Play Ball with Purpose: Shaheed & DJ Supreme Hit a Home Run for Hip-Hop
Shaheed and DJ Supreme are natural-born champions of classic hip-hop, of their city, and authentic artistry. For nearly two
Shaheed and DJ Supreme are natural-born champions of classic hip-hop, of their city, and authentic artistry. For nearly two decades, they have used their musical talents to spark a universal consciousness, shedding light on critical issues with nuance, sincerity, and oftentimes, a dose of effusive positivity. Their signature sound blends DJ Supreme’s intoxicating boom-bap beats with Shaheed’s compelling lyricism, offering a delightfully old-school vibration that harks back to what made hip-hop’s golden era so special. This rock-solid duo is more than just a pillar of Birmingham, Alabama’s underappreciated yet vibrant hip-hop scene—they’re a vital part of their greater community. Through their non-profit, K.R.U. (Knowledge, Rhythm, and Understanding), they’ve transformed music into a movement—empowering young people in Birmingham and beyond. Now, with the release of two new singles, the hip-hop homesteaders are more educational, motivational, and powerful than ever, bringing the heat to anthems as enjoyable as they are revolutionary.
The arrival of spring brings many joys to the American people: longer days, warmer sunshine, blooming flowers, and most importantly, baseball. In partnership with the World Baseball League, an organization dedicated to “reimagining what baseball can be” with an emphasis on community, hip-hop powerhouses Shaheed and DJ Supreme have created a timeless feel-good anthem designed to energize and unite baseball fans from backyard games to packed stadiums. Their classic hip-hop prowess truly shines in this atypical setting: DJ Supreme’s warm, soul-soothing beats and Shaheed’s effortless bars capture the welcoming spirit of the sport, all while their conscious lyricism explores the legends and history that made it all possible. Now that baseball season is in full swing, there’s no doubt that audiences will want to get up and “play ball,” as they celebrate this truly American game rooted in skill, strength, teamwork and solidarity with their resonant words leading the way.
There’s no better place to spotlight baseball’s rich history than Birmingham, and the “Play Ball” music video is the ultimate tribute—a woven tapestry of history and modern-day culture. With positivity as their guide, Shaheed and DJ Supreme round the bases at Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States. It’s here that many teams, including the World Baseball League, continue the legacy of the trailblazers who came before. Along their journey, they connect with today’s professionals and explore Birmingham’s deep baseball roots, including a trip to the Negroe Southern League Museum. There, they pay homage to the Alabama greats who broke barriers and reshaped the game, honoring some of the most influential players of all time. But Shaheed and DJ Supreme are not only here to celebrate the past—they’re here to make history. And that’s exactly what they’re doing, one ballpark anthem at a time.
At Birmingham’s annual “Dilla Day Bham,” a tribute to legendary producer J Dilla, Shaheed and DJ Supreme struck up a friendship with Phat Kat—Dilla’s best friend, closest collaborator, and a cornerstone of Detroit’s hip-hop scene. From that moment, history began to write itself. Though Detroit and Birmingham are more than 700 miles apart, the two cities share common threads of struggle, resilience, and cultural depth. In “ILL Level,” these master storytellers deliver a razor-sharp anthem of survival and strength, rooted in the places that shaped them, shining a white-hot spotlight on the resilience of a culture. Over DJ Supreme’s vigorous, hard-hitting beat, Phat Kat swoops in with the energy of a motivator, traversing the very essence of Black excellence with poetic flair. Shaheed follows with commanding bars full of urgency and confidence, issuing a call for change, for revolution. The message hits hard in a single, unforgettable line: “I’m on an ill level because of my skill level…go tell the cops and Feds that I’m a real rebel.”
When the worlds of Birmingham and Detroit collide, the result is powerful, and the “ILL Level” music video elevates that impact even further. Directed by DeSean Motley, each frame permeates an undeniable sense of boldness, setting their goals and mission as artists against the backdrop of a resilient history. Few locations are more striking than Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham, a central staging ground for large-scale Civil Rights demonstrations in the 60’s. As their fearless lyrics echo over them, it becomes clear that these artists are living the future their communities fought for—and fighting for an even brighter one. As they pay homage to one of the greatest producers of all time, a special clip closes out the visual. With a single point of her finger, Dilla’s mother, celebrating his legacy alongside them at the tribute in Birmingham, signals the importance of this collaboration and the many great things to come. It’s a quiet yet powerful gesture that seals the video with purpose—honoring the past, affirming the present, and lighting the way forward.
- What is the creative dynamic like between you two?
It’s the highest level of positive energy and chemistry with words, sounds, and feelings.
- Tell us about how your mission at K.R.U—Knowledge, Rhythm, and Understanding—shapes your music and outreach.
It shapes our music because we understand the importance of making quality music for everyone to benefit from, but especially the youth and the next generation.
- How does “Play Ball” help to highlight the long history of baseball in Birmingham? Did either of you play baseball growing up?
Yes, I played baseball growing up, and the history of Baseball in Birmingham is world history so we wanted to acknowledge it.
- What did you learn from working with Phat Kat on “ILL Level?” How did his artistry influence the vision of the track?
What we learned is what we already knew, and that is Phat Kat is a legend and one of the most versatile artists with an incredible catalog, and his energy and message set the tone for the whole song.
- How important is it for you to include history and community landmarks in your music videos? How does this manifest in “Play Ball” and “ILL Level?”
It’s important because it highlights the history of where we live. We are documenting the history using the elements of Hip Hop culture.
- Why do you think “Play Ball” and “ILL Level” will resonate with your fans?
Because both songs put you in a good revolutionary mood. Play Ball makes you feel real good, and ILL Level makes you think and reflect about the struggle of the people who have been oppressed and are still striving.
- How has your sound evolved over the years? Do these two tracks mark a “new chapter” for you as a duo?
We have grown as people, so our music and topics have grown as well. So I would say yes, it is a new chapter.
- Are “Play Ball” and “ILL Level” part of a larger project that fans should be excited about?
Yes, we are working on a new full-length album, we plan to drop in the very very near future.
Follow Shaheed & DJ Supreme
https://www.facebook.com/shaheedands
https://www.instagram.com/shaheedanddjsupreme/
http://kruhiphop.com/
