Musab

Musab :: The Slicks Box
Hieroglyphics Imperium

Reviewed on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 by Conan Milne
Musab is the latest MC to deliver the overly familiar Hip-Hop message that pimpin’ ain’t easy. Fortunately for exasperated listeners, however, the Heiroglyphics MCs tribulations are a little more taxing than struggling to collect his money. Complimenting the rumbling horns and sleek drum thuds of opener “Night Of Mirage,” the artist details the moral problems that come with being a bred, full-blooded Pimp. “My stomach in a knot/I wanna do right but still hustle on the block,” the artist chimes in a sincerely somber tone, adding, “I’m trying to get it right for my daughters and my son.” Of course, the inevitable contradictions arise, such as on the stark boom-bap of “I Gots To Get Mine.” Sounding chipper over the shuddering backdrop, ‘Sab spits, “Just a week ago/I was building and discussing with my fam how to make a million hustling.” Luckily, Musab’s vastly contrasting quotes make him all the more intriguing. A proud hustler who still managed to see the error of his ways? Scratch that – a devoutly Muslim Pimp? It’s fair to say that Musab delivers the overly familiar Hip-Hop message – Pimpin’ ain’t easy – with impressive originality and flair.

- URB Magazine

Newly signed to the Hiero Imperium, Musab re-emerges after a long absence since his Rhymesayer's debut, under the alias Beyond from the underground classic "Comparison". The street-smart emcee's claim to fame came from his appearances on Ant's Headshots mixtapes and Atmosphere's Overcast, and would later join Slug, Mr. Gene Poole and I Self Divine for 1998's DynoSPECTRUM album, produced entirely by Ant. After his second solo "Respect For Life" was met with only moderate underground success, he eventually parted ways with Rhymesayers over mild creative differences concerning the direction of his next project. His Minnesota Slicks moniker is what he looks at more as a character piece about the tortured soul of a pimp as seen through the eyes of the South-side Minneapolis raised emcee. It can be hard to pull off a free form storytelling album such as this, especially when the listeners mistakenly take it literally, but Musab draws from his own experiences and personal life, and with hip hop he is able to artistically convey this concept in a truthy fashion. - Access Hip Hop

“The Slicks Box”
Musab
Audibletreats

AUGUSTA, GA. - Musab has managed to create new forms of hip-hop with his groundbreaking CD, “The Slicks Box.” This album contains some of the best rhymes and beats heard in a long time.

This CD stands out because Musab has not forgotten about not only old skool rap and the origins of the musical form, but also has introduced a level of funk into hip-hop that has been previously unheard. Superfly, Curtis Mayfield and Isaac Hayes would be proud. The flow of the lyrics and these remixed beats are nothing short of phenomenal.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Musab became as legendary. The level of these lyrics and beats are incredible. I dig the way you can really follow the stories within each song.

“Night of Mirage” is fantastic for hip-hop radio stations but is actually smooth and mellow enough for stations that play jazz and contemporary pop.

I concentrate on the whole arrangement for a tune and the song “ Please Do Not Assume” is flawless. The beats and melody fit the rhymes perfectly. This song could be played with turntables or a live funk band. It’s another hit tune.

The song “I Gots To Get Mine” has amazing clavinet, violins, harp and funk remix with crystal clear lyrics that tell a story. This song is amazing!

My personal favorite song is “Kool Aid (Gettoe Juice).” I have never heard a hip hop remix of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” like this. Musab has another hit with this song for hip-hop and rock music.

Fans of great hip hop, fantastic remixes, beats and amazing lyrics and storytelling, check out Musabs’ “The Slicks Box” audibletreats.com. - Metro Spirit

The Slick's Box
Hieroglyphics Imperium
Hip Hop

Before Atmosphere became a known quantity, it was Musab who helped set things off for Rhymesayers and put Minnesota on the hip-hop map. While no longer rolling with the RSE family that he helped cultivate, this smooth-talking MC, also known as Minnesota Slicks, is still dropping gems. On his Hiero Imperium debut, Musab often plays the role of the street-wise pimp, and he does so pretty well. "My team took all the clientele from Heidi Fleiss," he boasts on the standout, Superfly-inspired "Please Do Not Assume." Sab does successfully step out of mack mode from time to time, but he and his producer King Karnov shine most when their beats and rhymes are larger-than-life. - XLR8R