25, highly-skilled men and women performing some of the hardest and most entertaining break dancing moves you’ve ever seen. And behind it all is a beautiful, Muslim Couple.
Meet Haleem Rasul, the captain of this dynamic dance crew. He’s a passionate young B-Boy who took his love for Hip Hop and turned it into a thriving business. Inspired by the Detroit-based dance show The Scene and a close family member, Haleem (aka Stringz) began to dance as a teen. He had fun as a recreational dancer for some years, and finally began to take it seriously his junior year of high school. Throughout the 1990’s, he danced and networked with other local and national B-Boys, unknowingly preparing himself for the great task he’d later accomplish. “Growing up, I never saw myself as a leader. I see this all as a blessing. I assumed I’d graduate and work for a company, but the Most High put me in certain positions where I found myself tackling certain things,” said Stringz of his accomplishments.
Fast forward to 2001. Haleem used his technical dancing skills, network of dancers, and business knowledge to officially create Hardcore Detroit. With a set of worthy dancers (there’s no getting in this crew unless you battle your way in) he set out to “balance a street type dance with a professional atmosphere.” He traveled to near and far places like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and even Sweden, exchanging moves and knowledge with some of the best.
Within a few short years, they had managed to put Detroit on the map and establish themselves as the premiere dance crew in the city. Now, Hardcore Detroit is well known in the Hip Hop world. “We’ve made such a presence that nobody in the world can take our name,” Stringz explained about their reputation. And it’s a good thing he’s done this, because others have tried to take the name “Hardcore Detroit” and use it as their own. Luckily, Haleem was smart and popular enough to stop their efforts. While his supports kindly informed the other Hardcore Detroit that the name was already taken, he trademarked the name for his business and shut down the possibility of ever being robbed again.
Hardcore Detroit is more than just a name. It is a description of who they are and what they’re about. “I wanted to change the idea of the word “hardcore.” Make people think positively about it. It’s Edgy. It’s serious. It’s hard…This is what makes us stand out from the rest, because we know the true essence of B-Boying,” said Stringz, who is just as knowledgeable about B-Boy history as he is the dance moves.
With a solid reputation and list of accomplishments under his belt (including performing for the Detroit Institute of the Arts) Stringz was sitting on top of the world. He was the king of Detroit B-Boying. All he needed was a queen…
Enter Mary Mar (aka B-Girl Ma Ma), the First Lady of Hardcore Detroit. They met on the dance floor and have been together ever since. Ma Ma is a born dancer. Even at the early age of 5, she had already found her love for movement; but it wasn’t until she was older that she entered the world of B-Girling.
It started with a simple question: “Is this your break dancing gang?” a naïve Mary asked a group of intriguing breakers.
“It’s not called a gang. It’s a crew,” they informed her. That was her first lesson 8 years ago. She went on to learn many more important lessons about the beautiful culture of Hip Hop, which she feels has been misrepresented by main stream media. “MTV is brainwashing us. Hip Hop is not about booty popping! It’s about bringing people together,” she exclaimed. And that’s what she and her husband strive to do, bring people together in an effort to spread and preserve true Hip Hop.
“A lot of people call themselves B-Boys, but aren’t representing for real Hip Hop, not true to the culture… How are you gonna say you’re a B-Boy and you don’t like Hip Hop music?” This is the problem that Ma Ma has with some B-Boys and B-Girls who want to do the moves without knowing the true technique or the 4 elements of Hip Hop, which are graffiti, djaying, emceeing, and breaking.
It is hard enough being a B-Girl in a world full of B-boys (Ma Ma is 1 of only 2 B-Girls in Detroit) but being a Muslim B-Girl puts her in a special rank all her own. She faces criticism from those who disapprove of a Muslim woman dancing in mixed company. She admits that she tried to stop dancing when she reverted to Islam in 2006, but couldn’t keep herself away from something she loves so much.
“It’s something I still struggle with, but there is a double standard for men and women. No one says anything about men dancing in front of women…Allah (swt) knows my intentions. I’m not dancing to be sexy or to attract men,” she clarified. And this is evident in her style of dress. Though other B-Girls have been known to wear tight-fitting, revealing clothes, Ma Ma breaks in pants, long sleeve shirts, and scarves. “My dress is pretty much the same. I’ve always been modest… I like it better this way, because I used to have a problem with strange men touching my hair.”
It wasn’t just her husband that attracted her to Islam. It was the message of Allah’s oneness. Raised as a Buddhist, she was already familiar with this concept. “Traditionally, Buddhism is about following the teachings of Buddha, not about worshipping many deities.” Now, she’s more patient and feels she owes that to Islam. She advises anyone who is considering Islam to “study and do you. If you feel Islam in your heart, then He’s telling you something.” Be sure to listen.
