Rahim Samad
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Rahim Samad

Valrico, Florida, United States | INDIE

Valrico, Florida, United States | INDIE
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"Rahim Samad - Freedom/Resurrection Review"

Rahim Samad
Resurrection

These are NOT club jams, thank God and Tampa MC and producer Rahim Samad. Samad employs laidback grooves, old-school flows and street-life lyrics to create a hard but mellow sound, like G-funk without the P-funk-style cascading synth melodies. He gets vocal help from some peers (Super D, Akil, and Briz contribute a verse or two), but the highlight here is Samad himself. The beats are rolling, minimal and engaging, and his easy-but-ready voice -- a clean, gut-driven delivery that lies somewhere between Dr. Dre and Biggie -- is what really draws the listener in. Resurrection isn't terribly original, but in comparison to the flashy, insubstantial chant-along bullshit of most Dirty South crews, it sounds fresh all over again. (www.vaultclassic.com) - Creative Loafing Magazine


"Rahim Samad: What Is Hip Hop? [Video + Editorial]"

Check this video we got in our inbox of Rahim Samad sitting down with DaWhat.com to talk about the history and future of hip-hop. - KevinNottingham.com


"Rahim Samad: Nothing 2 Gain"

Rahim Samad is back with some new visuals for the single “Nothing 2 Gain” off his upcoming album Justice/Reformation. The Tampa emcee’s new LP will be released in December through Vault Classic Records along with the film Travel Property and its soundtrack. - Kevin Nottingham


"Rahim Samad - Alkahest"

Floridinian emcee Rahim Samad drops some next-level lyrics over this dope beat by produced by The FunkGhost. - Kevin Nottingham


"Rahim Samad - Weakness"

Rahim Samad - Weakness - ViewHipHop.com


"Rahim Samad - Weakness"

Rahim Samad - Weakness - ViewHipHop.com


"Rahim Samad - Weakness"

Rahim Samad - Weakness - DefinitionofFresh.blogspot.com


"Rahim Samad - Weaness"

Rahim Samad - Weakness - FootKlan.net


"Rahim Samad - Weakness"

Rahim Samad - Weakness - HipHopOnDeck.com


"Rahim Samad - Weakness"

Rahim Samad - Weakness - HipHopOnDeck.com


"Rahim Samad - Weakness"

Video: Rahim Samad, “Weakness”

Vault Classic Inc. signee, Rahim Samad, recently debuted the video for his song, “Weakness.” The track is from his recent mixtape, Broken Barriers 2. For more information about Rahim Samad, please visit http://www.vaultclassicinc.com/. He can also be found on Twitter, - blog.thesoundkillers.com


"Rahim Samad - Weakness"

Rahim Samad - Weakness - TripleHQ.com


"Rahim Samad “Weakness"

Rahim Samad “Weakness” (Music Video)

The song is from Rahim Samad’s latest mixtape titled ‘Broken Barriers 2’ which is also available for download from Vault Classic Records as well as on DatPiff.com. - Rule4080.com


"Rahim Samad “Weakness"

Rahim Samad “Weakness” (Music Video)

The song is from Rahim Samad’s latest mixtape titled ‘Broken Barriers 2’ which is also available for download from Vault Classic Records as well as on DatPiff.com. - Rule4080.com


"Rahim Samad - Weakness"

The song is from his latest mixtape titled ‘Broken Barriers 2’ which is available for download from our site http://www.vaultclassicinc.com/ - Atrilli.net


"Rahim Samad - Nothing 2 Gain"

RAHIM SAMAD, “NOTHING TO GAIN” - sportsbeermusic.com


"Rahim Samad - Nothing 2 Gain"

Music video for song ‘Nothing 2 Gain’ by Rahim Samad. From the upcoming album ‘Justice/Reformatio - futureofflorida.com


"Rahim Samad - Nothing 2 Gain"

Rahim Samad - Nothing 2 Gain - thatcrack.com


"Rahim Samad - Nothing 2 Gain"

Rahim Samad - Nothing 2 Gain - thatcrack.com


"Rahim Samad – "John Horse""

Rahim Samad – "John Horse" - The Combat Jack Show


"Rahim Samad"

Born in the Bronx NY, Rahim practically was born where Hip Hop was born, down the Sedgwick avenue street where Kool Herc used to throw his parties. After moving to Tampa, Rahim began crafting his meticulously rhythmatic rhyme style. He also started writing songs and making beats as well as Djing around the area. The songs he crafted soon formed into his first album titled ‘Freedom/Resurrection’. With strong cuts such as ‘On the Corner’ and ‘Broken Economics’, the album was well received by fans and critics alike. The weekly media newspaper, Creative Loafing, said the album made Hip Hop ‘sound fresh all over again’. Rahim later released his 2nd album titled 'Travel Properly', which was also well received by fans and critics. RapReviews.com gave the album and 8 out of 10 rating and praised the album for its sound as well as Rahim's adept rhyming abilities. The success of the album soon led to the production of a movie written by and starring Rahim called 'Travel Properly'. The movie is slated to be released in winter 2012. Rahim is a multi-talented, hard working artist that is capturing the attention of the masses who are craving innovation. Fans and critics have come to love the VaultClassic Sound, that pulls from Hip Hop’s Golden Era without sounding dated, but instead sounding modernly fresh and innovatively futuristic. - rarehiphop.com


