Music Nation is a Music Video Competition for Independent Artists

As a boy he learned to sing by listening to birds and went on as soloist in a Black Baptist church choir. A rebellious act for the son of African-American Muslim parents. As a teenager visiting the island of St.Thomas, Rasalus sang karaoke one evening. The next morning, the whole island knew his name. Rasalus made his home in New York City's East Village, before it was gentrified, and has a devoted following there. Vocally he is the heir royal to Arethra Franklin and Stevie Wonder. His lyrics have been described as pre-Motherhood Sinead,( ...you watch us wither into tear stains, you say that when we're gone, you will remain... ), and as a black Bob Dylan. His sound is best described as pop music with equal parts rock, hip-hop and electro. He has performed with the likes of Vernon Reid and The Roots, and with Lauryn Hill. His fans include Christina Aguilera, India Arie and Maxwell, as well as producers Dallas Austin and Clark Kent. Through press release and DJ play alone, his recording of Serge Gainsbourg's Requiem Pour Un Con, (-Requiem For A Jerk-), sung in French, became a huge underground hit. To have been granted permission by the Gainsbourg estate to sing the song is a rare, seldom granted honor in itself. His performance on Italy's most watched TV show 'Quelle Che', followed Elton John's. His name was on lips and magazine covers throughout the country. Rasalus's name refers to one of the fixed stars in his astrological birth chart, which translated means: Lion's Roar. It is found in the natal charts of the greatest voices. Rasalus's favorite singers are Arethra Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Maria Callas, and gospel singer Karen Clark. He also loves Indian food and the melismas of India's traditional music. Rasalus's look is known to make heads turn, due to his exotic features and his cool yet singular fashion sense. Rasalus would like for to people know that he serves them through his music. If Rasalus is ever performing in your vicinity, run, don't walk, to see his live show! It will be one of the most memorable events of your precious life. You too will understand why so many root for Rasalus!