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SA-RA
Trip Hop / Hip Hop / Alternative

"EXPERIENCE AND INNOVATION"

NEW YORK, New York
United States

Profile Views:  376765




Last Login:  7/22/2008
View My: Pics | Videos

   Contacting SA-RA

 MySpace URL: 
  http://www.myspace.com/saramusic  

   SA-RA: General Info
Member Since3/31/2006
Band Websitesa-ra.net
Band MembersTaz Arnold, Shafiq Husayn & Om'Mas Keith Official Site

SA-RAMusic.com

For Shows and Bookings Contact Info: sara.music1@gmail.com

Record LabelWill be announcing new homes very soon! Look out!
Type of LabelMajor




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We're in the new vibe June Issue  (view more)

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   About SA-RA
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SA-RAMUSIC.com


Experience and innovation. In the age of young thugs and one-hit wonders, these two traits are often missing from todays Hip-Hop. Not so, with SA-RA. The Los Angeles/New York-based group/production trio consisting of Taz Arnold, Shafiq Husayn and Om'Mas Keith are stepping from behind the boards for their G.O.O.D. Music/SONY Urban Music debut.

This is something we talked about and joked about for years, says Taz. All of us were producers and artists as individuals, but we knew each other and were fond of each others work.

Ironically, Taz and Shafiq met at a mosque they both attended. According to Taz, he knew Shafiq was already an established producer and they often discussed music and their respective projects. In fact, it was Shafiqs work with Ice-Ts Rhyme Syndicate Records, of which Shafiq was a main staff producer, that introduced OmMas into the trio.

At one point, Shafiq & OmMas lived and shared a studio on Sugar Hill in Harlem. When they would come back to L.A. they would use my studio, Taz recalls. So, Shafiq introduced me to OmMas. Ever since then, we all kept in contact and would build on music. Eventually, we decided we wanted to make a super group/production-type thing happen.

Having logged years of studio time as individual producers, the members of SA-RA are by no means newcomers to the game. However, their sound is unlike anything you have ever heard before. Not bad for a group that only officially formed four years ago.

A Master Teacher, Street Fashion Icon and native of South Central Los Angeles, Taz worked as a primary creative consultant and talent scout for Dr. Dre while he crafted hip-hops historic The Chronic 2001. His input would include helping to actually name the LP. Additionally, his continued work with Dre would eventually land him a label deal with Aftermath Records.

Shafiq has an impressive resume of his own. The Bronx, NY/LA-bred Master Teacher, Zulu King and Record Guru had previously been signed to SONY, and produced for a vast array of artists (i.e., Ice-T, Body Count, Lord Finesse, D.X.T., Afrika Bambaataa, Prince, Duran Duran), movie soundtracks (New Jack City) and scores (Deep Cover).

SA-RA's third Master Teacher, Hollis Queens, NY-bred OmMas began honing his craft at the age of 15 while interning at RCA Records. As a staff producer for the late, great Jam Master Jay, he would produce and/or engineer on tracks for Onyx, Run DMC, Lauryn Hill and a young 50 Cent. Later on, a production deal with Suavehouse Records would have him working with 8-Ball & MJG, Mobb Deep, Foxy Brown, Coolio, Charlie Baltimore & Ice Cube.

We all come from a very strong, royal Black lineage; thats one of the many things that we all have in common, OmMas notes. We all came from humble beginnings; none of us have rich parents, but we were all schooled by our parents to have a mindset to know that we can take over if we want to.

However, after years of creating for others, SA-RA decided to go for self. We decided to put all of our previous endeavors aside, says OmMas. We agreed that all the endeavors that we would have in the entertainment field for right now would be under the auspices of this thing called SA-RAour thing, our way.

With the trio now ready to record, they immediately had a vision for their sound. We understood that before anything, the music had to be competitive and unique to get anybodys attention, says Taz. You cant just do what the next man is doing. Our music might be considered left on some level, but it is always very well thought out. Its meant to be that way. Its on purpose. We are the perfect blend of what the streets want and what the streets need, Shafiq adds. Its a delicate balancing act, but were up for the challenge!

Say you have a lot of cats standing on the corner, and on one corner you have all the gangsta rap shit, on another corner you may have the more artistic cats, on another corner you have R&B and soul, says Taz. We wanted to be on that fourth corner by ourselves. Even though that fourth corner wasnt popular and no one frequented that corner, we would rather be on that corner by ourselves because were going to get peoples attention.