"Rahim Samad - Alkahest"

Tampa, Florida MC, Rahim Samad is back with his latest single 'Alkahest', the 1st release from the upcoming Movie and Soundtrack Travel Properly (CLICK HERE to see the movie teaser). - thecollegedropouts.com


"Artist to Watch: Rahim Samad"

Rahim Samad – On The Corner [prod. Rahim Samad]
Directed by: Jeff Osborne
This track samples, Love Put Me On The Corner, by the Isley Brothers, that was a great album. - See more at: http://www.theovun.com/index.php/2008/12/26/artist-to-watch-rahim-samad/#sthash.3atYtrUq.dpuf - theovun.com


"Artist to Watch: Rahim Samad"

Rahim Samad – On The Corner [prod. Rahim Samad]
Directed by: Jeff Osborne
This track samples, Love Put Me On The Corner, by the Isley Brothers, that was a great album. - See more at: http://www.theovun.com/index.php/2008/12/26/artist-to-watch-rahim-samad/#sthash.3atYtrUq.dpuf - theovun.com


"Rahim Samad, “Nothing To Gain”"

Bronx-bred, Tampa-based emcee Rahim Samad presents the Jeff Osborne-directed music video for “Nothing To Gain”, his new self-produced single from Justice/Reformation, his forthcoming album dropping February 2013. Raised down the block from Sedgwick Avenue, where Kool Herc started hip-hop years ago, Rahim released his first album Freedom/Resurrection in 2004, which Creative Loafing said made hip-hop “sound fresh all over again” (read the story here). RapReviews gave 8 marks out of 10 to his next album Travel Properly (download the album here), which is currently being adapted into a movie written and starring Rahim, directed by Jeff Osborne, the director behind the “Nothing To Gain” video. (watch the Travel Properly film teaser here). Samad’s most recent full-length is Broken Barriers 2, which you can download at KevinNottingham.com by clicking here. “‘Nothing To Gain’ is about when you are that point in your life when you feel like you’re at the bottom and you have no where else to go but up,” says Rahim. When you have no other options but to walk the path that is in front of you.” - BrainofBMW.com


"Rahim Samad"

Rahim Samad – On The Corner - OnSmash.com


"Rahim Samad - In the City"

Description: Music Video by Rahim Samad featuring YNot performing: In the City. Video Directed by Jeff Osborne (C) 2008 VaultClassic Records. - WorldStarHipHop.com


"Rahim Samad - On the Corner"

Description: Music Video by Rahim Samad performing: On the Corner. From the Rahim Samad album 'Freedom/Resurrection'. Video Directed by Jeff Osborne (C) VaultClassic Records - WorldStarHipHop.com


"Rahim Samad - John Horse"

Description: Music Video by Rahim Samad performing: John Horse. From the Rahim Samad album 'Travel Properly'. Video Directed by Jeff Osborne (C) 2008 VaultClassic Records. - WorldStarHipHop.com


"Rahim Samad – Nothing 2 Gain"

Rahim Samad – Nothing 2 Gain - thediverseozone.wordpress.com


"Rahim Samad – Nothing 2 Gain"

Rahim Samad – Nothing 2 Gain - thediverseozone.wordpress.com


"Rahim Samad – Nothing 2 Gain [video + audio]"

Music video & audio for Rahim Samad’s “Nothing 2 Gain,” from his upcoming album Justice/Reformation. - Rawdrive.com


"Rahim Samad – Nothing 2 Gain [video + audio]"

Music video & audio for Rahim Samad’s “Nothing 2 Gain,” from his upcoming album Justice/Reformation. - Rawdrive.com


"Rahim Samad – Nothing 2 Gain"

Rahim Samad is back with some new visuals for the single “Nothing 2 Gain” off his upcoming album Justice/Reformation. The Tampa emcee’s new LP will be released in December through Vault Classic Records along with the film Travel Property and its soundtrack. - rapsandhustles.com


"Rahim Samad – Nothing 2 Gain"

Rahim Samad is back with some new visuals for the single “Nothing 2 Gain” off his upcoming album Justice/Reformation. The Tampa emcee’s new LP will be released in December through Vault Classic Records along with the film Travel Property and its soundtrack. - rapsandhustles.com


"Rahim Samad – Nothing 2 Gain"

