This is a written transcript of an interview I conducted with Professor A.L.I. aka Black Steven on Apri
l 27, 2011. Professor A.L.I. and I have collaborated on many projects going back over a decade. During this rare, sit down interview I was able to delve into the mind of A.L.I. and gather a glimpse of what is behind his music.
CM: How would you describe your style?
A.L.I. : Socially & Politically Conscious, Spiritually Inclined Hip Hop
CM: When did you start writing poetry/ rhymes?
A.L.I. : Back in high school, in 9th grade I joined up with a young crew, we called ourselves DMC… don’t ask me what those initials mean because the members names were Terrel, Gabe and Ray. I was a pretty talented graphic/graffiti artist and was asked to join, to do album art, logos, t-shirts and flyers. Finally, inspired I picked up a pen and wrote my first song, emulating what I was hearing in the walkman. “Looking Down the Barrel of a .45” At that point in my life I had never held a gun, the song was an imagined reality. I’d like to think that since then, my rhymes have matured; and if they have not, in the very least I’m ‘Real’ about who I am.
I put the pen back down for a time and actually started to rhyme again in when I was 19, writing in my pad, and writing poetry. Since then I have never stopped.
CM: When did you decide to go from locally renowned spoken word artist to hip hop recording artist?
A.L.I. : I’d be lying if I said I never wanted to be a hip hop recording artist from the jump. I just never got the validation that I could make it happen. I kept second guessing myself even though people told me what I was writing was tight. My mom (RIP), kept encouraging me, the only one that was gung-ho about the art. So when she passed from cancer, I decided I was going to take my work put my spoken word on hold and put my heart into being a hip-hop artist.
CM: What are some of the differences between poetry and rap?
A.L.I. : With rap, you can be limited or augmented by the music. For example you have certain limitations on the number of verses you can do. When a person reads your poetry they have the luxury of time; or when you recite it, the speed of recitation is a lot slower than the rap delivery which can be faster. Rap requires more listens to get the imagery or point of the verse. Live poetry may not have that luxury of multiple spins, however its slower rhythm (generally) affords listeners a better grasp of the subject matter.
CM: Who would you list as you top influences (other Artists, role models)?
A.L.I. : Foremost my role model in life is Fatima the daughter of Muhammad the Prophet, may peace be upon her. Her unwavering faith, unmatched courage, and unparalleled eloquence are what I try to strive for in life and death.
In more recent history I would say Malcolm X & Assata Shakur for the way they articulated themselves in both words and action in the face of oppression.
As far as other artists, the ones who brought me into rap of course like Run DMC and Public Enemy will always get the shout out. However the ones that influenced me to write specifically through either what they said or the way they said it were in no particular order: Paris, 2pac, the DOC, Nas, and the Wutang Clan.
CM: What would you say is the over-arching theme of your work?
A.L.I. : I think all the songs I have every written, even all the poetry speaks to Justice, or rather speaks against injustice. Every land is filled with some horrible oppression, everyday of the year. Someone has to speak out against it & I try to be that person.
CM: You’ve got numerous hip hop legends featured on your CD: Raekwon, Canibus, Killah Priest, E40, & Brand Nubian. What was it like working with such artists and how to they fit into the message you are trying to send?
A.L.I. : In a word: surreal. I used to listen to all of these artists, and I never truly believed that I would work with any of them. So there were these moments that I would wonder if this all was a construct of my imagination. Then when it hit me that it was happening, I felt honored to be working with artists who had long since paid their dues, were both prolific and erudite and maintained an authenticity to their sound.
I think the fact they collaborated with my project legitimizes my work to those unfamiliar with it; as far as message, I tried to keep the focus on my album by laying all my verses and letting them hear what I’ve said before they would spit their verse. I did this as both a sign of respect but also to lay all my cards on the table, to be transparent with my project which is a positive one and intended for general audiences.
As the ultimate sign of mutual respect for my craft many of these artists would ask me if I was happy with the verse and if I wanted any changes after they laid it. In each case that approached me in this fashion I did not. I’ll give you an example: After Hussein Fatal laid his verse on ‘Invisible Man’, he started to text me a few hours later to see if I was satisfied. I hit him back on the text letting him know it was cool. He calls me a day later to make sure I was happy, and after I reassured him, he seemed happy. Those types of moments made the whole project worthwhile.
CM: If you could collaborate with anyone in history living or dead, who would that be?
A.L.I. : Bob Marley, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Tupac Shakur. Bob because he was such a spiritual figure who also commented on the social ills of society. Nusrat because through his voice and depth of delivery the listener can spiritually experience a love for Ali ibn Abi Talib, who I greatly admire. Finally Tupac, who kept it spiritual as well at times, but was unafraid to speak his mind about politics and social issues. These are the three musicians I admire most and though they have all passed from this realm, they remain my dream collabos.
