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‘Sonic Jihad’ is bound to cause controversy and spur
conversation |
When
Islam Online (IOL) spoke with controversial Hip Hop musician Paris in early
January, he was in the process of completing work on his latest album, Sonic
Jihad. In that interview, Paris spoke candidly about his view concerning the War
on Terrorism, Iraq and several other important contemporary issues. On several
occasions, he referenced various articles and other items of content that appear
on his website. Unfortunately, due to the need to add new and improved content
to his website, IOL readers were not able to link to his website at the time the
original article was published.
Almost
two months later, however, Paris has revamped his website, which contains a
treasure trove of information that many Muslims might want to avail themselves
of. In light of the strong reaction to the original interview, which included an
interest by many readers to visit the website, IOL has caught back up with Paris
to talk with him about his new Internet presence and his future plans.
Islam
Online (IOL): Tell the readers a little about your website, Guerrilla
Funk, and what you hope to accomplish with it.
Paris:
Guerrilla Funk Recordings was born out of necessity because no existing major
label is willing to support messages other than those of niggerishness and
buffoonery right now, especially in rap music. I put a bullseye on all of
that bulls**t with Guerllia Funk (http://www.guerrillafunk.com/index.html).
And since I love us more that we hate ourselves, I can’t support misogyny,
mindless violence, and the drug culture. I simple want a way to reach as
many people as possible, with as much real info as possible that allows me to
have direct, uncensored contact through print and music.
IOL:
Your website is coming back online at a crucial time in American history. Do you
plan to use it to address the growing crisis in Iraq?
Paris:
There is a good amount of info on both the “War on Terror” and the crisis in
Iraq (they’re both intertwined - or at least we’re being told they SHOULD
be). I break down what I call the Axis of Oil - that is, the Bush
Administration’s real agenda and it’s rabid, murderous power-grab.
Read the “Thought Box” section and the related archives on the site - it
tells it all. The material also includes miscellaneous videos and
documentaries pertaining to the subject matter throughout.
IOL:
Your single "What Would You Do" poignantly addresses the current
political and social climate. What has been the response to that?
Paris:
Overwhelming. THOUSANDS of people have and continue to hit me up about
that song, and it’s almost all positive feedback. Folks are glad that
somebody finally cut through the s**t and voiced what they are unable to say
publicly. The cold thing about it is I now receive messages from people I
wouldn’t ordinarily have contact with - NRA members, skinheads, Baptist
preachers from the South, listeners overseas, MANY Republicans, etc - all
pledging their support because they dig the truth too. And they almost
always preface their messages with “ordinarily I can’t stand rap, but...”
We have, at least on this issue, found common ground for once. It’s much
bigger than Hip-Hop. I’m just glad I’m blessed with the opportunity to
do it.
IOL:
The cover to your new album is bound to cause some controversy. Now that that
image is on the website for the whole world to see, how do you feel about your
choice of imagery and has there been any reaction to it yet?
Paris:
That cover epitomizes what Sonic Jihad is all about for me - waging righteous
warfare through music and print on the oppressor. The entire world looks
at the U.S. as the oppressor right now; and it’s sad, because we really are
adopting the bully role (although it’s nothing new for us). The imagery
is intended to incite discussion and affect people emotionally - all good art
should, in one way or another. Sadly, most music doesn’t anymore.
It’s all money, murder, [women] and cars. I don’t mean to offend any of the
families of victims of 9-11 – don’t get me wrong – but I know that their
perception of our country (and the events that day) would change drastically if
they knew the truth, which I provide. “What Would You Do” if you knew
what I know? The War on Terror looks just like what it is - a War on
Humanity - when the sheets are pulled off.
IOL:
Your website is jam-packed with information. What are some of the "Must
Reads" on there that readers might find particularly relevant?
Paris:
Man, there’s a lot. I try to offer solutions to a lot of what I discuss
as opposed to just speaking on problems. I cover the War on Iraq/War on
Terror, Black on Black violence, Police Brutality, Money Management, Real Estate
tips, The Death Penalty, Bush, AIDS ... a lot. Just take your time and
soak it up. Also check out the videos that sometimes appear at the bottom
of each entry. And be sure to tell and/or subscribe a friend!
IOL:
With mass protests over the impending war in Iraq having erupted worldwide, it's
clear that the public is sending a message to George W. Bush and his
administration. What would your message to him be?
Paris:
Mass protests are required to counter the threat of Mass Murder. I don’t
even need to say anything to him. I’ve already said it. Obviously
that administration is unconcerned about reelection, just about money. You
can’t persuade or “ask” your enemy for what you want – it’s
ineffective as long as the public is brainwashed by the propaganda. And
there’s plenty of propaganda. Take, for example, the corporation General
Electric (GE), which owns NBC, CNBC, and MSNBC. All of these networks have
adopted a strong pro-war bias. But why wouldn’t they? GE has major
defense interests. So the concept of unbiased reporting is killed out of the
gate. The object for me is to aid in dispelling the lies we are told every
hour of every day. When dissent reaches critical mass the public will
flush the killers on the payroll in Washington.
IOL:
With the new album, you once again find yourself in the dual position of being
both artist and social commentator. How do you feel about that dual role?
Paris:
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
IOL:
What's next for Paris?
Paris:
Stay tuned to http://www.guerrillafunk.com/index.html.
Subscribe & tell your friends!
Editor’s
Note: The content found on Guerillafunk.com as well as Paris’ albums are
meant for mature audiences. Those sensitive to profanity should be aware that it
does exist in Paris’ music. However, the use of language is tailored to make
specific points and social commentaries and thus has significant redeeming
value. 