Bronx-bred, Tampa-based emcee Rahim Samad presents the Jeff Osborne-directed music video for “Nothing To Gain”, his new self-produced single from Justice/Reformation, his forthcoming album dropping February 2013. Raised down the block from Sedgwick Avenue, where Kool Herc started hip-hop years ago, Rahim released his first album Freedom/Resurrection in 2004, which Creative Loafing said made hip-hop “sound fresh all over again” (read the story here). RapReviews gave 8 marks out of 10 to his next album Travel Properly (download the album here), which is currently being adapted into a movie written and starring Rahim, directed by Jeff Osborne, the director behind the “Nothing To Gain” video. (watch the Travel Properly film teaser here). Samad’s most recent full-length is Broken Barriers 2, which you can download at KevinNottingham.com by clicking here. “‘Nothing To Gain’ is about when you are that point in your life when you feel like you’re at the bottom and you have no where else to go but up,” says Rahim. When you have no other options but to walk the path that is in front of you.” - See more at: http://www.hiphopnometry.org/?p=4756#sthash.wEA5YplC.dpuf - hiphopnometry.org


"Rahim Samad – Nothing 2 Gain"

Bronx-bred, Tampa-based emcee Rahim Samad presents the Jeff Osborne-directed music video for “Nothing To Gain”, his new self-produced single from Justice/Reformation, his forthcoming album dropping February 2013. Raised down the block from Sedgwick Avenue, where Kool Herc started hip-hop years ago, Rahim released his first album Freedom/Resurrection in 2004, which Creative Loafing said made hip-hop “sound fresh all over again” (read the story here). RapReviews gave 8 marks out of 10 to his next album Travel Properly (download the album here), which is currently being adapted into a movie written and starring Rahim, directed by Jeff Osborne, the director behind the “Nothing To Gain” video. (watch the Travel Properly film teaser here). Samad’s most recent full-length is Broken Barriers 2, which you can download at KevinNottingham.com by clicking here. “‘Nothing To Gain’ is about when you are that point in your life when you feel like you’re at the bottom and you have no where else to go but up,” says Rahim. When you have no other options but to walk the path that is in front of you.” - See more at: http://www.hiphopnometry.org/?p=4756#sthash.wEA5YplC.dpuf - hiphopnometry.org


"Rahim Samad “Nothing 2 Gain”"

Bronx-bred, Tampa-based emcee Rahim Samad presents the Jeff Osborne-directed music video for “Nothing To Gain”, his new self-produced single from Justice/Reformation, his forthcoming album dropping February 2013 - hiphopruckus.com


"Rahim Samad “Nothing 2 Gain”"

Bronx-bred, Tampa-based emcee Rahim Samad presents the Jeff Osborne-directed music video for “Nothing To Gain”, his new self-produced single from Justice/Reformation, his forthcoming album dropping February 2013 - hiphopruckus.com


"Rahim Samad – “Nothing 2 Gain”"

“Nothing To Gain” is from Rahim Samad’s upcoming album titled Justice/Reformation which will be released December 2012. Rahim’s mixtape ‘Broken Barriers II’ is also available for download at http://www.vaultclassicinc.com/ - hiphopauthority.com


"Rahim Samad – “Nothing 2 Gain”"

“Nothing To Gain” is from Rahim Samad’s upcoming album titled Justice/Reformation which will be released December 2012. Rahim’s mixtape ‘Broken Barriers II’ is also available for download at http://www.vaultclassicinc.com/ - hiphopauthority.com


"Rahim Samad “Nothing 2 Gain”"

The song is from his upcoming album titled ‘Justice/Reformation’ which will be released December 2012. - Urbanflair.co.uk


"Rahim Samad “Nothing 2 Gain”"

The song is from his upcoming album titled ‘Justice/Reformation’ which will be released December 2012. - Urbanflair.co.uk


"Rahim Samad - Nothing 2 Gain"

Music video for song 'Nothing 2 Gain' by Rahim Samad. From the upcoming album 'Justice/Reformation'. VaultClassic Records VaultClassicInc.com - Musicandstrength.tv


"Rahim Samad - Nothing 2 Gain"

Music video for song 'Nothing 2 Gain' by Rahim Samad. From the upcoming album 'Justice/Reformation'. VaultClassic Records VaultClassicInc.com - Musicandstrength.tv


"Rahim Samad – Nothing 2 Gain [Video]"

Bronx-bred, Tampa-based emcee Rahim Samad presents the Jeff Osborne-directed music video for “Nothing To Gain”, his new self-produced single from Justice/Reformation, his forthcoming album dropping February 2013 - Deadendhiphop.com


"Rahim Samad – Nothing 2 Gain [Video]"

Bronx-bred, Tampa-based emcee Rahim Samad presents the Jeff Osborne-directed music video for “Nothing To Gain”, his new self-produced single from Justice/Reformation, his forthcoming album dropping February 2013 - Deadendhiphop.com


"Rahim Samad Interview with Hip Rock Magazine"

Rahim Samad
VaultClassic.com



Here is an artist that has a lot going on. From music to movies to probably a chef in the kitchen (we'll find out later). Rahim Samad comes to us from Bronx, New York. His flair for moving forward is well noted due to the projects he involves himself in.

