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.
How did your early memories of libraries shape the idea for these new videos?
Shaheed: The library has always been a focal point in my life, so we wanted to capture that essence of searching and looking for books throughout the library.
DJ Supreme: My grandmother and my aunts were librarians, so my earliest memories are of spending a great deal of my childhood posted up in the library. We definitely wanted to bring those good vibes to the video shoot.
What made you want to remind people why libraries still matter today?
Shaheed: Libraries are learning institutions that need to be highlighted because they are important to the community.
DJ Supreme: The importance of libraries should never be taken for granted. even though modern technology may have advanced how we retain information, there’s nothing that comes close to the satisfaction of reading a good book.
How did your work with K.R.U. Influence the themes of learning and mindfulness in these songs?
Shaheed: The work we do with K.R.U. is so important because we get to impact the youth directly. Also, we get to help shape their learning experiences in life.
DJ Supreme: The partnerships we’ve been blessed with through our work with k.r.u. provided us with the artistic vision, musically and lyrically.
You’ve held all kinds of events at the library — did those past experiences guide the feel of the shoot?
Shaheed: For me, yes, because of the familiarity of being in the space before. It feels like home.
DJ Supreme: low key, libraries are some of the coolest venues for hip hop. great atmosphere, plus all ages can attend
What was it like filming inside the Downtown Branch, and how did the space affect your performance?
Shaheed: It felt incredible because the location is historic. The history, the smell of the books, everything.
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.
When Brittney Decker stopped by, did that add anything memorable to the shoot?
Shaheed: Yes, she is one of the best news anchors our city has, and she gets it. She does stories on interesting things in our city and we are happy she was involved with the video.
DJ Supreme: Just by her being there, I made it memorable. We have mutual respect for work. Plus, I taught her how to make a beat during the shoot. Big shout-out to Britany Decker.
What made Lauren Strain the right choice to add her voice to the new “Brainstorming” video?
Shaheed: I feel she was the only option for this song. The night we recorded it with the legendary Darrell Thorp, I knew what it would be. It’s one of my favorite songs we have ever done.
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 you land on the black-and-white, sneaker-shop-style look for the visual?
Shaheed: The director Richard Giles made that call and it was the right call. It made the video look vintage.
DJ Supreme: Our videographer, Richard Giles, is a visionary. his talent and eye for great shots is unmatched. we only work with the best of the best.
The song centers on staying clear and focused — how do you both keep that mindset in real life?
Shaheed: For me, it’s by understanding what my purpose in life is. I try not to ever forget my purpose in life, and I also try not to forget that how ever much time I have left on this earth, it needs to be meaningful and productive with good intentions.
DJ Supreme: As Muslims, we keep a strict regimen anyway. As artists, we focus on what works and avoid what doesn’t. that’s a major part of our formula
Anything you want to share with folks who are reconnecting with the idea of libraries through your work?
Shaheed: Let’s make the library great again and let’s encourage the youth to go and hang out there.
DJ Supreme: Certainly, we hope for resurgence in library attendance and participation in library events. librarians and staff members work super hard and are deserving of every good thing they receive.
