“You should worship Allah alone and not Man” Is the first barz MissundastoodNYC spit on her new/old single “Best Names”. MissundastoodNYC isn’t new to our platform and this will not be the last time you will see her here. She has a new/old single and we are here for it! It’s old, because she recorded this joint several years ago, but it’s new because the single now has visual. If she looks familiar, yes! You saw her getting down in the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best First Film and Sundance Film Festival, The Forty-Year-Old Version film. MissundastoodNYC plays herself as one of the femcee’s in the Queen of the ring battle scene.
Don’t let the Hijab fool you, because it’s nothing soft about this Sista with dope barz and the love for Hip Hop. I caught up with Missundatstood and had a few questions for the inquired minds.
Who wrote the song?
Best Names is not a new record. It was on my first mixtape that I never released. It’s over 11 years old. It’s one of those oldies but goodies.
Who produced the track?
It’s a cover song by Jay Z “Hovi Baby”. It was produced by Just Blaze.
What inspired you to record this track?
I was inspired by my love of Islam, one of the three monotheist religions.
Talking about the creator and what he’s done in your life is still taboo. What type of reaction have you been getting?
The reaction has been great. People are sharing it. I won’t say the reaction is amazing, because the views and downloads are not where I would like them to be. Everyone who has seen the video, said it’s hot. Me deciding to release it puts me in a box, because the record mostly appeals to Muslims. I’m known for Halal Bars, Halal meaning “Good”.
Where was the video shot?
The video was shot in Harlem, 116th street, 125th street and the surrounding areas.
who came up with the concept?
The concept was a collaborative effort between the videographer, me, and Giant from Bartendaz. It was Giant’s idea to release this video, because it’s his favorite all time track from me
Who’s the director?
The video was shot by Sapp from Official SPS. It was a pleasure working with him. He is professional and talented.
What’s the message are you conveying to the new comers?
The message I was trying to convey was to remind people who our creator is. In Islam, it is believed that God has 99 names. The more we become familiar with his names, the more we know him. The more we know him the more we will love him or draw closer to him.
What are the best names?
The best names for me are: Ar-Razzaq (The Provider), Al-Ghafoor (The forgiving), Al-Haqq (The Truth), and Al-Khaaliq (The creator)
Being a woman, Black, Muslim, and a Emcee. A black Muslim woman doing Hip Hop, how is both the Muslim world and society embracing your art?
A few people are embracing me more after my appearance in The Forty-Year-Old Version. In regard to the Muslim world, some embrace me, some don’t. My music has not been presented to the whole Muslim world. I have not gone “viral” YET!