And the group did just that with just a few tracks.

We put out a small CD-R -- maybe 20 tracks -- and we started circulating it to let cats hear it. The next thing you know, it was being bootlegged on the internet, says Shafiq. It got bootlegged so hard that it leaked into Europe. When it hit Europe, it was like the new plague. We started getting e-mails and calls. We were jumping on planes and doing whatever we had to do in order to be right where the action was. The beautiful thing is that we never really looked for a record deal. We tried to do this thing totally grassroots-style and just f**k what everybody else was doing.

While SA-RA -- which they define as an ancient Kemetic or Egyptian phrase meaning offspring of the most powerful energy in the universe or children of the cosmos -- wasnt looking for a deal, it wasnt long before the major labels came calling. Though, only one label seemed like the right choice. By the time we were in a position to get a deal, we were dealing mostly with Kanye [West] & Sony/BMG, Taz explains. Before we signed, we had Pharrell interested in signing us to Star Trak. Jay-Z and L.A. Reid, at Def Jam, were very interested. One of our Attorneys, Gary Stiffleman, even walked our project to Jermaine Dupri. You had cats like Craig Kallman at Atlantic Records calling us into their office and saying they wanted us on their team, OmMas adds. There was a soft-core bidding war, but it didnt really get out of hand because we felt strongly and passionately about the G.O.O.D. Music family and dealing with Kanye.

Though, it would be eight months of intense negotiations before they actually signed on the dotted line. A lot of that time was spent just talking about how fly the SA-RA movement would be for the cats in the streets and in all walks of life, says OmMas. People will always need something different in their lives.

The fact that Im a style whore, a label whore and a fashion trend setter -- coupled with the fact that SA-RA was killing the whole fashion game -- was another large aspect of why we went with G.O.O.D. Music, because you had Kanye doing the same thing, Taz reasons. You had Bentley and Consequence; it was a thing where we could be looked at as the best dressed labelthe flyest ni**as in the game, just with different styles.

With G.O.O.D. Music behind them and style to spare, SA-RA seems more than ready to bring their signature sound to the masses. I have a term and a definition to describe our music, says Shafiq. The term Afro Magnetic Electronic Spiritualism. The definition Black music.

However you describe it, the groups forthcoming G.O.O.D. Music/SONY Urban Music debut has something for everyone.

We like to deal with the ladies, but we got jewels too, says Shafiq. Were not just some jive type dudes. Its fun but it is all balanced. Youve got to deal with supreme balance and with supreme balance youre talking about opposites. With opposites, youre talking about masculine and feminine. A chick wants to rock with a dude just as much as a dude wants to rock with a chick, but because society has set up certain boundaries and etiquette, you cant. So, SA-RA is going to break the ice.

SA-RA is like a Secret Society, but youve got to go buy the album in order to be indoctrinated, OmMas muses. Im confident that well have a membership well into the millions. One main thing we have in common with Kanye is that we are proactive artists. We dont wait for nobody, we make s**t happen!

The vision of this album is to liberate people, concludes Taz. To let them know that they can do whatever the f**k they want to domusically or otherwise. They are going to hear so much on this album that theyre going to say, I didnt know they could make music like this and still appeal to the masses. We are bringing everybody back to the table. Its about to be fresh to be Black again. From the thugs to the elitist, we are about to level out the playing field.

This is Excellence, Black excellence! SA-RA


   SA-RA's Friend Space (Top 12)
SA-RA has 19330 friends.
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 DAEDELUS 

Is Online



SA-RA's Friends Comments
Displaying 50 of 1725 comments  ( View All | Add Comment )
KID-80


Is Online


Jul 22 2008 7:13 AM

PEACE HOLLA
colortheory





Jul 22 2008 1:27 PM

Photobucket

Photobucket
blasianboy





Jun 30 2008 12:48 PM

listen new beat on my page


sara song from mars

when perforance in france?
urbanshoxx





Jul 1 2008 10:55 AM

hey SA-RA thanks for the add,really appreciate that!