Some relationship experts consider working with your spouse a bad idea, but Haleem and Mary prove them wrong every day. In marriage, spirituality and business, they are partners, and its working out perfectly. “I consider the fact that we work together a benefit. We’re a dynamic duo. He’s my best friend.”
Copyright© 2009
</aSingle Muslim Father: Interview
Ammar Hanif, a twenty six year old Muslim man residing in Baltimore, MD speaks out about life as a single father.
YRAC: As Salaamu Alaikum! It’s good to have you here with us.
Ammar: Wa Alaikumu Salaam, it’s good to be here!
YRAC: Great, so starting off…tell us where you are from, and where you were raised.
Ammar: I was born in ATL shawty! (laughter) I was born in Atlanta and raised…in the south.
YRAC: Ok, what part of the south exactly?
Ammar: Multiple parts. I moved a lot…..
YRAC: And you now reside in….Baltimore..Maryland, correct?
Ammar: Yes I do.
YRAC: Awesome. So tell me, how old is your child?
Ammar: Four years old.
YRAC: Great age, the age of independence! (laughter) I’ll be honest, I am hesitant about referring to you as a “single father”. In this day in time, many people use the phrases “single mom”, or “single dad”. Some like the phrase, some do not. Do you consider yourself a single dad?
Ammar: Well I think so. I am single and i am a father. I suppose some may look at the term and take it to mean that they are taking care of the child all by themselves but i do not automatically assume this when i hear the term single parent. To me it means literally what it says, you are single and you are a parent. And that i am…..
YRAC: Thats a very interesting perspective. You are the main parent in your daughters life though, are you not?
Ammar: Yes, I am.
YRAC: What is the most difficult thing about being the main parental figure in your childs life?
Ammar: Not getting regular breaks! (laughter)
YRAC: I see, about how often do you get breaks?
Ammar: Well, anyone who has kids can tell u that they require 24hr attention. Giving another being 24hr attention can be hella stressful on even the most patient person. When both parents are actively involved in sharing that attention, then it doesnt all rest on one person. I get breaks not too often…..
YRAC: Yes,being a mother myself, I definitely can understand that. You have a little girl, correct?
Ammar: Yes
YRAC: I know shes only four years old, but do you worry about boys? The possibility of her one day having crushes, wanting to go out, etc etc. How are you going to handle being the father to a Muslim girl in a non Muslim country with non Muslim morals?
Ammar: With a shot gun, and lots of telling her that boys are yucky! It’s working so far! (laughter)
YRAC: Oooh MY! Ok, so seriously! (laughter) Are you going to enforce her wearing khimar/hijab? Do you consider yourself a “firm” father?
Ammar: I will give my daughter Qur’an, hadith, and role models of people with good character, both male and female. I will explain to her: “this is who you emulate…”, and insha’Allah pray she follows what I give her. If it helps gets my daughter to paradise, i will be the most firm father ever.
YRAC: Alhumdulillah. That is great advice. It seems that you are doing an excellent job! Are you currently looking for a spouse?
Ammar: Thanks and yes I am.
YRAC: Well we here at YRAC have plenty of single Muslimahs as members (hint hint) haha!
Ammar: (laughs) So I hear, I plan on joining shortly…not just for the Muslimahs of course….. (laughs)
YRAC: Ok, so you say you are in search of your mate. What are some qualities that you are looking for in a woman and do you find yourself leaning towards women who already have a child/children because you have a child…so you feel it will be easier to relate?
Ammar: Not really, I just look for very maternal and patient qualities in regards to Assata.
YRAC: Assata? That is your daughters name?
Ammar: Yes
YRAC: Beautiful name, and I can understand why your spouse having maternal characteristics would be important. Do you have a favorite “Assata thing”? You know…your favorite something she does that just makes u laugh or warms ur heart?
Ammar: Hmm…. has to be her hugs n kisses……..she always wants hugs n kisses.
YRAC: Awww! Precious! Ok, last question….If you had to give one piece of advice to single fathers out there, what would it be?
Ammar: Be patient and try to get a stress relieving hobby!
YRAC: Ditto! Shukran Mr. Hanif, its been a pleasure.
Ammar: Yeppers. Afwan.
YRAC: As Salaamu Alaikum!
Ammar: Wa Alaikumu Salaam!
