Many artists crave the spotlight, but few know what to do with it. In 2004, Hasan Salaam separated himself from the music industry's status quo. The Jersey-bred MC was voted the winner of FUSE TV's "Hip Hop President" contest. With the victory, came the opportunity to perform live for millions of viewers during the popular show "The Daily Download". Hasan took to the stage, and decided right then, to draw a line in the sand.

"Our elected officials aren't concerned with real issues/
Their votes are controlled by the dollars of lobbyists/
Backed by corporations and worldwide conglomerates/
Pushing propaganda through the columns of news columnists/
Every single station reports with a bias/
Getting paid less for the facts, then they do for their silence/"

The producers dropped their clipboards. The studio audience cheered.

Hasan's weapon has always been "the Truth." His ability to wield it with uncompromising precision has catapulted him in to a global hip hop phenomenon. Hasan Salaam has accomplished more as an independent artist than many acts on a major label. He's performed live on national TV stations such as NBC, FUSE, CSPAN, and PBS. His music videos have caught the eyes of program directors and, as result, have been played by MTV UK, FUSE, Music Choice, and Video Music Box.

Hasan's music paints vivid pictures of the commonalities that bind us: struggle, love, and pain.  It's this ability, to touch people at their core, which has garnered Hasan a loyal fan base all over the world. His following has generated over a million plays on Myspace and Youtube alone. He's been featured in major media publications such as The Source Magazine (twice), The Village Voice, and The Washington Post. Nearly every hip hop site on the Internet has, at some point, done a feature on Hasan Salaam.

All of Hasan's accomplishments are a byproduct of his passion to make a difference in people's lives. Hasan was raised by his mother in Teaneck, N.J. However, he also spent a significant amount of time with his father in Jersey City and grandmother in Camden. At a very early age, he witnessed the social and political problems plaguing his community. Music was his first love and always provided a positive outlet. However, by his teenage years his anger had become too much for him to control. He took to the streets where he became, more and more, a part of the same problems he despised. In 9th grade, he was in advanced placement classes. By 10th grade, he was being moved from school to school for excessive fighting, and threatened with expulsion. At the age of 15, he dropped out of school entirely. By the time he reached 17, he found himself kicked out of his mother's house, and moving between motel rooms, friend's couches, and park benches. Hasan's life was spiraling out of control fast. He was being consumed by his anger, and taking refuge in the darkest of places. Hasan Salaam had hit rock bottom.

It was at this point that Hasan realized that a change had to be made. He got a job working with kids in the community. It was there he realized how much of an impact he had the power to make in people's lives. He acted as a role model, peer educator, and even taught the children how to play chess. This new found positive energy guided Hasan back to his forgotten love. Music.

He started hitting the studio with a new found sense of urgency and commitment. Almost immediately, Hasan began generating a massive buzz in the NYC hip hop scene. His voice, meaningful lyrics, and exceptional live performances had people talking. The release of his debut album "Paradise Lost" was received to rave reviews, and cemented his place as one of hip hop's bright new stars. It also earned him 2 Underground Music Awards, and built demand for him to tour throughout the US and Europe. While traveling the world, Hasan saw the power of music firsthand. His words were touching people of all colors, nationalities, and languages. This is what he was meant to do.

As result of his strong opinions and socially conscious lyrics, Hasan began getting requests by organizers to speak at various conferences and rallies. It was in these settings, along with interviews, that he showed he was much more than just "a rapper." Hasan Salaam was becoming the soundtrack for social change.

His second release "Children of God" came with even greater acclaim, propelling him in to the mass media spotlight. The video for the single "15 Minutes" attracted spins on major music television networks and Internet media sites. The success of the album allowed Hasan to tour with some of hip hop’s biggest names. He's performed with the likes of Redman, Wyclef Jean, Busta Rhymes, Naughty by Nature, Common, Dead Prez, Floetry, Kool Herc, Femi Kuti, Congo Natty, Immortal Technique and others.

In addition to his musical successes, Hasan has remained dedicated to his work in the community. He continues to work with troubled youth, and runs a monthly food and clothing drive in Jersey City, N.J. He also speaks regularly at conferences and discussion panels, to help bring awareness to vital social issues.

Poised to keep the momentum going, Hasan is currently working on his most anticipated project to date, entitled "Life in Black and White". It is scheduled to be released in late 2010. Hasan Salaam has come a long way in a short time. However, his goal remains the same, "to be a voice for the voiceless."