CM: You often seem to present a duality in the themes of many of your songs. Explain the difference between Professor ALI and Black Steven
A.L.I. : I am both Professor A.L.I. and Black Steven. Professor A.L.I. represents my more hopeful side. A.L.I. stands for Awaiting Living Imam, and I am hopeful for the leadership of Imam Mahdi which will usher in a age of peace and justice. At the same time I experience anger and rage, that is when I channel Black Steven. Black Steven was a derogatory name given to a Moorish Slave who was alternatively called Esteban. He was used by Europeans to translate as they conquered the American South, purportedly looking for the Cities of Gold. Black Steven was a polyglot, who was martyred in one of these exchanges. I believe that those who die in the way of the God continue to live on. I think Black Steven would be enraged by the world today, that was built upon the loot gained through the abuse he suffered all those centuries ago. When I feel the same anger, I become Black Steven.
CM: Explain Polyglot.
A.L.I. : A Polyglot is a person who can use many languages to communicate their thoughts… I believe that like Esteban the Moor, that I communicate my thoughts through many languages of expression and creativity including Hip Hop and Spoken Word.
CM: You mention martyrdom in the context of history in many of your songs, however what do you feel the role and responsibility of a “martyr “ is in these modern times?
A.L.I. : Martyr comes from the Greek, and means to bear witness. Some people erroneously believe it to mean death and that it comes from the Latin “Mort” which means death. When you make that distinction, you realize that it is not the death that makes a person a martyr, but life, and how that life bears witness to a belief of some kind.
One can always bear witness through words, but in the context I use martyr I really am speaking to ones actions. To bear witness through ones actions, requires sacrifice. By sacrifice I mean those things that have to be set aside so that those actions can speak to the masses. Sacrificing ones base, animalistic impulses in order to achieve a greater good is one example.
It is why the story of Bobby Sands or a Maha Ghosananda resonates with people, because they wonder would I be willing to do that, to give up food or water to make a broader point. Would I be willing to sacrifice my time to put in work to help others?
The best example of this is I think the west’s preeminent martyr Malcolm X, who as we now know was approached by the Federal Authorities and secretly taped. He was offered money and other things that would tempt other men. However he refused so that he could speak the truth. That is inspirational. That is a martyr.
CM: Political hip hop is nothing new; however your voice stands out. What would you say sets you apart from other hip hop artists these days?
A.L.I. : I try not to limit the political discussion to the politics of this realm. There is a greater politics at work, there is a divine planner I believe and that divine justice trumps worldly justice. I try to couch what I say politically in this bent and that is somewhat different from other political rappers.
CM: Some Muslims argue music is Haraam. What are your thoughts on this and how is your art a reflection of your spirituality?
A.L.I. : With everything I try to defer to those with more knowledge than myself. I’ve already mentioned that I kept second guessing myself with rap. Another reason for this was my own questions about the legitimacy of music. In 1997, at a crossroads with well over 200 hip-hop cd’s, I decided that music was not legit and cut it out of my life. It was not until five years later that I came back to music only after I consulted with scholars in the Middle East about its role and importance. I came away with the understanding from my conversations that music which promotes that which is haraam is haraam, but that which promotes positivity is positive.
I don’t listen to many artists; however the ones I do speak to the same values surrounding justice that speak to my art.
CM: What other current artists do you recommend that are similar to your style?
A.L.I. : Someone told me recently I was a man out of my time; that my style is more like the hip-hop of the early 90’s. That being said, while I don’t believe my style of delivery to be very unique personally… lyrically I would say the artists I feel parallel my content are Blitz the Ambassador, Yusuf Abdul-Mateen and Lowkey. I’d recommend all three to my listeners and assure them that they would not be disappointed.
Most recently on a review of my craft, some critics said that my style reminded them of Boots Riley and my work with Stormshadowz reminded them of The Coup. I was honored by the comparison, because of the work both Riley and The Coup have put in.
CM: What motivates you?
A.L.I. : I believe my time on this planet is limited. I desire to leave a positive imprint on this world, for my own day of judgment, and for my legacy to follow. I did not have much time with my parents, and I hope that I can be there for my children as they grow up.
A.L.I. : I’m going to promote this album. There are talks of a Turkey & Middle East Tour, but aside from that I will keep performing and writing and collaborating with other artists. Fans and well-wishers can stay in touch via my webpage www.professorali.com; or via facebook at www.facebook.com/professali
Aside from the music I have a book coming out soon, hopefully this year which anthologizes some of my larger pieces from the 72 Martyr Series which I publish through my blog on WordPress which is located at http://blacksteven.wordpress.com/.
I will continue teaching and learning and try as lofty a goal as it is to follow in the footsteps of Fatima (as).
Complicated Math 
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