?

He has two albums, both acclaimed by critics and fans. "Broken Economics" was his first gaining a review by media newspaper, Creative Loafing, which stated that the album made Hip Hop, "sound fresh again." Rap Reviews gave his second album, "Travel Properly" an 8 out of 10. In all the reviews a common theme was his well rounded style and how he was able to uphold a fresh sound pulling from Hip Hop's Golden era.

?

I've checked out the videos and sampled his, "Broken Barriers II" and have found some good thngs to note such as a flow you can relate to and determination in his forward movement. The critics were right about his sound. He doesn't stop at the audio portion either. He has quite a list of music videos. Right now you can check out Nothing 2 Gain Music Video link: http://youtebe/PgrY98bYgmU if you want to.

Travel Properly, the movie. (teaser video is here: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWh7VIxOLkE ) was filmed in Rahim's hometown, Tampa, Florida. The gist of the movie involves 2 friends who find themselves in the midst of conflict when a job offered by a stranger goes awry. The film includes some great talent by Colin Felder and local Tampa Hip Hop Godfather Funghost.



In this interview we'll see what kind of chef he is, how the movie is coming along and other intereseting tidbits from this future pursuing artist!



?

?

THE INTERVIEW

Daniel/HRM: Please introduce yourself and tell me if you ever confused tator tots with tator rounds.



Rahim: Peace! My name is Rahim Samad, VaultClassic records Hip Hop artist from Tampa, Florida. And I have never confused tater tots with tater rounds. I've never had a tater round actually. Arent they the same thing? Now that I think about it, I couldnt tell you the last time I've even had a tater tot. Been a long time. I think the last time I had one was in school.

?

Daniel/HRM: Whoah. You poor deprived person. (laughs) Are you a chef of any kind in the kitchen?

?

Rahim: To some degree yes. I can cook pretty well. I dont cook all that high-end snobby food, just the good stuff. No 'mountain oysters' ever! (laughs) I'm pretty mean on the grill too. I prefer to cook my own food when I can or have somebody I trust cook. I dont trust these restaurants and fast food kitchens nowadays. Too nasty and probably got some health code violations going on back there.

?

Daniel/HRM: When it does come down to a meal, how do you throw down? Is it anything like your music?

?

Rahim: It's similar. I take my time preparing it and pay attention to detail, and I make sure it is well seasoned and the food isnt past its expiration date. Has to be healthy with the right amount of vitamins and minerals in it. Just like good music. (laughs) And if it isn't good I won't put it on the table. Alot of music today is like fast food: unhealthy, made fast with no care or soul, and devoid of sustenance.

?

Daniel/HRM: Describe your sound as if it was an experience in a kitchen with an amazing chef.

?

Rahim: Well, I guess chefs take their time in doing their 'prep work' when preparing their dishes. I am out constantly looking for records and listening to them and finding sounds as well as writing and working out cadences. Some chefs spend more time doing prep work than they do actually cooking and I spend more time preparing my songs than recording them. I can record a song in a couple of minutes, preparing it takes longer but like any amazing chef, as long as the end result is a great dish, the end justifies the means.

?

Daniel/HRM: Well said indeed! I read last November about your "Travel Properly" movie which was slated to release in December, then pushed back to January. When will the movie be coming out?

?

Rahim: The movie release has been pushed back a couple times. The editing of the film took alot longer than originally anticipated and alot of unexpected setbacks popped up along the way that kept pushing the release date back. But Inshallah, we should be good to go now and July is set for the release

?

Daniel/HRM: How much fun is it to work on the movie?

?

Rahim: Filming the movie was alot of fun. Even the early morning shoots were fun. The cast was a trip and got along great. Even when the police rolled on us when we were trying to film the closing scene and the middle scene, that was fun too cause they were real cool about it. One cop was a producer of stage productions, like Tyler Perry and invited some of the actors to try out for his stage production. Many of the actors are friends that I - Hip Rock Magazine


"Rahim Samad Interview with Hip Rock Magazine"

Rahim Samad
VaultClassic.com



Here is an artist that has a lot going on. From music to movies to probably a chef in the kitchen (we'll find out later). Rahim Samad comes to us from Bronx, New York. His flair for moving forward is well noted due to the projects he involves himself in.

?

