CEO and President

Kareem (most generous, the bountiful) Rasheed (the conscious, the guide) Muhammad (worthy of praises)

My mother feared that I would get teased on April Fools day if that turned out to be the day I came into the world. But I barely eased her fears and was born on March 31, 1975 in Harvey, Illinois.

I was my parents' third and final child. The youngest, not the baby. I lived all my life in the South 'burbs of Chicago. That was cool, interesting. I got to meet a lot of different cats and do a lot of different things that have shaped who I have become.

Who have I become? Much of that I'm still figuring out of course. But so far, I'm a sports fanatic. Tar Heel, Cowboy, Yankee, Cub, Bulls fan.

People say I don't get enough sleep (they're right, but still). They're also right when they say I'm very anal and meticulous.

I'm a hip-hop activist. On numerous occasions I've almost came to blows with family and friends arguing over stuff like who's the best producer, the illest MC, and of course: the best album of all time.

My favorite groups are a Tribe Called Quest (I cried when they broke up, but don't tell nobody), Public Enemy, The Roots, NWA, Gang Starr and Outkast. Favorite artist: Mos Def, KRS, Common, Redman and Slick Rick. Favorite producer: DJ Premiere (Pete Rock is tight though, Previn) Favorite album: Midnight Marauders.

Love my black people. Love different cultures. Love cheese toast. Love spring & autumn, even though both fuck with my allergies. Love to hoop. Love to write, especially while listening to some Miles, Trane or Stevie at like 3 in the morning. Love to love.

I like riding the el with my headphones on and looking at people and wondering what their stories are. I like quiet, mature social settings. I can't really get with the so-called glitz and glamour of the clubs nowadays, although I'll still shake my stankin' ass every once in a while.

I'm currently pursuing my Ph.D in Sociology from the University of Illinois, from where I eventually hope I can try and bring to light some of the world's injustices and clean up stereotypes of minority people that are perpetuated in the media.

Hopefully this venture can provide me the opportunity to do that on an even higher level. I'm just trying to make some noyze, that's all.