Former Rapper talks about Islam
Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 9:06 am
S/A Never heard of him but anyways here it is..
Reporter: Michael Edwards
ELEANOR HALL: As a rap star, Napolean was a bad man.
His songs carried a message of violence and hatred.
But now he's found Islam, and has given up rap music to preach a message of peace.
And this week, Napolean is in Australia to talk to young Islamic men about Islam's path to enlightenment.
Napolean lived the high life when he was on top.
He hung out with one of rap's biggest stars, Tupac Shakur, until he has shot dead. Napolean had the guns, the money, the women, and what he says was a hollow life.
But nowadays you won't be hearing any more of his rapping; he's made what must be one of the ultimate sacrifices for a performer - giving up art for religion.
MUTAH BEALE (Napolean): Just partying and drinking and women and guns and on drugs, money. You know, it's a fast lifestyle which, you know, to me, for me I happen to speak by experience, but you know, houses, cars, money, none of that stuff made me happy until I found Islam.
His story began on the mean streets of Newark, New Jersey, and then to Los Angeles.
The cycle of violence began early his life. His parents were murdered when he was four.
His first group was called Dramacydal and his best friend was killed in what's believed to be an accidental shooting.
Napolean says he couldn't see a way through his troubles, until he found Islam.
He says it's a religion that can change even the most unlikely types.
MUTAH BEALE (Napolean): I have some friends that used to be bank robbers, used to be murderers, used to be killers. They are Muslim now. You won't hear even a cuss word out of their mouth. You won't even see them kill a fly. You won't even think they'd kill a fly.
Reporter: Michael Edwards
ELEANOR HALL: As a rap star, Napolean was a bad man.
His songs carried a message of violence and hatred.
But now he's found Islam, and has given up rap music to preach a message of peace.
And this week, Napolean is in Australia to talk to young Islamic men about Islam's path to enlightenment.
Napolean lived the high life when he was on top.
He hung out with one of rap's biggest stars, Tupac Shakur, until he has shot dead. Napolean had the guns, the money, the women, and what he says was a hollow life.
But nowadays you won't be hearing any more of his rapping; he's made what must be one of the ultimate sacrifices for a performer - giving up art for religion.
MUTAH BEALE (Napolean): Just partying and drinking and women and guns and on drugs, money. You know, it's a fast lifestyle which, you know, to me, for me I happen to speak by experience, but you know, houses, cars, money, none of that stuff made me happy until I found Islam.
His story began on the mean streets of Newark, New Jersey, and then to Los Angeles.
The cycle of violence began early his life. His parents were murdered when he was four.
His first group was called Dramacydal and his best friend was killed in what's believed to be an accidental shooting.
Napolean says he couldn't see a way through his troubles, until he found Islam.
He says it's a religion that can change even the most unlikely types.
MUTAH BEALE (Napolean): I have some friends that used to be bank robbers, used to be murderers, used to be killers. They are Muslim now. You won't hear even a cuss word out of their mouth. You won't even see them kill a fly. You won't even think they'd kill a fly.