He has two albums, both acclaimed by critics and fans. "Broken Economics" was his first gaining a review by media newspaper, Creative Loafing, which stated that the album made Hip Hop, "sound fresh again." Rap Reviews gave his second album, "Travel Properly" an 8 out of 10. In all the reviews a common theme was his well rounded style and how he was able to uphold a fresh sound pulling from Hip Hop's Golden era.

?

I've checked out the videos and sampled his, "Broken Barriers II" and have found some good thngs to note such as a flow you can relate to and determination in his forward movement. The critics were right about his sound. He doesn't stop at the audio portion either. He has quite a list of music videos. Right now you can check out Nothing 2 Gain Music Video link: http://youtebe/PgrY98bYgmU if you want to.

Travel Properly, the movie. (teaser video is here: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWh7VIxOLkE ) was filmed in Rahim's hometown, Tampa, Florida. The gist of the movie involves 2 friends who find themselves in the midst of conflict when a job offered by a stranger goes awry. The film includes some great talent by Colin Felder and local Tampa Hip Hop Godfather Funghost.



In this interview we'll see what kind of chef he is, how the movie is coming along and other intereseting tidbits from this future pursuing artist!



?

?

THE INTERVIEW

Daniel/HRM: Please introduce yourself and tell me if you ever confused tator tots with tator rounds.



Rahim: Peace! My name is Rahim Samad, VaultClassic records Hip Hop artist from Tampa, Florida. And I have never confused tater tots with tater rounds. I've never had a tater round actually. Arent they the same thing? Now that I think about it, I couldnt tell you the last time I've even had a tater tot. Been a long time. I think the last time I had one was in school.

?

Daniel/HRM: Whoah. You poor deprived person. (laughs) Are you a chef of any kind in the kitchen?

?

Rahim: To some degree yes. I can cook pretty well. I dont cook all that high-end snobby food, just the good stuff. No 'mountain oysters' ever! (laughs) I'm pretty mean on the grill too. I prefer to cook my own food when I can or have somebody I trust cook. I dont trust these restaurants and fast food kitchens nowadays. Too nasty and probably got some health code violations going on back there.

?

Daniel/HRM: When it does come down to a meal, how do you throw down? Is it anything like your music?

?

Rahim: It's similar. I take my time preparing it and pay attention to detail, and I make sure it is well seasoned and the food isnt past its expiration date. Has to be healthy with the right amount of vitamins and minerals in it. Just like good music. (laughs) And if it isn't good I won't put it on the table. Alot of music today is like fast food: unhealthy, made fast with no care or soul, and devoid of sustenance.

?

Daniel/HRM: Describe your sound as if it was an experience in a kitchen with an amazing chef.

?

Rahim: Well, I guess chefs take their time in doing their 'prep work' when preparing their dishes. I am out constantly looking for records and listening to them and finding sounds as well as writing and working out cadences. Some chefs spend more time doing prep work than they do actually cooking and I spend more time preparing my songs than recording them. I can record a song in a couple of minutes, preparing it takes longer but like any amazing chef, as long as the end result is a great dish, the end justifies the means.

?

Daniel/HRM: Well said indeed! I read last November about your "Travel Properly" movie which was slated to release in December, then pushed back to January. When will the movie be coming out?

?

Rahim: The movie release has been pushed back a couple times. The editing of the film took alot longer than originally anticipated and alot of unexpected setbacks popped up along the way that kept pushing the release date back. But Inshallah, we should be good to go now and July is set for the release

?

Daniel/HRM: How much fun is it to work on the movie?

?

Rahim: Filming the movie was alot of fun. Even the early morning shoots were fun. The cast was a trip and got along great. Even when the police rolled on us when we were trying to film the closing scene and the middle scene, that was fun too cause they were real cool about it. One cop was a producer of stage productions, like Tyler Perry and invited some of the actors to try out for his stage production. Many of the actors are friends that I - Hip Rock Magazine


"Da-What.com What is Hip Hop - Rahim Samad"

Interview with Rahim Samad on hip hop in Tampa, FL - Da-What.com


"Da-What.com What is Hip Hop - Rahim Samad"

Interview with Rahim Samad on hip hop in Tampa, FL - Da-What.com


"Audio: Rahim Samad – Alkahest (prod. FunkGhost)"

BARS, tho. Listen to this submission from Tampa artist Rahim Samad. Witty, rhythmic flow over assaulting strings and a hard hitting drumbeat produced by The FunkGhost. This release is from the Movie and Soundtrack Travel Properly. - clpnation.com - Alec Burnright


"Rahim Samad – Alkahest (Prod. FunkGhost)"

New York DJ and emcee Rahim Samad spits fire over a haunting sampled beat by FunkGhost.

