Usmaan

Usmaan (also known as Ozzy Black and Saleem Dion) is a British Pakistani hip hop artist who hails from the North-West of London, England. His lyrics tended to focus on issues which "Desi" youth face, with a particular focus on the UK. He is best known for his association with the UK Asian group Sona Family. After retiring from the Music scene in 2004 for religious reasons he returned in 2007 with Islamic themed songs.

Sona Family

He was a founding member of Sona Family, but left the group in 2004. As a member of the Sona Family collective he featured on an official white label version of More Fire Crew’s pre-Grime anthem “Oi!” which re-interpreted the original track for the UK’s gigantic Asian club scene to rapturous applause. In 2004 Sona Family released “Family Hustle, The Mixtape” it was an underground smash hit and singles of the mixtape featured extensive airplay on Asian radio stations.

Solo career

Usmaan made his vinyl debut in 1999 on Jehst's "Premonitions" EP (YNR). He then went on to feature on a string of releases, lending his unmistakable booming voice and cinematic rhymes to Evil Ed's “The Tournament- Round 1” EP and Tommy Evans “4 Elements” EP appearing alongside Task Force on the title track. He was also known as the "Asian Tupac". Many argue that he was one the best freestylers in the UK, featuring on many radio stations.

His first solo release was the 2002 street anthem “Stay Focussed” featuring the UK rapper Klashnekoff and “Who Want It”. This led to his second release “How Can I” and “You’re The Same” which further cemented his reputation for amazing lyrical flow and vivid lyricism.

He appeared on Jehst’s “Falling Down” LP (Low Life) in 2003 spittin’ alongside the mighty Sundragon on “Manimals” and lacing the hook on lead single “Run Hard”, which lead him to feature in the line-up for “The Falling Down Tour” that same year.

Usmaan is also credited for writing a ‘fair share’ of the songs on Metz n Trix's 'Get Ready Get Set' album, as well as showing the duo 'Metz and Trix' on how to rap properly rather than just repeat words and letters from the alphabet which they are known for, he also features in the song ‘Bi-lingual’ of the album.

Retirement and The Brotherz

Usmaan retired from the music industry in 2004 just before the signing of Sona Family to a major record deal. On examining his life and priorities he thought that this was not the correct route for his life and quit music. However in 2007 he formed a Muslim hip hop/Nasheed group known as The Brothaz, Usmaan has performed with The Brotherz at many Islamic events including The Global Peace and Unity Event and the Wisdom and Tea tour. Usmaan reunited with Sona Family member Mr. Riz with for one of his new songs on his new album. Mr Riz is Usmaan’s cousin. The Brotherz do not use any musical instruments and only use their voices to create harmonies, this has been due to musical instruments being considered impermissible by certain schools of thought within Islam. The Brotherz have received criticism for their a capella style, however after approaching Muslim Scholars they are confident that the style is allowed Islamically. The group broke up in late 2008, however Usmaan is continuing a solo career focusing on Muslim Hip Hop, with no instruments.