Salloum answers:
1~ How did you come up with the title 'Epitome Perennial'?
2~ Talk about the cover art for the project.
3~ Share with us your thoughts during the time you created Epitome Perennial.
4~ What spurred you to write an essay for the project?
5~ Talk about the message and theme of your Essay, "The Stature of
Universality".
6~ What are the characteristics, or core attributes of an 'Epitome Perennial'
leader?
7~ Were there other leaders you considered for the project?
8~ And lastly, What are your thoughts on the current state of Hip-Hop?
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How did you come up with the title 'Epitome Perennial'?
The title just came to me one evening while I was walking. I began mumbling the words "epitome" and "perennial" vaguely as if trying to make sense of what i was hearing in my mind. It became a realization that these two words, just the feeling of pronouncing the words together without even knowing the definition of either of the words, it just fit right together. It created itself pretty much. The word 'epitome', and the way I pronounce it is different. It flows easier when i'm rapping, and I've embraced it uniquely as my own style. The correct pronunciation of the word sounds a bit off, unless I use 'ize' at the end then it sounds cool (laughs).
Talk about the cover art for the project.
The front cover of the project is a titled "Sunset". It is a Chinese
contemporary art piece. A sunset represents the end of today and the
pre-beginning of tomorrow. One of the most common symbolic meanings of a sunset
is its representation of the coming darkness. Hence, HollowDreamz being my
second release. The colors used in are red, black, and white. red is the color
of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, war, danger, strength,
power, determination, passion, desire, and love. Black symbolizes perspective
and depth. It is associated with power, elegance, formality, death, evil, and
mystery. And white is associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity, and
virginity. It is considered to be the color of perfection. White can represent
a successful beginning. In heraldry, white depicts faith and purity. These
three colors all represent various aspects of the lives of Epitome Perennial
leaders fighting for the cause, as well as the deep reflection found in the
interpretation of similarities and trends found among these leaders, as covered
in the essay. The back cover art is a soothing cream color named Cosmic Latte.
According to astronomers, that is the average color of the universe. What
better color to use on a project that represents universal peace and love.
Share with us your thoughts during the time you created Epitome Perennial.
During that time I was in college. A lot of my time at
university was focused on reading a lot, and thinking. Regarding Epitome
Perennial specifically, there was an inner desire for me to comes to the
realization as to why things work the way they work, and
why these people leaders , and populations in general are placed in positions
to have to fight for their freedoms. What is the root of these troubles is the
most important inquiry and question to be answered? Oft times, folks point
fingers and debate about surface level topics regarding humanitarian crises and
issues. All times, it is out of the box pondering and questioning which sheds
the most light onto conflict resolution against injustice and corruption. And
that comes through innovation and creation of new systems eventually replacing
old systems. What is the basis of the governments, and the underlying causes
and effects that enable agendas and actions to play out the way they do? Who
are the players involved behind the scenes? What are the trends of such
regional areas, whereupon consistent turmoil and distraught have wrought
communities and nations for years and years?
When you begin to ask certain questions, at a certain point it becomes a question of self-sacrifice for the cause. And if you lose everything, what will it be, you ask yourself? For me, as doubtful as I may feel at times, I just have a strong faith. And my faith comes from reasoning. And my reasoning comes from awareness, which is from knowledge, which at it's root identifies and prescribes to the principles and morals of Islam, which is what defines my character. And Islam comes from God. And God is Love. And Love is God.
It is about re-garnering that touch of Love within yourself,
that you had when you were a child, that unconditional love for yourself. Yet
doing so in a complexity of energy that has the constant ability to puncture
and wound you is where many of us see ourselves astray. So do you evolve and
progress fluidly, or do you succumb to soul numbness through hate, anger,
depression, negligence, arrogance, or sadness to seemingly save the self. It's
really about forgiving. Forgiving others for the benefit of yourself. And to
benefit others by loving your own-self, and all of your faults. And to open up
to your insecurities and
understand that your weaknesses and vulnerability are strengths in and of
themselves. Strengths for you to realign and balance who you really are. And
the purpose you are here to serve in helping others understand themselves as
well. Each individual contributes to the whole through their individuality. And
the respect of that diversity is what translates into unity.
What spurred you to write an essay for the project?
Epitome Perennial consists of a heavy message. it is important for my fans to get an idea as to what this project represents on an intellectual level, in literary format. what better way than to connect this project to not only listeners of the music, but non-listeners who just enjoy reading. the heavy message is philosophical and inquiring; this allows a platform for intellectual discussion. and of course, it is for me to come back to and read, in 10, or 30 years from now. to see what words, and thoughts, and emotions were running through my head, and the mind-state i was in whilst creating this project. Which is what the essay provides, an insight into my thoughts and opinions, questions and interpretations. The essay serves to catch the thoughts of my mind and imagination in this moment in time. I wouldn't be able to write this essay 5 years after the fact. My perspective would have evolved indefinitely, and my acumen and intelligence for prescribing any notion on the situation would likely be less sharpened than what it is in the hap-stance of this projects creation.
