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The Twin Cities Hip-Hop Messiah has arrived!
By: . .
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Originally posted 8/21/2002
Muja Messiah, 25, is coming back strong and determined! Many of you hip-hop heads know Muja from his five-year career with Raw Villa, a well-known and respected Twin Cities local underground hip-hop group. You know of his dynamic stage presence and the way he intertwines the hottest verses with the hottest tracks to create high art. Muja's new solo music will take conscious rap to a new intellectual peak by merging conscious rap with the real hardcore, gritty stuff.
Many say he is the ''Messiah'' that true Twin City hip-hop heads have long awaited. ''Muja is a verbally gifted weaver of words, a true crafter of concepts and a skilled orator, he deserves a record deal more than any other hip-hop artist I have ever worked with, and I have worked with many,'' said D.Tekh, CEO of Supreme Beat Recordings, Muja's executive producer.
Muja feels he may be misunderstood because people think if you are a hip-hop artist from Minneapolis you're either are a ''back packer'' or a ''hustler.'' ''I ain't a rapper, I'm more like a Black ambassador, I'm a mack like Shaft in Africa,'' said Muja. Muja's music definitely captures what Black in America truly is.
If he's not in the studio or holding down his own stage with rap heavy weights, such as DMX, Rockfella, Rakim and Wu-Tang, he's on the east coast making waves with the likes of artists such as Glen Lewis, Dead Prez and Res. Muja is definitely ready for world domination and his arsenal is packed with flows and beats to keep him on top until Armageddon. You can catch Muja on August 23, 2002 performing at The Minnesota State Fair's Grandstand.
- Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Discography
Potty Mouth
If you aint...
Da Hustlers
Righteous Gangstar Shit
Love at first site.
Swingers
Why
Whats going down
Divine Intervention
For the babies
Hoes in this house
Backlash the 11th hour
Horney
Hit me Back
Friday
Black Corners
Villa Ntro's
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Since his early years, Muja Messiah [b. Robert Hedges Jr.] has had a way with words. Growing up in Minneapolis with parents of different races, Muja has interesting takes on black and white culture. Fascinated with rap as child, Muja knew that one day he would make his love for hip-hop his only job. He is influenced by Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, Souls of Mischief and N.W.A. as well as new school MC's Wu-Tang, Tupac and Mobb Deep. As a kid the sounds of Rakim's "My Melody" made its impact on the future MC. Later he would see his first heavyweight show, Gangstarr, DJ Quik and EPMD . Muja started establishing himself by battling many local MC's. In early 1999, he joined Raw Villa. Raw Villa's debut "Rebellion" ( BlackCorners ) showed the group's hardknock , take no prisoners style. "An uncompromising , impressive debut " says Jim Walsh (St. Paul Pioneer Press). Earning a top ten spot on City Pages Picked To Click Poll Peter Scholtes described them as "thoroughly negative, deeply offensive and remarkably catchy".
Rocking the mic on stage is where Muja shines most. Performing with Raw Villa, Muja has shared stages with such luminaries as DMX , Rakim , Method Man & Redman, Common, Ghostface Killah and Dead Prez . As a solo artist Muja has opened shows by Cappadonna , Beatnuts and Ghostface & Raewkon . After a two-year stint with Raw Villa, Muja now strikes out as a solo artist with the release of Wutz Going Down?!! ep [BlackCorners]. The ep opens with the thunderous "Wutz Going Down?!!" , and Muja 's vivid storytelling is on display along with dancehall chants by Sonny Black, where Muja brags he's the "Unusual Mario Puzo / crime saga author" . On "Divine Intervention" , produced by Detekh , Muja ponders the struggles of everyday life, joined by Villa member Shionaes . "The earths an aquarium/my man witnessed the birth of his daughter through a cesarean." It also features the introspective narrative "For The Babies" featuring TR, produced by Ant (Atmosphere/ Musab ). The unlisted bonus track, "Hos in the House", is a hilarious chickenhead parody featuring Canadian Mc Shy Luv, produced by Doc (Esthero /Res). Muja Messiah also appears on the City Pages compilation Twin Town High Vol 4., with the original version of "For The Babies". Muja Messiah has been featured in City Pages, Star Tribune, Pulse, St.Paul Pioneer Press, Blaze, and The Source. In May 2001, Muja 's " Wutz Going Down?!!", was featured on Napster 's discover new artist feature. Muja 's passion is hip-hop. for his city to get the recognition it deserves. Muja's voice, delivery and imagination help him shape the many ideas that rumble in his head. Whether he's tackling wak MC's, racial inequality, babymomma drama, or the politics of the street game, Muja Messiah is here and intends to be in your face.
In 2004 Muja signed on with BLD Enterprises for personal management. If you would like to book him for a show or request a full press package please call 612-869-5982
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