Copyright ⓒ 2009
Safareye Interview
SafarEye: The Emcee & Producer with a Clear Vision
YRAC: SafarEye! As Salaamu Alaikum brother, how are you?
SafarEye: Wa alaikum as salaam.. I’m good and you?
YRAC: Alhumdulillah, im great. Excited about exchanging with you! Tell us about your name…how did it come to be?
SafarEye: It came about from me traveling around the U.S. doing African drum and dance shows with various companies. I’ve been doing that for years, since I was three. I had the name Safari at first but my best friend Khalfani in Atlanta called me SafarEye and I was like hmmm….I like it (laughter). So…. I stuck with the name!
YRAC: I see! Now…what does it mean exactly?
SafarEye: Nothing to special about it’s meaning. It just means traveler.
YRAC: Ok ok, I think that’s very special. We are travelers here on this earth. The concept is simple, yet still special. Speaking of traveling..tell us of your travels, your journey. Where were you born, raised, and where do you currently reside?
SafarEye: I was actually born in a small country town called Baindridge Georgia and raised in Brooklyn New York. Now I live here in Atlanta GA, but I love New York.. It feels like home to me.
YRAC: I’m originally from NYC myself so of course I feel you! Gotta love New York! How much has your environment/surroundings shaped the things you write about?
SafarEye: …I get all my good inspiration from being around my Muslim brother’s and sister’s anywhere I go. Also being Muslim helps me keep a good focus in my songs as well. Everything I write is from Allah (swt) and his prophet (pb).
YRAC: Alhumdulillah. I immediately noticed that about the content of your music. Very admirable. How long have you been writing and what first inspired you to pick up the pen?
SafarEye: Well at first I was introduced to African drum and dance at the age of three. Music has always been in my heart from the start. Then I started listening to busta ryhmes, talib kweli, mos def, common, all the conscious people who really knew how to spit real lyrics not like you hear in todays world. I started rapping when I was like 16. I used to sneak in my abu’s studio. It was restricted from us kids, and one day he caught me by listening to a track I produced. He was so amazed because he didn’t yet know how to even make music on it. He knew I did it because I saved it with my name on it.
YRAC: So how did he react?
SafarEye: He was like Hak.. (short for Hakim…my name) this is really nice…..but you know you have to get a spanking right? (Laughter) My face went from a big giant smile to a huge frown! But, ever since then, I just had a passion for hip-hop. At first I wasn’t speaking about Islam in my music though….
YRAC: Wow, if that isn’t a classic “How i came into Hip Hop” story! (laughter) So you mentioned you were not always speaking about Islam in your music. What were you speaking about?
SafarEye: I was rapping more about how I felt about a young sister in my class… (laughter) Nobody ever heard it because I was mad shy back then. I was also free styling and mind you…I was still in training so I didn’t even know how to freestyle!
YRAC: (laughter) Ooooh Safar was rappin’ about good ol “love” huh?! I must ask…have you ever been in love?
SafarEye: …….No, I don’t believe I’ve been introduced to true love yet but insha’Allah I will soon find it..her. But…I have been married before. Masha’Allah it did not last very long though.
YRAC: How long?
SafarEye: (laughter) …Hmmm for a very long three months which felt like three long years! ….It wasn’t a good look.
YRAC: I feel you. Do you create songs that specifically deal with things you have been through? For example, have you ever vented about your marriage that didn’t work, through music.
SafarEye: YES it’s funny that you asked…but not for the album though…that would be too crazy. I’ve only made one song about it. It was a really good release for me.
YRAC: Alhumdulillah. I have always thought our Art should be our healing. Earlier in our conversation you made a reference to “conscious music”. What do you think of the overall state of Hip Hop today and do you think that labeling some music as “conscious” and other types as “garbage” creates division within the Hip Hop Community?
SafarEye: I think if we can talk garbage on the radio, degrading women and all that then we can definitely speak the truth in our lyrics. Radio in todays dunyah doesn’t think consciousness is very marketable but I do believe it’s time for a change. We only have a few talking about Islam on a small level. I knew it will be a touch road ahead to even get that far, but I have confidence that people out there are open and waiting for someone to represent us as Muslim’s to speak on it. There are many that have misconceptions of what Islam is even about. So, yes, I do believe that there is a difference in what is garbage and what is not. I’m not trying to say I’m the best because I truly believe I’m not, but we as people period need to represent. I used to be in a group a long time ago called “The Sahabah’s”. We were like 30 deep in the group and we had a song called “Mecca to Medina….
YRAC: Wait….I think i’ve heard that, tell me more!
