Interviews Next Wave

Knowledge Over Noise: Shaheed & DJ Supreme Turn Hip-Hop Into a Tool for Learning and Change

For nearly two decades, Alabama ambassadors and dynamic duo, Shaheed & DJ Supreme, have used their talents in classic

By TCR Staff

December 15, 2025

Knowledge Over Noise: Shaheed & DJ Supreme Turn Hip-Hop Into a Tool for Learning and Change

For nearly two decades, Alabama ambassadors and dynamic duo, Shaheed & DJ Supreme, have used their talents in classic hip-hop to uplift their community and bring positivity to a world often marked by crisis and struggle. Hailing from Birmingham’s hip-hop scene, the pair have made a lasting impact by consistently showing up in educational spaces. Through their nonprofit, K.R.U. (Knowledge, Rhythm, and Understanding), they use music as a tool to inspire youth and empower future leaders. With their music videos, “Brainstorming” and “Knowledge of Shelf,” the duo expands this mission, crafting two revolutionary stories of education, mindfulness, and the belief that art can spark meaningful change.

Libraries are becoming rare in an age dominated by technology. It’s easy to forget how much a library offers: internet access, a quiet place to study or recharge, endless research resources, and a true sense of community. For Shaheed, the library was practically a second home; as the son of a school principal, he grew up surrounded by books and learning. DJ Supreme shared a similar connection — his aunt was a librarian — though neither realized those early influences would later shape their artistic collaboration.

Recognizing that rap music today doesn’t celebrate education, the duo set out to change that, blending their signature sound with a tribute to libraries. They had already used the library as a community hub, hosting events such as an environmental awareness program in partnership with The Black Warrior River organization, and even a punk rock/hip-hop dance night. So when it came time to film the video, the location chose itself: the Birmingham Public Library, known locally as the “Downtown Branch.”

With an energized, respectful performance, the clip encourages people to rediscover the library, highlighted by lyrics like, “We must go visit the library / ’Cause reading books can expand your whole vocabulary.” Beloved evening anchor Brittney Decker from NBC WVTM 13 even makes a cameo after arriving to cover the shoot. Through this project, Shaheed & DJ Supreme honor a historic and irreplaceable institution, celebrating the scent of aged books, the nostalgia of turning pages, and the inspiration that only knowledge can spark.

Shaheed & DJ Supreme’s 2023 single “Brainstorming” is reintroduced through a sleek black-and-white music video, visually reminiscent of early 2000s sneaker shop displays, the kind that made you walk out feeling cooler, lighter, and in rhythm with every step. Although the song was released two years ago, it takes on new life with the addition of vocalist Lauren Strain, whose soft, airy tones add another layer of depth to this hip-hop gem, already intentional and emotionally rich. All three collaborators appear in the video, nodding along to the track’s smooth cadence and irresistible groove. “Brainstorming” tells the story of creating from a place of clarity, having a clear head and open heart, free from negativity and outside noise. Shaheed considers it one of his favorite songs he has ever written; the process brought a calming sense of peace and served as a reminder that when your mind is centered, you can envision and manifest what you want out of life.

Why was the library the perfect spot to tell these hip-hop stories?

Shaheed: It is important because the library is often forgotten about. We want to help reestablish the concept of education and spending time there.

DJ Supreme: WE FEEL THAT HIP HOP AND LIBRARIES CAN GO HAND-IN-HAND. EDUCATING PEOPLE ABOUT THE VALUE OF LIBRARIES THROUGH HIP HOP CAN ENCOURAGE AND INSPIRE THE YOUTH, OR AT LEAST WE HOPE.

What pushed you to bring education back into rap in a way that feels true to the culture?

Shaheed: In true Hip Hop Culture, education has always been included in the art form. A lot of what we learned came from the hip-hop we listened to growing up.

DJ Supreme: THE HIP HOP I GREW UP ON WAS EDUCATIONAL AND INSPIRATIONAL. I WAS INSPIRED TO LEARN THROUGH THE HIP HOP OF PUBLIC ENEMY, BOOGIE DOWN PRODUCTIONS, AND A TRIBE CALLED QUEST. AS A MATTER OF FACT, ONE OF MY FAVORITE ALBUMS ‘ONE FOR ALL” BY BRAND NUBIAN, JUST TURNED 35 YEARS OLD THIS WEEK.

