User:ApacheStone/sandbox



Hip hop is now embracing a new personality. Khaliq Muhammad, born in New Orleans but raised in the Southeast Chicago, in an area known as “Terror Town.” This 21-year old phenomenon, whom the streets dubbed “Apache”, steps into the game with clout.

This Chi Town native has consistently demonstrated his love for the hustle and streets reciprocate. Apache is eager to join the ranks of new artists who are emerging from the Windy City.

At 5 years old Apache’s mom fled New Orleans and made stops in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Jackson, MS and finally settled in Chicago after divorcing his father. Without a father figure Apache quickly learned how to navigate the streets and the gang culture that is firmly established in Chicago’s urban landscape. While struggling financially Apache, his mom and younger brother were often homeless and fed from food pantry lines throughout his time in Chicago. Terror Town gang members often provided Apache and his brother a place to stay, bond and rest their heads.

Seeing Hip Hop as the official voice of the youth and politics as the way to advance, Apache decided to pursue both to build Leverage for his community. Writing and reading became his preferred means to express and make sense of the chaos that surrounded him.

Excelling in school, Apache served as President of Political Brotherhood and often led students to serve as volunteers in the very same pantry lines he once stood in. While attending King Prep, then 17-year old Apache decided to become a candidate in the local Alderman race and launched his IAMTHEFUTURENOW political committee to campaign against Jesse Jackson’s daughter-in-law Sandi Jackson. The Chicago Tribune dedicated a series called “Politics and Youth do mix” which followed his IAMTHEFUTURENOW Movement in several print interviews and video blogs.

Campaigning in the volatile 7th ward streets, Apache formed strategically alliances with various gang leaders, knocked on doors and declared himself to be audacious and adept enough to tackle the countless problems that exist in Chicago politics and throughout the community. His message of accessible and responsible leadership resonated throughout the South Shore Community and foreshadowed the Jacksons’ tumultuous fall from grace two years later.

Although not the valedictorian of his senior class, Apache delivered the commencement address for the graduation ceremony and gave a blistering speech about passion and ambition that left many students, teachers and visitors in awe. Thereafter, while attending Illinois State University, Apache began networking with school organizations and formed IAMTHEFUTURENOW branch on campus. With Hip Hop still in his blood, Apache started writing and recording music in between classes and political meetings. With Hip Hop serving as a conduit,  Apache noticed how music unites people from various backgrounds. With that realization, Apache began to take the music business serious. And because of his affinity for Chinese culture, Apache soon decided navigate across seas and study abroad in Taiwan. While there he delved deeply in the indigenous culture, establishing connections and learning the Mandarin language.

After studying abroad for a semester, Apache moved back to the States in 2012 to focus on carving his musical path and developing his niche to separate himself from the other Hip Hop artists. With the Chicago streets serving as a background, Apache delivers rhymes that are razor sharp, brutally honest yet contemporary and edgy. In September of 2013 Apache teamed up with “Ready Rock” of the BookBullies to began recording tracks for the release of his debut mixtape, “Moon of Growing Yams,” which features the single “#LOVECAMPAIGN,” produced by Chicago’s own BradBeats, which garnered him an internet and street buzz. This street love anthem offers the opinion that “ we been lovin in this room all night, even if you’re wrong, you’re right, even if I’m wrong, I’m right, Ya legs gonna lock on sight!” providing a balanced alternative to the harsh rhetoric and vulgarity associated with today’s hip hop artists.

As a dedication to his fellow street entrepreneurs, a second single from the “Moon of the Growing Yams” series called “Hits Only (Let’s Move This Work!)” is set to be release in time for the holidays. The track, which craftily weaves the street lifestyle with slick, yet blunt metaphors is produced by the rising Memphis producer Jermel Jermal. Sonically this track serves as a backdrop to Apache’s chant like patois-laden cadence. “‘Hits Only (Let’s Move This Work! “) speaks to the grind, rebelliousness and culture that many street dudes can relate to, “Cause I make hits only, and I smoke earth only, and if you working with the team, then your worthy, follow the lead, leading the league, that’s for certain, get ya money yeah, you won’t outwork me!”

With a lifetime of challenges and experiences at age 21, Apache is proof that your environment doesn’t dictate your destiny and that trials merely serve as the platform required for success. With the “Moon of Growing Yams” providing the path to success, look for Apache’s 2014 Debut CD  “Leverage” to be his official release party!

--ApacheStone (talk) 22:45, 6 June 2014 (UTC)