I'm an upcoming urban producer from germany currently networking in the states,so feel free to check my page and my music!
SUNRU





Jul 1 2008 12:00 PM

O SA-RA WE GOT WORK TO DO!!!!BROTHERS FROM
ANOTHER...MAY OUR STARS ALIGN SOOOOON.....ONE
Queen▲rie$ Divine Pisçean M!nd (F!RE/W∆TER-$IGN) ۞





Jul 1 2008 4:08 PM

Sa-Ra, Sons of God, Children of the Source. The sounds of Amen Khum Ra were wit me heavily last night as I slept. Over and over was replaying in my mind/dream: Aun Au Khu Mes Tahamu Khemu, Mesu Ntrrr Mut Tef Maatu, Apuat Khu Apuat, Smet Apu Mtu Ntrrr Anuk Kherrru. Then the voice began to instill these words in me saying: I am of the Divine Mother Father God. I am the infinite blackness, the infinite brightness, the All Awareness, forever establishing the field of truth and reeds...through unifying the two Worlds." Those r the words that were spoken to me last night, replayin over & over in my slumber, thank u for passing on enlightenment to the masses. & keep on spreading that goodness! i hope ur sounds instill in peoples conciousnness as well.
D-Noel





Jul 18 2008 9:20 AM

The joint ya'll did for farnsworth bentley is phenomenal! Keep the heat comin'!
Max I Million





Jul 21 2008 6:01 AM

Peace to SA-RA!

Good job on that Fonzworth track, hope it..ll get some ears open..
DJ DARKFADE


Is Online


Jul 21 2008 1:52 PM

YO THAT NEW F.BENTLEY JAWN THAT YOU ALL DID ......JOINT IS THE TRUTH
Jae Keys





Jul 21 2008 4:32 PM

Loving the music
✖ NayNay ✖





Jul 16 2008 11:03 AM

thks for the add.
peace
Lyny





Jul 16 2008 10:59 PM

still haven't came to seattle!
i'm sad.
MarciaNicole





Jul 17 2008 9:46 AM

Hey folks,

It's been a minute since I've said hello, so here I go-hello.

Check my page. You've probably already seen it, but I've added the Everybody video to my page. I'm so proud! You'd never know it was like 199 degrees those 3 days.
8-)
JAY $ANCHEZ





Jul 3 2008 5:16 PM

Hi cool boys !!
Keepin touch...thanks for add !!
One luv
Yamaan





Jul 4 2008 4:39 AM

Thanks for the add!!!
The Carps





Jul 5 2008 11:26 AM

"do me gurrrrlllll..."
ETHER from daku420





Jul 6 2008 8:07 PM

PUT ROSEBUDS ON THIS PAGE SO I CAN PUT IT ON MINE THAT BEAT IS ILL
ADD MY NEW PAGE CUS IM DELETING THIS ONE





Jul 13 2008 2:25 AM

MUST READ
SO LIKE A YEAR OR 2 AGO I GO TO THIS PRETTY RICKY CONCERT AND IM STANDIN IN LINE WAIIN TO GET INSIDE WHEN THIS MAN COMES UP TO ME AND HANDS ME A CD IM LIKE WTF?? NEXT DAY I GIVE THE CD TO MA MOM LIKE LISTEN TO THIS AN TELL ME IF IT SLAPP OR NOT...HOURS LATER WE IN THE CAR AND YOUR SONG HOLLYWOOD IS ON...IM LIKE MOM WHO IS THIS THIS SONG IS SMACKIN SHES LIKE WAIT TILL YU HEAR THIS ONE NASY YU I WENT BANANAS IM LIKE THEY GO!!! WHO IS THIS?? SHES LIKE REMEMBER THAT CD YU GAVE ME LAST NIGHT I WAS SUPER SURPRISED CUS NO OFFENSE I THOUGHT YALL WOULD BE WEAK SO A YEAR OR 2 LATER IM STILL SLAPPIN IT IN MY CAR NOW LOL
Kidd Izzo - Prodigy Producer





Jul 16 2008 10:29 PM

Good Music
Good Music
Good Music
Good Music
Good Music
Good Music
Good Music
every corner is a world





Jul 11 2008 1:17 PM

GLOW REE US!
kaito





Jul 12 2008 12:12 PM

thanks for the add!!
lots of love and respect
peace

kaito
Paul Pre


Is Online


Jun 28 2008 8:19 AM

Hey Sa-Ra,
the new mix for June is here.

enjoy it.

