Brandon: Mr. Muhammad, why RHN and why now?

Muhammad: Gangster-ism, misogyny, and excessive violence have been the negative images that mainstream media outlets have latched onto to define hip hop. RHN’s goal is to bring balance and challenge negative stereotypes pervasive in hip hop. RHN shows hip hop’s universal appeal and its strength as a global language for young people of all races, ages, and nationalities.

Brandon: MTV, BET, and others have recently been described by some as abandoning the music play that made them household names. What can viewers expect from RHN when it comes to actual music play?

Muhammad: The other music channels have largely abandoned music videos as their primary focus, favoring the new reality television craze, while only playing videos that represent a small segment of hip hop. RHN’s goal is to bring the soul and conscience back to hip hop through better programming that highlights the music. The music industry is struggling because the ones who currently run it are not the ones who live it and that is not real.

Brandon: So, Mr. Muhammad…Clearly, RHN has created a huge buzz. You are successfully building a brand in today’s tough economic climate. How is that possible?

Muhammad: I just connected with something deeper than money. RHN believes in principle before profit. Character, intelligence, and social consciousness are just as stimulating to audiences as dumb downed commercial fair. Artists who compose music with a message are the ones that last. Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”, and Mele Mel’s “The Message” is the kind of music that defined a generation and a culture with timeless lyrics. The lyrics make individuals think about their place in the world and how to change it. Having built RHN with this philosophy at its foundation, we too can impact lives and change the world.

Brandon: What do you think is at the crux of why some people say hip hop is dead?

Muhammad: First, understand the difference between real hip hop and gangster rap. Real Hip Hop is the essence of human creativity; therefore, hip hop can never die. That spirit lived in the youth of Bronx, New York who with no resources, struggled to find expression. Out of this need, the four elements of hip hop were born. With no money for instruments, turn tables became their trumpets. Cement streets and cardboard became their dance halls. The subway trains of the city streets became their canvas, and one mic became the tool they used to speak to the world. Real hip hop stays true to the voice of the human experience, while gangster rap prostitutes the public’s desire for authenticity and substitutes it with cheap imitation. I believe the world needs real hip hop.

Brandon: Mr. Muhammad, content is the key in television. What kinds of new and exciting shows can viewers expect to see on RHN?

Muhammad: We have an extensive original programming line up. In addition to video countdown shows like “VR-20” hosted by Jason Parker and “Hip Hop Nation”, showcasing international hip hop, we have some other hits that promise to bring plenty of energy and life to the channel. Shows like “What’s Really Cookin” with Chef Roblé, “The World’s Greatest DJ” with Kid Capri, and a movie and entertainment critique segment called “The Way We See It with Boogie and Billy” are just a few.  As proof of our commitment to children, we brought on Kelly Williams (formerly of “Family Matters”) as our Vice President of Children’s programming. Additionally, we have some elements we know our viewers can benefit from like “Back to Lab”, educating people on the music production business, and “Real Talk with IQue” showcasing celebrity news. There is fitness for mind, body and soul with “Truth It Up” hosted by Sherita Mitchell. Finally, “Real Gritty Top 20” and “Underground Nation” profile unsigned emcees and underground artists. We will not just talk about how a hip hop channel can be an outlet for positive change, but reflect it in our programming .If you don’t have RHN in your local market, demand it from your local satellite provider or cable operator.

Brandon: What is the most important thing you want readers to know about RHN?

Muhammad: RHN is the network by the people and for the people. As RHN’s founder, I am an individual shaped and fashioned by hip hop’s golden era. As a connoisseur of the art form, I hold the legacy of hip hop in high regard, and promise to keep it real, original, and entertaining. Through our charity Real Hip Hop Cares, we will use RHN as a platform to give back to the youth who fuel the culture. Additionally, we have partnered with Kenneth E. Barnes, Sr. MS, the founder and CEO of ROOT (Reaching Out To Others Together) and the Guns Aside program, a Washington based charity that evolved into a powerful community

force following the tragic shooting death of the founder’s son. This partnership is a driving force for making practical change in communities and meeting the needs of the youth where they are.