The depth of the questions and the seeking of the answers narrated in the essay reflects the notion that, to reach the surface you must dig deep. the power of paradox through intellectual study and discipline. The goal towards peace is not to force it, but to have everyone wish for peace to occur, right. What stands in the way is the lack of resources sufficiently enabling folk to embrace peace and safety because they are restricted from, and lacking basic necessities enabling them to lift their conscious aims (higher conscious) to realms of unity and peace; Maslow's hierarchy if you will. Nonetheless, the aspiration toward that path exists, but it is in it's very infant, immature stages, thus conflicts seemingly barricade the path of attaining this human, 'in the longer run' desire found within all of humanity.
Talk about the message and theme of your Essay, "The Stature of Universality".
Epitome Perennial has a somewhat socialist, Utopian, romanticized, elixir theme to it where upon the leaders of the people envision an ideal to that of prophets and messengers of the past. It is an everlasting desire; 'perennial'... and it is a path resolved to high values, respect, and morals -- 'epitome'... so that peace may exist through justice and freedom without selfishness resulting in oppression.
Epitome Perennial leaders are romanticized in that their visions and dreams remained unfulfilled up to their deaths, with the exception of Nelson Mandela. Yet their names live on to define them as heroic figures in the cause of human justice and a better world, by which an accomplishment may be viewed as the everlasting romantic dream of all whom wish to experience peace and prosperity across all nations beyond all heritages and peoples of the world. Epitome Perennial stature is that of a romanticized evolution, dreamt upon world peace. This music project carries a political and social undertone. The lyrics and the people-leader speeches are socially conscious and politically aware. People leaders differ from regular leaders in that their leadership is on a spiritual level of awareness, for the common good of a group of struggling people, and humanity in general.
Epitome Perennial seemingly may represent a contradiction: those who speak out for truth, change and justice encounter an early death, typically at middle age. Still yet, Epitome Perennial represents longevity whereupon these are continually sought after and envisioned by others whoso come along to fulfill voids of human justice. It is a philosophical questioning and discovery. Epitome Perennial is another look into a great question of why people leaders each adopt the likelihood fate of assassination, or a life cut indelibly short. Why are the greatest of leaders who represent justice and the message of unity killed and destroyed by the same people they represent? If they represent a universal message, then are those who seek to destroy, in themselves, self-destructive? It is a mystical abyss recognizing the struggle towards Utopian existence defined by human rights and justice for all. It represents the everlasting struggle of advancement for position and status within a culture and heritage of peoples of less-privilege.
Paradoxically, Epitome Perennial too may be perceived as arrogant. Epitome perennial brings to surface, and question, the philosophical role kleos plays among the lives and actions of these ppl leaders is another onotological theme to be discussed in understanding our selves, and social construct.
Kleos also plays a role in this project.
"Kleos is the Greek word often translated to "renown", or "glory". "A Greek hero earns kleos through accomplishing great deeds, often through his own death."
As far as the project being arrogant, I would say that is true,
but only circumstantially, and through the eyes that does not perceive the goal
of what all spiritual traditions teach. Enlightenment if you want to call it
that. It is a theme portrayed from the center, calling upon outsiders to come
hither to the center, as defined by Perennialism. HollowDreamz serves to
represent and illustrate the unique path enroute the center. HollowDreamz is a
narrative from the bottom of the mountain, projecting upward enroute
perennialism serving as the reached-goal. Epitome Perennial is a vision
sponsored by The Creator. HollowDreamz is the pathway enroute realizing that
vision. Epitome Perennial is a narrative from the top of the mountain,
projecting downward upon paths below seeking the summit of 'perennialism'.
HollowDreamz - stream(s) {several paths}
Epitome Perennial - summit {oneness}
What are the characteristics, or core attributes of an 'Epitome Perennial' leader?
It is a politically and socially conceptualized project based on peace. Epitome Perennial symbolizes a stature of human beings who've made a difference to improve the lives of the less fortunate, the oppressed, the poverted by their influential position of leadership... But they have also done it at the cost of their livelihood. Epitome Perennial signifies the highest human being in rank after the great prophets and messengers of our past spiritual traditions; Jesus, Muhammad, Abraham, Moses, Solomon, Buddha.
With this project, I wanted to place the voice of peaceful resolution & non-violent justice to music. one of utopian romanticism where upon the likes of Malcolm X and Che Guevara in respect to sphere of influence, differ from MLK Jr., Gandhi, Lennon, JFK, & Mandela. To limit theme of the project to a political front or background, and to not have included a socially aware musical legend such as John Lennon would have also limited the broad-based scope capable of representing the cause of justice.
Epitome Perennial, the concept itself, touches upon a wide array of theories as to what each leader represents in his own respect, as well as a whole. There are way too many leaders to have used, thus to limit the selection, I chose to focus on iconic figures who stood for justice in a way that I felt attracted to. The basis of the project was aimed more towards the non-violent philosophy. With that said, people may comment on Malcolm X and his philosophy early on. Violence versus non-violence may be limited to nonviolence by MLK Jr. representing the conceptualized 'goal' of Malcolm, the difference being the ideology in which it is pursued (non-violently).