Rahim Samad was fortunate to have been born down Sedgewick Avenue, a place held in the highest regard by many in the culture of hip hop. After moving down the coast to Tampa, he honed his skills as both an emcee and a DJ. The film Travel Properly was shot in his hometown and Rahim provided some music for the soundtrack, this one being Alkahest. Produced by FunkGhost, Rahim spits “that non-fiction” over an eerie booming sample with a confident sounding flow and rich vocal tone. - Luke Davis - sampleface.co.uk


"Rahim Samad interview for Indie (401) Arts Television"

Video interview - Indie 401 Arts television | Rhode Island


"Rolling Stones: Interview with Rahim Samad"

(Page 38) Rahim Samad speaking about his upcoming film 'Travel Properly' and his latest mixtape 'Broken Barriers 2' - Nocturnal Void Magazine


"Rolling Stones: Interview with Rahim Samad"

(Page 38) Rahim Samad speaking about his upcoming film 'Travel Properly' and his latest mixtape 'Broken Barriers 2' - Nocturnal Void Magazine


"Rahim Samad 88.5 Saturday Night Shutdown interview"

Rahim speaking on being TBT arist of the day and his Broken Barriers 2 mixtape - WMNF 88.5 FM


"Rahim Samad - Travel Properly Album review"

(pg 57)
Tampa is a wealth of talent in all areas, especially music and art. With the rise of double and triple threat artists being the norm, MC/DJ/Producer Rahim Samad is a prime example. Born in the Bronx, NY, Rahim was practically born where Hip Hop was born. Samad's release, Travel Properly, is a Hip Hop survival guide. This is a well balanced LP, with tales of life, love and protecting your neck mixed with clever wordplay tracks like Tampa Psalm, a full fledged city anthem. Over half of the album is self-produced with rich bass-heavy soul beats, with veteran producer Funkghost's signature sped up vocal samples. The album also includes a few solid kick/clap bangers that portray an overal message of struggle and perserverance. Travel Properly is definitely a VaultClassic - Reax Magazine


"Rahim Samad - Travel Properly Album review"

(pg 57)
Tampa is a wealth of talent in all areas, especially music and art. With the rise of double and triple threat artists being the norm, MC/DJ/Producer Rahim Samad is a prime example. Born in the Bronx, NY, Rahim was practically born where Hip Hop was born. Samad's release, Travel Properly, is a Hip Hop survival guide. This is a well balanced LP, with tales of life, love and protecting your neck mixed with clever wordplay tracks like Tampa Psalm, a full fledged city anthem. Over half of the album is self-produced with rich bass-heavy soul beats, with veteran producer Funkghost's signature sped up vocal samples. The album also includes a few solid kick/clap bangers that portray an overal message of struggle and perserverance. Travel Properly is definitely a VaultClassic - Reax Magazine


"Rahim Samad: Broken Barriers Vol. 2"

Tampa emcee Rahim Samad hit me up with this dope mixtape entitled Broken Barriers Volume 2 hosted by DJ 2Nen. Rahim & his label Vault Classic are currently working on a movie version of his debut album Travel Properly, which you can preview here. Tracklist & link after the jump.

- Kevin Nottingham.com


"Rahim Samad: Broken Barriers Vol. 2"

Tampa emcee Rahim Samad hit me up with this dope mixtape entitled Broken Barriers Volume 2 hosted by DJ 2Nen. Rahim & his label Vault Classic are currently working on a movie version of his debut album Travel Properly, which you can preview here. Tracklist & link after the jump.

- Kevin Nottingham.com


"Artist of the day: Rahim Samad"

As a rapper, Rahim Samad has a '90s-throwback flow that bridges the gap between the gangsta swagger of Dr. Dre and the jazzy funk of Digable Planets. He’s also a skilled writer with plenty of charisma, which is how he ended up writing and starring in an independent movie recently filmed in and around Tampa.

Helmed by local music video director Jeff Osborne, Travel Properly is sort of a triptych, a three-part story of two down-on-their-luck men who help a third man, then receive an unexpected repayment down the line. Tampa rapper Funkghost also stars in the film. This isn’t the first time Osborne and Samad have collaborated — check out their video for Samad’s On The Corner, above.

And check out Samad’s most recent mixtape, Broken Barriers II, for a taste of his music.
- TBT (Tampa Bay Times) Newspaper


"Artist of the day: Rahim Samad"

As a rapper, Rahim Samad has a '90s-throwback flow that bridges the gap between the gangsta swagger of Dr. Dre and the jazzy funk of Digable Planets. He’s also a skilled writer with plenty of charisma, which is how he ended up writing and starring in an independent movie recently filmed in and around Tampa.

Helmed by local music video director Jeff Osborne, Travel Properly is sort of a triptych, a three-part story of two down-on-their-luck men who help a third man, then receive an unexpected repayment down the line. Tampa rapper Funkghost also stars in the film. This isn’t the first time Osborne and Samad have collaborated — check out their video for Samad’s On The Corner, above.

