Saleem on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

Saleem, born and bred in Baltimore, but infused with universal appeal, has opened for Talib Kweli, KRS1, Rakim, Guru, Slick Rick, The Wu-Tang Clan, Little Brother, and Fertile Ground to name a few; performing in prominent metropolitan venues as well as rocking the mic intimately in café-like coves throughout the East Coast since 2004.

He has been described as the “embodiment of hip hop’s evolution.” Forgoing present-day rap stereotypes in search of something deeper, Saleem released his debut album Hip-Hop Revisited in 2007. The album blended sample based production with live instrumentation from his band The Music Lovers. In the tradition of master griots such as Nas and Mos Def, Saleem combined masterful rhyme delivery with deeply introspective lyrics that encompassed a wide range of life experiences. The album received critical acclaim from SEN Baltimore, Any Given Tuesday, and The Signal with Aaron Henkin. It was also highly regarded by two of Canada’s largest hip-hop programs on WEFUNK 90.3 FM and The Urban Renewal Project 102.7 FM.

Live instrumentation was incorporated into his music after Saleem formed his group, The Music Lovers, in December 2005. Together they merge the live band tradition with elements of modern hip hop. The combination has made them stalwarts at local hip-hop clubs Sonar and The New Turntable Club (both on the Baltimore City Paper's shortlist for best hip-hop clubs in the city).

Saleem's love of hip hop is born from his love of music. From Public Enemy to Stan Getz and from The Roots to Stevie Wonder, Saleem’s influences are vast. Thus, while his newest project made seem "off the beaten path" to some of his fans, it is a natural progression for him as an artist. Saleem's release of an acoustic/spoken word CD with folk artist Caleb Stine, entitled Outgrown These Walls, has created quite a buzz. “(Saleem) Heggins’verses are strikingly smooth and articulate, and go well with Stine’s raw, captivating voice,” writes Sam Sessa of The Baltimore Sun. With singles like “Baltimore” and “Copy Write,” they have quickly gained a wide and diverse audience. The album was recently named one the Top Ten albums of 2008 by WTMD 89.7 FM.

“Bringing balance back to hip hop” is Saleem's objective. Loving music is his passion. With performances throughout the Baltimore/D.C. area, he continues to attract a diverse listening audience eager to explore hip hop’s higher plane.

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