How did you approach tying “Knowledge of Shelf” and “Brainstorming” to hip-hop’s roots in empowerment?

Shaheed: Knowledge of Shelf focuses on reading and education, which empowers a person and for Brainstorming, its message is about not being distracted by bad habits when you are going through life.

DJ Supreme: AGAIN, I HAVE TO REFERENCE THE HIP HOP I GREW UP ON. THE TOP TIER ARTISTS ENCOURAGED AND EMPOWERED A GENERATION. AS WE GET OLDER, WE BECOME MORE IN TUNE WITH OUR LEGACIES AND HOW WE PASS ON THAT LEGACY TO THE YOUTH.

How did filming at the Downtown Branch shape your energy and chemistry on camera?

Shaheed: That building is historic, so it already had the energy that was needed. All we had to do was show up and perform.

DJ Supreme: MY AUNT WORKED AT THE DOWNTOWN BRANCH, SO IT BROUGHT BACK GREAT MEMORIES. IT FELT LIKE A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT BY FILMING A VIDEO THERE THAT WILL BE MEMORIALIZED FOR DAYS TO COME.

You kept the visuals grounded and purposeful — what message were you hoping hip-hop fans would catch?

Shaheed: Just growing back in love with going to the library and reading meaningful books.

DJ Supreme: I PARTICULARLY LOVE FOR OUR FANS TO SEE US IN THE STUDIO. WATCHING THE ARTISTIC PROCESS IN ACTION IS A VISUAL I ABSOLUTELY LOVE FOR OUR FANS TO WITNESS.

What was it like when Brittney Decker showed up during the shoot?

Shaheed: Having the legendary Brittney Decker in the video was fantastic. She was interviewing us in the library, and she jumped into the video and made it better. We appreciate her support.

DJ Supreme: JUST BY HER BEING THERE MADE IT MEMORABLE. WE HAVE MUTUAL RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER’S WORK. PLUS, I TAUGHT HER HOW TO MAKE A BEAT DURING THE SHOOT. BIG SHOUT OUT TO BRITANY DECKER.

What did Lauren Strain’s vocals add to “Brainstorming” from a hip-hop perspective?

Shaheed: It added a sense of warmth and soul with a twist of mysticism. Her voice and performance are a vibe and a mood. She nailed it.

DJ Supreme: LAUREN IS ONE OF OUR CLOSEST COLLABORATORS. WE TRUST HER. WE KNOW SHE’S GONNA DECORATE WHATEVER WE WORK ON WITH CONFIDENCE, CLASS, AND BEAUTY. IT’S ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH LAUREN STRAIN.

How did classic sneaker-era visuals influence the black-and-white look?

Shaheed: It made the video and the song look vintage.

DJ Supreme: BLACK AND WHITE ALWAYS POPS. I’M A HUGE FAN OF BLACK AND WHITE MOVIES AND SHOWS, ESPECIALLY “THE TWILIGHT ZONE”. THE CLASSIC SNEAKER-ERA VISUALS HELP TO MAKE IT LOOK DOPE AND RELATABLE TO OUR GENERATION.

Shaheed, what made writing “Brainstorming” feel so calm and centered for you?

Shaheed: By it being one of my favorite beats that DJ Supreme made, it was easy for me to rhyme and flow on it. That type of beat is my mood and feeling most of the time. So it was natural for me to come up with the lyrics and concept for it

Before we wrap, what do you hope young Birmingham artists learn from the way you mix community work with hip-hop?

Shaheed: That you are nothing without your community and when you are about community, it’s less about you and more about serving and helping others for the right meaningful cause with good, sincere intentions.

DJ Supreme: IT’S LIKE SOMETHING WE TELL OUR STUDENTS. EVEN IF YOU DON’T PLAN TO BE A PRACTITIONER OF HIP HOP CULTURE, THERE’S ALWAYS A CONNECTION BETWEEN HIP HOP CULTURE AND REAL LIFE. IT’S ALL ABOUT HOW YOU APPLY THE ELEMENTS (EMCEEING, DEEJAYING, BREAKDANCING, GRAFFITI, AND KNOWLEDGE OF SELF) AND PRINCIPLES (PEACE, UNITY, LOVE, AND HAVING FUN).