Epitome Perennial represents a contradiction: those who speak
out for truth, change & justice encounter death at middle age. still yet
Epitome Perennial represents longevity, where upon these visions are
continually envisioned, albeit unrepresented, until another of these statures
realizes itself. Accordingly, it represents rarity of uniqueness. A stature of
being champion, unique, of the best in that respect. Epitome Perennial
represents idealism: the everlasting struggle of life, the lifelong struggle
for existence, for advancement of position.Epitome Perennial is austere and
ascetic. It is a dream vision reflecting human justice, whence realized,
entails Epitome Perennial stature.
Everybody has their own style. All styles are influential; each comprehensive
to the oneness of the Universe.
The impact it has...That impact is based on a core similarity, which is universal and a Truth among all beings. it is good, it is evil. What attracts people to you is the relation they have with your frequency. Good versus evil is smart versus dumb, intelligence versus ignorance. that is why the greater styles are those of divine intelligence/knowledge of the absolute; because then everybody can relate because it is the essence of every being, and it is in the high realm of Truth, beauty, and justice- qualities empowering towards a comprehensive awareness and understanding; consciousness. Which is what is termed as perennialism. It is complete knowledge, materialistically and spiritually; it is transcendental. And so the source of all knowledge is from the oneness of creation. when this is understood, then everything else is more easily understood; and evil, which is a reflection of ignorance and indifference, becomes vanquished through intelligence, knowledge, light, understanding, forgiveness, and a realm of existence being in a state of absolute perfection.
Thomas Jefferson often referred to knowledge as Light. His life's work was as much a quest for light as for Liberty. To America and the world, he affirmed that light upholds liberty, that a free government relies on enlightened citizens. -Jefferson Memorial in Washington D.C.
Were there other leaders you considered for the project?
Mario Savio's "bodies upon the gears" speech was quite powerful. The song in which i actually included his speech in, didn't make the cut for the project. Another one was "The girl who silenced the world for 6- minutes". That was a tough vocal performance to cut and chop. The whole speech is great, albeit it's length, i didn't want the project to be over-saturated with speeches at the same time. Tupac Shakur was another person who came to mind. Right off the bat, he put his speeches in his own musical creation so in that regard he represents his own unique stature under what could be signified as "Epitome Perennial". Additionally, the mystery of Tupac's death would have opened up a whole new complexity to the project, with regards to the debate of his demise based on a personal situation, or a political agenda.
I also considered whether or not to use Bashar as the intro for Epitome Perennial. I was quite contemplative to push forward with this opening statement, because it did sound a bit long-winded, preachy, and weird (laughs). But boldness is necessary. And weird is the origin of genius. What made me follow through was I knew the message he was saying is of utmost importance for the cohesiveness of the project. And that introduction nailed the essential know-how theme for the project, by reminding myself and listeners that change begins with yourself first and foremost, as stated by Gandhi: Be the change you want to see in the world. And Michael Jackson's song, "Man in the Mirror".
And lastly, What are your thoughts on the current state of Hip-Hop?
Hip-Hop is becoming everything. hip hop is gangster culture. hip hop is revolutionary culture. hip hop is materialism. hip hop is spiritualism. hip hop is becoming world culture because it is looking beyond race and ethnicity. the moment hip hop became worldwide, it broke racial barriers and prejudicial tensions. As Jay-Z notably remarked, Hip-Hop has done more for race relations than any politician or other leader. Any direction hip hop extends toward, it will encompass similarly to how it has encompassed all of its previous associations. And it will transform itself for its own strength in unifying the new with the old, the young with the vets, the socially aware with the materialistic, the manly with the child-like -- among all races.
Hip-Hop is expression. It unites prejudice. And it does so through diversity, indirectly, without it even attempting to. So what I say is, hip hop is expanding to become the most powerful movement in this world -- & rightfully so. It centralizes diverse cultures into one. Hip is the tree trunk, the branches are the art-form's elements, and the leaves represent the people of the world. And that's not even mentioning the fruits that come from the tree, which is self-awareness, confidence, individuality.
What Reagan said: the world will know unity when an outside force threatens our collective conscience/existence. The outside force posed to us as most threatening - paradoxically demeaned as useless, and thus exploited for usefulness - was the same force that founded hip hop, which has aptly grasped 'ones from the all', individuals among all cultures, and has potentiafied unity; So thus, what was feared most was ourselves, precisely, until we were saved by that which was most feared in the beginning, which became the savior in the end.
Unto this reflects Epitome Perennial, and unto this does Epitome Perennial reflect and embark upon. Like i said before, diversity is very important for hip hop because it opens up new expressions of identity which allows for transformation and growth to occur among the culture as a whole. So the ills that once existed, now will begin to dissipate as the culture extends itself in accepting those expressing whatever persona they hearken for themselves. The message of Epitome Perennial being realized, is real. And it is made real through the divine gift of Hip-Hop.