Hadith – Prophet Muhammad said that charity starts at home. “Home” starts with you being charitable to yourself when you make mistakes. A smile to anyone on the street is charity; it is not just monetary. Regarding the title, we lost my mother-in-law three years ago, and she was one of the most charitable people I’ve ever met.

Asad 

How Independent Artist Asad Blends West Coast Hip-Hop with Wisdom 

I recently took a deep dive into the music of Asad, an independent rapper born in Long Beach and currently residing in Los Angeles. His music has a distinct West Coast flavor that immediately drew me in—but it’s his depth as an artist that kept me listening. I found Asad easy to talk to, and he shared with me more about his life and how he became interested in being a rapper.

Here are the highlights from our conversation:

A Necessary Pause for “More Life” 

Asad first took the mic as a teenager in his father’s studio. He realized at a young age something most artists never consider: he hadn’t experienced enough life to continue rapping. He knew he needed more lived experience to have something to say.

Leimert Park Influence

 Attending school near Leimert Park—the cultural mecca of African-American art and the legendary cradle of underground West Coast Hip-Hop—expanded his worldview. Immersed in the culture of backpackers and alternative rap movements, he absorbed the history that he now crafts into his own music.

“All My Dreams Are Tracy Chapman” – Asad 

This specific lyric caught my attention. Asad explained that he has always wanted a fast car since he was a kid. Holding reverence for Chapman’s legendary song “Fast Car,” he echoes her sentiment: getting money to help your family is the ultimate, worthy goal.

Sonic Tapestry 

Making waves since 2018 with performances at Low-End Theory and Camp Flog Gnaw, Asad’s sound is an unmistakable West Coast blend. It features elite loops and minimalist beats that let his vocals shine. Each instrumental feels nostalgic for classic backpack rap, but with a modern twist of drill and melodic trap.

When asked about his beat selection, Asad treats every track as an open slate: producers send him a pack, and he puts his style on it. He uses the beats as an opportunity to grow by finding the right lyrics. It doesn’t matter what the music is, he’ll bless it.

Shout out to some of his producers:

• @jimbowambeatx
• @osbechill_
• @twogetherhigh
• @blanchecolombe.wav
• @blanchecolombetypebeat

A Spiritual Journey Through Hip-Hop 

Asad’s spiritual side is a large player in his music. A summer job changed his worldview when he was around people outside of his Muslim circle.

“We are all born Muslim. Muslim means submitting to the will of God.” – Asad

For a while, he called himself agnostic. He took it upon himself to read the Bible and the Torah, and he read the Quran last. He searched for unity and is still asking where it is. He started experimenting with marijuana during a time when he was not actively practicing as a Muslim, and he ultimately came to the conclusion of seeing humanity for who they are at a heart level.

During a period of homelessness, a Christian friend took him in. Their deep conversations helped Asad see humanity and realize what different faiths have in common. In a world where he sees communities being destroyed, he finds grounding in his faith:

“In this world, it seems practical to be Muslim.” – Asad

“Charity Starts At Home” His project takes its name from a profound concept. Referencing the tenets of Islam, Asad explains that “home” is more than a building—it is your personage. “Charity begins with being charitable to yourself,” he shares. “Even when making mistakes, you must be gracious to yourself.” True charity isn’t just monetary; it can be as simple as a smile to a stranger on the street. (He also dedicates this mindset to his late mother-in-law, who passed away three years ago and was one of the most charitable people he ever met.)

What’s Next? 

One thing fasho, two things for certain: Asad is dropping new music. He plans to release 12 songs this year, complete with new visuals. He is already halfway there, and I can’t wait to see what he does next…