Gangsta rapper ‘a fool for living thug lifestyle’

February 22 2012 , Written by Karim ben Amor Published on #Rappels..., #Mise en Garde contre...

Former gangsta rapper Napoleon paid a special visit to Reading to warn young Muslims about the dangers of getting involved in gang culture and street crime.

The US rap star – an ex-member of the notorious Outlawz group formed by 2Pac – told a huge gathering at the Pakistani Community Centre (PCC) how destructive the ‘gangster’ lifestyle can be, and the empowering impact Islam has made on him.

Napoleon – real name Mutah Beale – turned his back on a life of drugs and guns when he converted to Islam four years ago.

He told the 250-strong audience the truth behind gangsta rap and encouraged them not to follow that path.

“I would never want to go back to the thug lifestyle – I was a fool,” he explained.

“You guys need to get out of this culture, it’s not real, it’s all plastic.

“If you want to be a thug then try living in the ghettos of New York. I promise you will not be able to survive out there.”

The 30-year-old spoke passionately about growing up on the mean streets of New Jersey and how the cycle of violence began when his parents were murdered in front of him when he was four.

His talk, entitled ‘From Thug Life to Islam’, also gave a stark account of living in the ‘hood’, and how he couldn’t see a way through his troubles until he found Islam.

“I have sold millions of records, I had everything – money, houses, cars and an extravagant lifestyle,” he said.

“I have been around the biggest celebrities, had guns pointed at me and was always invited to VIP parties.

“But even though I had everything, none of that stuff made me happy. The more money I had, the more depressed I felt. I did not have peace in my life – I have only found this in Islam.

“I have led the lifestyle that you think you want – and I’m telling you that this type of lifestyle is no fun and it’s not worth it.”

Saturday’s event – the first of its kind in Reading – was part of the former rapper’s UK tour which has already seen him speak to youngsters in Sheffield, Derby, Bradford and Luton.

His visit was organised by Shahid Farid, co-founder of the Black and Asian Service in Alcohol and Narcotics (BASIAN).

“I was delighted with the response of the audience,” said Mr Farid. “What he said had a strong message and the youth can easily relate to him.”

One fan, 19-year-old student, Asghar Mahsood, agreed. “I have grown up listening to Napoleon’s songs, but I never dreamt of meeting him,” he said.

“I think his message today will have a big impact on those so-called ‘gangsters’. It will certainly have an impact on myself.”

Speaking to the Evening Post after the event, Napoleon said he felt compelled to reach out to young Muslims in Reading.

“A lot of the youth here look up to the youth in America and that’s not good. My mission is to engage with them and speak to them in a language they understand,” he said.

He also endorsed the relaunch of the Evening Post’s Knives Cost Lives campaign, adding: “I think it’s a brilliant idea.

“I totally support it. It shows the Evening Post is really trying to help deal with the problem of knives and gang culture.”

By Paul Robins
May 29, 2008

http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/special_features/knives_cost_lives/s/2029080_gangsta_rapper_a_fool_for_living_thug_lifestyle