It’s been 10 years since Hassan Hamilton dropped his first album in the Las Vegas music scene, “MENACE II SOBRIETY.” Having moved to Vegas in the summer of 2005, he was literally done with rapping. It was a chance encounter that propelled him into the Vegas music scene. He soon started going out to shows and random open mics around town where he would discover and appreciate that Vegas was “more than just casinos, slot machines, showgirls, the strip, and Fremont Experience.” In time he became immersed with the Arts District and became part of the legendary collective Macro-Fi. He would become the MC for a house band at a clothing store called “CLOTH & CANVAS,” where he would rock the mic and where he would ultimately meet Marion Write. They linked up and Hassan told him about his ambition to make a project in Vegas. “He had the beats, I had rhymes, and the rest is history,” said Hassan. “MENACE II SOBRIETY” was born.

In 2014 Hassan was voted best MC by the Las Vegas Weekly. Now on the eve of his birthday, VIM MAGAZINE interviews Hassan Hamilton on his current creative endeavors, the current political and culture environment, and the current state of his music. He is set to release his new EP “Getting 2 Old 4 This” on his birthday, July 25, 2020.

VIM MAGAZINE: How have you stayed preoccupied during the pandemic? Any creative endeavors?

HASSAN: During the pandemic, I was still employed at Fergusons Downtown thankfully. Despite being frustrated with not being able to create and perform online like most artists began doing, I focused on writing again. A few songs were born out of quarantine.. can't wait to share them. And it reminded me to pay it forward and be charitable, lend a helping hand to those in need, and put in perspective that all that we cherish today can be gone tomorrow.

Music Video for Hassan’s "Can I Be Black?".

VIM MAGAZINE: The current political and culture environment is primed for movements and causes, have you kept up with what’s been going on?

HASSAN: At first I tried to ignore what was going on and deal with my own issues. But as time went by and more social injustice kept popping up from every corner, as a black man, I could no longer ignore it. My song and video "Can I be Black" started trending again.. unfortunately. But it helped open dialogue along with others who demand change. And I must say that I am damn proud of this younger generation that has willingly answered the call to action, and standing up and showing up against systematic oppression. It's a beautiful thing to see.

VIM MAGAZINE: What do you miss most from before everything was closed?

HASSAN: Honestly, I miss going to and performing at shows. Bar hopping lol. Hanging out at my favorite food spots, art galleries, etc. I just miss the camaraderie of my friends, local musicians, industry workers, and overall connecting with others and having a good time. Social distancing, while for the greater good, has made it completely awkward.

It’s been 10 years since Hassan dropped his first album in the Las Vegas music scene “Menace II Sobriety.”

VIM MAGAZINE: What music, artists have you kept up with during this time?

HASSAN: Truthfully, I haven't really kept up with any artists. I'll listen to some tracks from the local scene here and there, but that's about the extent of it. And mainstream music doesn't excite me anymore. I hate that I've become that guy, but the older I get, the more I listen to music that I was raised on.

VIM MAGAZINE: What’s next for you?

HASSAN: Well, I have a new EP called "Getting 2 old 4 this" coming out on my birthday(July 25th) that I'm excited about. I was honestly unhappy with my performance on my last project, so I wanted a chance to redeem myself creatively. The title to me is a culmination of being over it, but still loving it. Who knows from here

Links:

Hassan Bandcamp