Ali Shaheed Muhammad is a multifaceted American musician, producer, and DJ, best known as a founding member of the pioneering hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest. Born on August 11, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York, he established himself as a key figure in the evolution of hip-hop in the early 1990s, laying down smooth, jazz-infused beats that helped define the group's sound. A Tribe Called Quest, with their socially conscious lyrics and innovative production, became one of the most critically acclaimed groups in hip-hop history.

Beyond his work with Tribe, Ali Shaheed Muhammad has had a prolific career as a solo artist and as a part of other collaborations, including the R&B supergroup Lucy Pearl. His solo endeavors showcase his unique ability to blend genres, creating a sound that draws from hip-hop, soul, jazz, and beyond. As of his most recent works cited, Muhammad continues to push musical boundaries and solidify his legacy. He has also made significant contributions through his work on the Jazz is Dead series, where he and producer Adrian Younge have teamed up with iconic jazz figures, creating contemporary spaces for the legends to shine and for new audiences to discover the timeless quality of jazz. Through these releases, which include collaborations with artists such as Lonnie Liston Smith and Phil Ranelin, Muhammad has maintained his status as a vital, versatile artist in the ever-evolving musical landscape.

Genres

R&b

Soul

Hip Hop

Rap

Neo Soul

Jazz

Alternative Hip Hop

Funk

Experimental Hip Hop

Instrumental Hip Hop

Jazz Rap

Related Artists

The Roots

J Dilla

Erykah Badu

A Tribe Called Quest

Mos Def

De La Soul

Common

Q-Tip

DJ Premier

The Pharcyde

Kamasi Washington

Nas

Latest Release

Sugar: Season 1 (Apple TV+ Original Series Soundtrack)

Ali Shaheed Muhammad•

Adrian Younge

Album - 18 Tracks - Released April 5, 2024