Cheerio, Paul

JUNE MIX
Mix June

download

Playlist:

01.
Milez Benjiman - Chop that Wood
02.
Up Hygh - Compatible
03.
Olivier Daysoul - Bump it
04.
Simbad - Soul Fever
05.
Hearin' Aid - Pop 4
06.
Sa-Ra - Thrilla
07.
Brook D'Leau - Thrillion
08.
Waajeed - Me and you
09.
Eprom - Selahrmx 5
10.
Harmonic 313 - Flashback
11.
Dabrye - This is where i came in
12.
Busta Rhymes - What Up
13.
Up Hygh - Love Dat
14.
VeeBeeO - Klox
15.
Umod - Rest with U (Mapa Mix)
16.
Frank N Dank - Clap your Hands (Morgan Spacek remix)
17. Dabrye feat.
Phat Kat & Jay Dee - Game Over (Flying Lotus remix)
18.
Dal Green - Calll the Police
19. Dr.
Who Dat - B-Boy Portrait in Spain
20.
Rustie - Dog Mask
21.
Hudson Mohawke - ZooOooOoom
22.
Santogold - Starstruck
23.
Birdy Nam Nam - Too much Skunk Tonight
24. Mr.
Oizo - No Day Massacre
25.
Skream - Welcome 2 the Future
26.
Digital Mystikz - Haunted
27.
Benga - 26 Basslines
28.
Darqwan - Last of Nine
29.
Loefah - System
30.
Scuba - Subaqueous
31.
Skream - Lightning
32.
Daedelus - Hermitage
"Ace"





Jun 17 2008 6:16 PM

Hott!!!
QBALL





Jun 15 2008 9:53 PM

Thanx 4 keepin the mothership hoverin fellas!.. Looking 4ward 2 copping the next joint!.. Ya boy is officially now in the 100K BATTLE so if you havent heard my songs yet heres your chance to take a listen!!! Just click on a link for a song below.....



"U Kno" produced by THX(Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Clipse,
etc):
http://www. ursession. com/wakeupshow/100kbattleshow/aa1b4e69-U%20Kno




"Betta Run" produced by Rick Rock(Dr. Dre, Timbaland, E-40, 2Pac,
etc):
http://www. ursession. com/wakeupshow/100kbattleshow/aa1b4d60-Betta%20Run




"Had Enough" produced by J-Dilla *R.I.P.*(Common,Tribe Called
Quest, Slum Village, Prince, etc):
http://www. ursession. com/wakeupshow/100kbattleshow/aa1b4d61-Had%20Enough




Or u kno what 2 do!.. Just click the box below and listen!



Erica





Jun 6 2008 6:15 AM

grazzzzzie per l'add! ciao
Ceefour (Beats 4 Sale)





Jun 7 2008 6:19 AM

Hey!!Slidin Thru. 2 Show U Sum Respect On Ya Page.Aight G.
One!
MOD SQUAD





Jun 9 2008 3:51 PM

dig it SA-RA...

Right on... Right on...

keep on keepin it real...

ONE...
Resto a.k.a. Brown Collar





Jun 10 2008 11:21 AM

heard of shafiq of badu's new album. you guys are different. i dig.

peace,
bc
Kriss-Heart of A Queen Blood of A Slave





Jun 10 2008 12:51 PM

STOPPING BY TO SHOW YALL SOME LOVE I AM HAVING THE HARDEST TIME OF MY LIFE TRYING TO DECIDE WHICH OF YOUR SONG I WANT ON MY PAGE... :(
TONY WEST (BEATS PRODUCER)





Jun 11 2008 8:27 AM

THANKS FOR ADD ME, PEACE
[ Lil Blaze ] 1206. 777. 0137. [ In LA 8-8-08 ]





Jun 11 2008 4:17 PM

ello
thank you for the add
i love your guys music
its awesome
keep u the work
DJ ZapPOut





Jun 12 2008 9:20 AM

Love what you do! Kepp pushin! Stop by and check my free dubstep and hip hop instros for download!
Ms Eboné





Jun 12 2008 11:58 AM

I miss you guyzzz...
You need to make a landing right here in the city

Peace,
Ms Eb-a-nay
Hugo 1





Jun 12 2008 4:42 PM

respect, ultimate respect
SOCIETY IS WARPPED AND EMBELLISHED wasting minds





Jun 13 2008 12:04 AM

mmm yea you keep popping up in vidzz soo damn cute, hell if i was legal.......
Ben Robinson Band Tour





Jun 3 2008 7:27 PM

Thanks for allowing me to join your circle of friends.

Peace and Love!

Ben Robinson