In the history of the Hip-Hop, few artists have had as great an impact on the development and progression of the art forms lyrical style as Rakim Allah.  Universally referenced as one of the Masters of the Microphone and an influence and inspiration to his peers and followers alike, Rakim first exploded onto the scene with the release of iconic Eric B. is President in 1986 with long time collaborator Eric B.  The single marked a turning point in the Rap world – raising the bar for future emcees and revolutionizing the way rhymes are delivered to this day.  No serious discussion of the music’s greatest performers is held without a deferential accounting of his achievements, and no serious rap artist grips a microphone without channeling some of his legend. Rakim’s intricately intellectual lyrics draw their force from his worldly experience, inner faith and progressive contemplation; his liquid and seemingly effortless delivery – often imitated but still unrivaled – from a fire fueled by a deep understanding of not just Hip-Hop, but also the Jazz and R&B influences that have surrounded his family since his youth.  His recordings – including the all-time classics Paid In Full, Follow the Leader and The 18th Letter - have sold in the multi-millions worldwide.  Billboard, Rolling Stone, MTV and a host of others consistently refer to Paid in Full as “the greatest Hip-Hop album of all time” – a claim that often repeated in audience polls. These Platinum albums line the walls of the Broadway, MCA and Universal labels and, with a Rakim appearance near guaranteeing an explosion of sales, he has been recruited to add his star talents to projects for Alicia Keys, Jody Watley, Damian Marley, Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Mobb Deep, Lloyd Banks, Limp Bizkit, Gang Starr and Truth Hurts among many others.   Rakim’s uncanny innovation was the focal point of the critically acclaimed recreation of Bob Marley’s Concrete Jungle and has helped propel movie soundtracks such as Juice, Brown Sugar, the Rugrats, American Psycho and 8 Mile to Best Seller status.  His role model status has led world famous brands such as Reebok, The Coca Cola Company, LVMH, Ecko and Sean Jean to choose him as spokesperson. Now with twenty-five years at the top of Hip-Hop’s Greatest list, the Long Island, NY native not only continues to record for himself, but also works with young artists signed to his own record imprint, Ra Records.  With recent tributes in 2012 such as being named the #1 Lyricist of All Time by The Source magazine, receiving the coveted BET Lifetime Achievement Award and being nominated to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, two original music projects, his first feature film role and sold-out international tours keeping the world’s eye on the one many call The GOD EmCee, Rakim Allah continues to lead where others just follow.

DJ RQ Away is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, -- the place where free drums of Africa met vibrant horns of Europe to create Jazz and the home of musical pioneers like Louis Armstrong, Professor Longhair, Master P, Allen Touissant, Mannie Fresh, Christian Scott and Eddie Bo.  Growing up he’d spend much of his time tuned in to local radio and any station on television that played music. Early on RQ Away found love with artists of genres spanning House, New Wave, Hip Hop, R&B, Pop, Funk, Disco, Gospel, Reggae, Jazz, Rock, Bounce, Europop, if it felt good he loved it. Music love aside, he never saw DJing in his future. Having just made a decade in the craft, his love for so many sounds continues to influence his unique vibe-creating ability and has cemented his name as a leader in the DJ world of New Orleans. Inside and outside of New Orleans, DJ RQ Away makes waists sway and brows sweat to curated beats while sharing the stage with major artists like Erykah Badu, or rocking crowds at his own parties in his hometown. He’s opened sets for Ludacris, Moses Sumney, Jay Electronica, Camp Lo, Kelis, Maxwell, Rich Medina and many others. As he grows DJ RQ Away has afforded himself the opportunity to produce his very own events. His NOLA based event The Tipping Point is one of the cities longest running weekly events and has attracted the dance moves of Solange, Robert Glasper & Cassey Benjamin, DJ Kemit and Mario Van Peebles. His quarterly Lagniappe party boasts a regular attendance of over 500 guests. DJ RQ Away presents his curated events, apparel, educational and community building workshops and even a city wide membership program via network and brand #AWAYTEAM. The brand grew out of his want to use the power of his following for more than just dancing. DJ RQ Away’s reputation for making any space his own has made him a household name within the Crescent City and amongst a nationwide community of music lovers and vibe connoisseurs.