And check out Samad’s most recent mixtape, Broken Barriers II, for a taste of his music.
- TBT (Tampa Bay Times) Newspaper


"Rahim Samad - Travel Properly Album review"

Rahim Samad :: Travel Properly :: Vaultclassic Records
as reviewed by Jesal 'Jay Soul' Padania
Hunger. Right now, there are about 6 billion people on this planet that are hungry. Perhaps in different shades, of course. For those in Burma, looking Death face to face, their plight is in the world spotlight and they are in desperate need of food and shelter. I, on the other hand, am simply hungry for a late-night snack. You may be an affection-starved partner hungry for your lover's touch. Or, that rare breed, a hungry MC.

That is what we here at RapReviews specialize in - hungry MC's. Unfortunately, as hip hop has grown into this global behemoth, hungry MC's have become somewhat of an endangered species. Sure, you may find the odd rapper here or there, particularly around the time of their debut - when they have a point to prove - that seem to have that Rocky-like glint in their eye. But once success or failure slaps them on the ass (success) or the cheek (failure) then that desire tends to dissipate. Sometimes it takes another to light a fire underneath us to move one to action - step forward Nas circa 2001 ("Stillmatic"). The common denominator usually boils down to one of two things: either they have a point to prove, or they enjoy a true creative freedom that surpasses hunger.

Which brings us to Rahim Samad and what is, in all honesty, a gem of an album. The chances are you won't know about it, and would probably never hear of him, were it not for the fact that you took time out of your life to read this review. But now that you have, you're in luck. The NY-born MC, relocated to Tampa, has put together an album that, upon a first listen, may not appear to be that different from the rest of the herd. It certainly isn't flawless, either. But further rotations should make you realize that here is an artist in his element as the underdog - albeit one without the underdog glint. Yes, the beats are generally very soulful, yet sparse offerings that are well paced, as well as allowing his vocals to mesh in nicely. Yes, the choruses tend to be better than your average. Even his flow ranges from good to excellent, with lyrical complexity peppering certain songs with a 1994-style flavour. But the best thing about "Travel Properly" is the usage of skits and interludes.

That may seem strange to say, but the politically-charged samples, combined with mournful instrumental loops, work wonderfully - the theme revolves around how the government has an agenda to control society at large, and suppress the black community in America. But it sheds new light on tracks that would otherwise seem unremarkable, as well as prompting the listener to reevaluate their belief system (or at very least, their faith in the powers that be). Once we get past the formulaic opening sequence (funky soul of "John Horse" + rep your hood anthem "Tampa Psalm" = solid dose of "Fuck The Police"), the laid back instrumental groove of "John Henry" contains scratches and samples only, leading to super-strength album core that Kanye would be proud of.

"Close 2 U" finds Rahim, part threatening Biggie Smalls, part distanced Nas, spitting a relaxed and emotional flow; the beautiful plucked bass of "Hardcore" barely conceals the world-wearily intense lyricism that the first verse, in particular, could be a Hip Hop Quotable; the looped Al Green instrumental contrasting with more sampled knowledge on "Bukay" opens eyes to the illusions we face; and the pitch-shifting distorted bass of the solid single "In The City" rounding things off nicely. That's not all, as we still have more good stuff to go through, especially the sinister soul of "What's Good," but the albums core is what really brings the heat.

Aside from the somewhat standardized opening sequence, "Travel Properly" is an excellent and surprising album that is definitely worth listening to. Putting my A&R hat on, I could even imagine a decent-sized label doing relatively big things with an artist like Rahim - he has the potential, as well as the production skills, to succeed and connect with a larger audience. As previously mentioned, this isn't a flawless ride, but is still mightily impressive. What's more, Rahim is an artist that seems to be reveling in his creative freedom - that opening salvo, constrained and predictable, finds the MC going through the motions. But once he is allowed to do what he does best, he opens up and lets us into his mind - Rahim doesn't need to be hungry, like most other MC's. He just needs to be left alone, and you can trust that he will come correct. In that case, maybe we should (selfishly) hope that a big label doesn't snap him up anytime soon - it probably wouldn't result in an album this good.

Music Vibes: 8 of 10 Lyric Vibes: 8 of 10 TOTAL Vibes: 8 of 10

- Rap Reviews.com


"Rahim Samad - Travel Properly Album review"

Rahim Samad :: Travel Properly :: Vaultclassic Records
as reviewed by Jesal 'Jay Soul' Padania
Hunger. Right now, there are about 6 billion people on this planet that are hungry. Perhaps in different shades, of course. For those in Burma, looking Death face to face, their plight is in the world spotlight and they are in desperate need of food and shelter. I, on the other hand, am simply hungry for a late-night snack. You may be an affection-starved partner hungry for your lover's touch. Or, that rare breed, a hungry MC.