SafarEye: Yeah, it was one of the hottest songs that i’ve ever heard, even to me. People use to hear it and cry. It was very touching because Islam rap was very new. The group didn’t stay together for very long. I started it but we really didn’t have a dedicated relationship with each other. So it went from being 30 to 20 to 10 to 2. My last show was in Orlando, Florida. It was an Islam Hip-Hop Summit put together by Sister Jamilah Jihad.
YRAC: I see. Well, at least you guys created a song that touched many a soul. That is something to be proud of. Lets talk about your album…”Voyage to jennah”…are you happy with its outcome?
SafarEyez: Oh yes i am… the name alone really speaks on how I am learning, as well as a student of Islam. I love it. The name came to me very easy because of my name SafarEye. SafarEye travels…it’s his voyage to Jennah, you see? It’s the first album I’ve done as well.. I can’t wait for it’s release!
YRAC: Neither can I! I’ve heard some tracks so far from your “youracreator” page. Wonderful! What inspired the song “sunrise?
SafarEye: My good friend Khalfani came up with the idea for that song. We were initially going to make a mix CD of Islam artist and that being one of the song but we loved it so much that we are going to form a group of three members called The Alliance. It’s actually still undecided. I love that song too..
YRAC: Aaah, i see. I’m going to be looking out for The Alliance, yall should make that happen! How hard is it balancing your passion for and pursuit of music with working (striving to work) a “regular” job or having a career? Do you often feel conflicted?
SafarEye: No.. I never felt conflicted from it.. I actually made the job work for me so that I can buy the equipment and record myself on my own time when I came home from work. There where times when I did feel conflicted from it because I didn’t have the recording equipment to get the job done, but I’m a very patient person and very hard working.
YRAC: Alhumdulillah. Two very important qualities, that’s a blessing. So briefly, once you release your album, whats next for you?
SafarEye: Insha’Allah I hope that it does well enough for me to travel and perform it. I want it to be a career change very bad because of my love for it. I will be continuing to make more and store for my next album insha’Allah. I will have to remake one song tho…
YRAC: What song is that?
SafarEye: “The Comforter”
YRAC: Why a remake?
SafarEye: Well, the singer backed out because of the controversy of music in Islam. She also said she hates her voice. So I will just have to find another singer, Insha’Allah.
YRAC: Aaah I see. Perhaps you should reference the many hadith I posted for our YRAC family in the “Discussion” section on the permissibility of Music in Islam. As an emcee and producer, are you confronted by a lot of people who feel Music is haram?
SafarEye: Wow.. yes I am actually.that’s that’s why i am also creating a voice and drum version along with a booklet for the people who can’t tolerate instruments.Thats in the making as we speak! (laughter)
YRAC: Hmm…extremely interesting….and very…..considerate of you.
SafarEye: Yeah, it’s been tough though. There are debates of music being haram but no sound truth. So I just talk about Islam in my music . I don’t want to lead my listeners on the wrong path by bringing them more haram then halal.
YRAC: Alhumdulillah. Yeah, I can dig that. Soooo….do you have any “groupies” yet? (laughter)
(laughter)
SafarEye: WOOOOO! Yes I do.. but I stay at a safe distance. I think it’s funny at times, walking in the mosque and keeping my eyes to the ground because of it but I love it…..(laughter) It’s all a part of the package…
YRAC: I see! ………Are you single?
SafarEye: Yes I am.. very single and ready! (laughter) Not rushing though, but I do feel I am ready. I’m not getting any younger….
YRAC: Nice, nice. Umm…sisters, pay attention! So, brother Safar….what qualities do you look for in a woman? …Does she have to love HipHop? (laughter)
SafarEye: : hmmm.. I look for personality, Truth and honesty in self, she doesn’t have to love hip-hop. She can love country music (laughter) I love all kinds…BUT it would be a HUGE plus in my book if she did. I would like her to be God fearing, supportive towards me as I would be towards her. After all that, we can build a strong relationship that would last until we’re both in jennah. InshaAllah kheer.
YRAC: Insha’Allah! That’s beautiful, and sounds very well balanced. Last question…What mark do you want to leave on this earth when you return to Allah (swt)? What, if anything, would you want to be known for?
SafarEye: I would only want to be remembered by being a reminder of Islam. It’s our duty as brother’s and sister’s to remind one another about this beautiful religion. Keep each other on point with salat, and not associate ourselves around the wrong crowds.
YRAC: Ameen. I couldn’t have said it better myself! Its been a pleasure to interview you brother Safar.
SafarEye: ….and a great pleasure to be interviewed by you sister Imani.
Copyright ? 2009
