MUSAB BIO:

Musab has a way of telling tragedy without bloodshed, guns or drugs - his lyrics somehow are more thrilling and dramatic than these typical gangster rap subjects. His songs tell another side to the American ghetto, that of the black American pimp. A modern day, real life pimp, he puts his own twist on the pimp game and translates it into the rap game. Often glamorized in pop culture and rap music videos as a plush lifestyle, Sab will be the first to say that's a big misconception. "On the other side of the flash and front, it's a very dirty game and strenuous lifestyle that one must have grit and stomach to endure," he says.  Sab (a.k.a. Minnesota Slicks) is a "pimp by blood" as they say. He was born to a fifteen-year-old mother during the seventies "Superfly Era," in Minneapolis, MN, fatherless and raised alone by a teen mother. He saw and experienced many things most children don't, and was introduced to "the oldest profession" by family and friends living the lifestyle. In turn, he became street crafty at a young age. Strapped with a genius IQ level, Sab had the mind and remarkable wit to hurdle the many obstacles put in his way throughout his life and career. Living by one of his favorite sayings, "Don't work harder, work smarter," Sab has built one of the most profound stories in hip-hop culture, earning his peers’ respect through his hard grind and sharp decision-making.

From the first time he heard "Rappers Delight" at one of his mother's house parties, he was obsessed with rap.  He penned his first rap in the third grade and continued to write as a hobby until the age of eighteen. After losing his cousin to murder in the apartment they shared, Sab realized he was in the street game too deep and had to turn to a new direction before it was too late.  So, he began taking rap seriously. He teamed up with Ant (Atmosphere) and started to write and record songs nonstop as he tried to flee life on the streets. He was asked to become a member of local rap collective The Headshots in 1993. The Headshots went on to record classic mixtapes out of the basement of producer Ant. These mixtapes would go on to spawn one of the most fruitful hip-hop scenes in the country... right in snowy Minnesota.

Between the recordings of The Headshots mixtapes, Sab recorded his own album under the name Beyond in 1996. The album was titled Comparison and was the first release of indie hip-hop label giant, Rhymesayers Entertainment. It was an instant regional classic and greatly influenced the Minnesota Hip-Hop sound. Musab guest appeared on Atmosphere's classic first release, Overcast (1998), then teamed up with Atmosphere, I Self Divine of Micronauts, Gene Poole of Full Circle, and producer Ant of Atmosphere to form the super-group The Dynospectrum. They recorded a self-titled album, which became another critically acclaimed instant classic.

While trying to provide for his three children, he still managed to release The Be Sides on cassette in 1999. However, his focus on music was in-and-out due to financial stress. This was a major transition period for Sab as an artist. He decided to drop his recognized emcee name of Beyond in favor of his own name, Musab, because he wanted to express truth in all platforms of his art. Redeveloping his sound and songwriting, he recorded and released the maxi-single "Actin' Rich" in 2000. It garnered mixed reaction amongst underground rap fans that were unsure of Musab's new direction. This is when the "pimp" started to speak louder than the "MC," as heard in songs like, "Guard Your Harem," and "Where My Mama Chill." He knew this sound and direction might draw controversy amongst underground rap fans for his provocative pimp slur. However, he felt he was telling a story that needed to be told - his own. For as much music as he was recording, there was still a side of him not being revealed in his music. He decided to let the pimp's voice be heard on his next album, Respect the Life in 2002. With production from Jake One, Vitamin D, Brother Ali and Ant, he recorded a candid and vivid musical biography. Respect the Life introduced the world to Minnesota Slicks, the Southside mack.

A single was never released from the album and many feel it wasn't well promoted. Creative differences arose between Musab and Rhymesayers Entertainment, but Sab didn't fold.  He polished his game and brought Minnesota Slicks to the forefront of his career in undeniable fashion.  With a loyal fan base awaiting his next release, he stayed true to his indie roots and in 2007 joined forces with Oakland based rap pioneers, The Hieroglyphics.  After eleven years in the rap game, his steadfast hustle has brought Sab to the front of the line.  Musab's next groundbreaking album entitled Slick's Box, is set for release in July, 2007. With a lot of life lived and a lot of pimpin' done between albums, Slick’s Box, will surely add to the legacy of this colorful hip-hop pioneer.