That is what we here at RapReviews specialize in - hungry MC's. Unfortunately, as hip hop has grown into this global behemoth, hungry MC's have become somewhat of an endangered species. Sure, you may find the odd rapper here or there, particularly around the time of their debut - when they have a point to prove - that seem to have that Rocky-like glint in their eye. But once success or failure slaps them on the ass (success) or the cheek (failure) then that desire tends to dissipate. Sometimes it takes another to light a fire underneath us to move one to action - step forward Nas circa 2001 ("Stillmatic"). The common denominator usually boils down to one of two things: either they have a point to prove, or they enjoy a true creative freedom that surpasses hunger.

Which brings us to Rahim Samad and what is, in all honesty, a gem of an album. The chances are you won't know about it, and would probably never hear of him, were it not for the fact that you took time out of your life to read this review. But now that you have, you're in luck. The NY-born MC, relocated to Tampa, has put together an album that, upon a first listen, may not appear to be that different from the rest of the herd. It certainly isn't flawless, either. But further rotations should make you realize that here is an artist in his element as the underdog - albeit one without the underdog glint. Yes, the beats are generally very soulful, yet sparse offerings that are well paced, as well as allowing his vocals to mesh in nicely. Yes, the choruses tend to be better than your average. Even his flow ranges from good to excellent, with lyrical complexity peppering certain songs with a 1994-style flavour. But the best thing about "Travel Properly" is the usage of skits and interludes.

That may seem strange to say, but the politically-charged samples, combined with mournful instrumental loops, work wonderfully - the theme revolves around how the government has an agenda to control society at large, and suppress the black community in America. But it sheds new light on tracks that would otherwise seem unremarkable, as well as prompting the listener to reevaluate their belief system (or at very least, their faith in the powers that be). Once we get past the formulaic opening sequence (funky soul of "John Horse" + rep your hood anthem "Tampa Psalm" = solid dose of "Fuck The Police"), the laid back instrumental groove of "John Henry" contains scratches and samples only, leading to super-strength album core that Kanye would be proud of.

"Close 2 U" finds Rahim, part threatening Biggie Smalls, part distanced Nas, spitting a relaxed and emotional flow; the beautiful plucked bass of "Hardcore" barely conceals the world-wearily intense lyricism that the first verse, in particular, could be a Hip Hop Quotable; the looped Al Green instrumental contrasting with more sampled knowledge on "Bukay" opens eyes to the illusions we face; and the pitch-shifting distorted bass of the solid single "In The City" rounding things off nicely. That's not all, as we still have more good stuff to go through, especially the sinister soul of "What's Good," but the albums core is what really brings the heat.

Aside from the somewhat standardized opening sequence, "Travel Properly" is an excellent and surprising album that is definitely worth listening to. Putting my A&R hat on, I could even imagine a decent-sized label doing relatively big things with an artist like Rahim - he has the potential, as well as the production skills, to succeed and connect with a larger audience. As previously mentioned, this isn't a flawless ride, but is still mightily impressive. What's more, Rahim is an artist that seems to be reveling in his creative freedom - that opening salvo, constrained and predictable, finds the MC going through the motions. But once he is allowed to do what he does best, he opens up and lets us into his mind - Rahim doesn't need to be hungry, like most other MC's. He just needs to be left alone, and you can trust that he will come correct. In that case, maybe we should (selfishly) hope that a big label doesn't snap him up anytime soon - it probably wouldn't result in an album this good.

Music Vibes: 8 of 10 Lyric Vibes: 8 of 10 TOTAL Vibes: 8 of 10

- Rap Reviews.com


Discography

Freedom/Resurrection - Album
Travel Properly - Album
Broken Barriers I - Mixtape
Broken Barriers II - Mixtape

Photos

Bio

Born in the Bronx Ny, Rahim practically was born where Hip Hop was born, down the Sedgwick avenue street where Kool Herc used to throw his parties. After moving to Tampa in the early 90's, Rahim began crafting his meticulously rhythmatic rhyme style. He also started writing songs and making beats as well as Djing around the area. The songs he crafted soon formed into his first album titled ‘Freedom/Resurrection’. With strong cuts such as ‘On the Corner’ and ‘Broken Economics’, the album was well received by fans and critics alike. The weekly media newspaper, Creative Loafing, said the album made Hip Hop ‘sound fresh all over again’. Rahim's 2nd album 'Travel Properly was also well received by fans and critics. The album single 'John Horse' reached #2 on the Rap Mixshow charts and propelled the music video to over 70,000 views. RapReviews.com gave the album 8 out of 10 stars and praised Rahim for his wordplay and beats. Rahim was even able to begin production and star in a movie called 'Travel Properly' that is loosely based on his life as well as the album theme. Fans and critics have come to love the VaultClassic Sound that pulls from Hip Hop’s Golden Era without sounding dated but instead sounding modernly fresh and innovatively futuristic.

Band Members