Khaled M, Via Limo Form Partnership

Darrin Rich — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:46:11 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

quick payday loans with small commissions

Darrin Rich

859.475.3054

www.ThisisKhaledM.com

Via Limos Partners As Official Transportation Service For Khaled M Music

April 16, 2012 Chicago, Illinois – When it comes to executive ground transportation, Via Limo not only has Chicago covered, but is now spreading its wings into the entertainment industry by partnering with Chicago’s own international recording artist, Khaled M.

“We are excited for the opportunity to support Khaled M, his team and his music. At Via Limousine we want to be recognized for customer service that is second to none and our overall commitment to quality especially as we branch into the music industry,” explains Vice President Ahmad Abbasi.

Expect to see a wide variety of vehicles zooming in and around Chicago decked out with custom Khaled M stickers and logos. Via Limos has it all covered.

More About Via Limos

Via Limousine is a personal transportation concierge, at your service 24 hours per day. Traveling with Via Limo is an individualized experience customized for your needs and comfort. Beyond transportation, Via Limo also creates tailored experiences for your full enjoyment of the local area granting access to exclusive local venues.

www.ViaLimos.com
www.Twitter.com/ViaLimo

More About Khaled M

Son of a Libyan revolutionary, Khaled M is a Chicago-based Libyan American hip hop artist who was born into the struggle. The reigning Chicago Urban Music Awards “Lyricist of the Year” has been featured on Rolling Stone Magazine, ABC World News, Yahoo! News, BBC, Complex Magazine, NPR and more. It’s no wonder he was listed as one of CNN’s “Most Interesting People.”

www.ThisisKhaledM.com
www.Facebook.com/ThisisKhaledM
www.Twitter.com/ThisisKhaledM

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Khaled M lands Feature Spread in Rolling Stone Magazine

Darrin Rich — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 21:29:22 +0000

Khaled M Follows His Father’s Footsteps

The Kentucky-based Libyan rapper’s emotional post-revolution journey

By Janne Louise Andersen

March 08, 2012

CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO ORIGINAL ARTICLE

When the Libyan revolution began in February 2011, 26-year-old Khaled M was a rapper from Lexington, Kentucky, who was mainlyperforming at universities and the occasional charity event. By the time it ended, more than nine months later, he had become one of the

American media’s go-to Libyan commentators, had toured the U.S. and Canada, and was a well-known MC in Libya.For Khaled, the uprising against Muammar Qaddafi didn’t start in February last year; it began before his birth, with his father’s and grandfather’s involvement in the National Front for the Salvation of Libya (the NFSL). Both men were Amazigh, a Berber minority in Libya, and both were jailed for their activities. When Khaled’s father, Mohamed Ahmed, managed to escape his cell before his planned execution and flee to Tunisia on foot, it was with Libyan intelligence chasing him. So Khaled spent most of his childhood on the run from Qaddafi’s hit men, until the family settled in Kentucky among a community of around 100 other exiled Libyans.

When his father drowned in 1994 while saving his sons from a strong undercurrent, Khaled learned how important his father was to his fellow countrymen. “All the Libyans from across America came to Kentucky to visit,” Khaled recalls during a break at the CMJ Music Marathon in New York. “I’ve kept in touch with everybody since then and have always been active for the cause.”

When last year’s uprising first began, Khaled seriously considered going to take part. But relatives, whom he’d last seen in 2004 when they snuck out of Libya to meet him and his mother on a trip in Tunisia, dissuaded him, saying, “To stay in America and help raise awareness is better for us than for you to come here and go to the front line.”

And so he put the release of his usually upbeat, positive songs on standby and turned his Twitter profile into an anti-Qaddafi information channel. Then he wrote “Can’t Take Our Freedom” with Iraqi-British rapper Lowkey and the hard-hitting video quickly went viral on YouTube. The web giant removed the clip for several months, but eventually gave in to public pressure and re-hosted it.

“If you watch it, it’s obviously about Libya, but if you just listen to the audio I don’t mention Qaddafi or Libya,” Khaled says. “I did that so people from any country could relate to it.”

When he finally went to Libya in December to visit relatives in Nalut, none of them had any idea that Mohammad Ahmed’s son was a rapper. So he put on the video for “Can’t Take Our Freedom.”

“They liked it,” Khaled says. “But it was a lot to take in for them. Some of them had never heard hip-hop before.”

During the rest of his time in Libya, Khaled walked in the footsteps of his father. He went to Qaddafi’s compound, Bab Al Azizia, where his two uncles and 13 others were killed in 1984 as they tried to assassinate the dictator. He also visited Abu Saleem prison, where more than 1,200 prisoners were killed in 1996. His uncle Sami showed him around. “It was surreal,” says Khaled. “He was telling me, ‘This is where so-and-so was tortured and so-and-so died.’”

The most poignant moment of his trip was when Khaled ran his hands over an engraving of his father’s name carved into the mountainside where he had hidden during his escape to Tunisia. “He was younger than I am now,” says Khaled.

Before he set off to Libya, Khaled told me he almost felt embarrassed going there: “People in Libya say they can’t wait to meet me, get my autograph and watch me perform. But I feel I’m in the opposite boat, I want to get their autographs. It seems almost arrogant to put myself on a stage and perform.”

He got the chance to tell people how he felt when he was invited to a local hip-hop competition in Benghazi on December 25th. “I am proud of everyone who persevered, if not by fighting, then by cooking or volunteering at a hospital or cleaning the streets,” he said from the stage.

It was a trip that re-energized the rapper. “While I was there my mind was racing 3,000 miles an hour. I felt more creative than I have in a long time,” Khaled says. As a result, he has a bunch of new releases on the way, including a track he originally wrote before Qaddafi’s death, and later reworked, called “De-Throned,” and “Ana Libi” (I am Libyan), a “unifying song for all Libyans, an anthem” on which he collaborated with Ibn Thabit and MC Swat, two of Libya’s best-known MCs.

He’s also revisiting those upbeat songs he put on hold a year ago. “Light’s Out” and “Follow My Lead” are already out and “Cloud Conversation” is the next to be released. Khaled anxiously awaits the feedback from his post-revolution fan base. Now that he’s made a name as a political rapper, he feels a weight of expectation that he’s not accustomed to. “I will never make music that is about clubs and popping the bottles. But I am looking forward to showing my fans another side of my personality,” he says. “I’m from the South; I like to joke and have fun.”

“Above The Clouds” Spring Tour comes to a city near you!

Darrin Rich — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:34:24 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT

Darrin Rich

Khaled M Music Manager

(859) 475-3054

DarrinRichNow@gmail.com

KHALED M’S “ABOVE THE CLOUDS” TOUR TAKES FLIGHT INTERNATIONALLY

March 1, 2012 Chicago, Illinois – The clouds have become a familiar place for Chicago-based recording artist Khaled M. So familiar that he’s decided to make a tour out of it and it appears he won’t be landing anytime soon.

Ready. Set. Takeoff!

The Above The Clouds Tour launches with it’s first international date in Manchester on March 3rd. Thereafter hitting an impressive lineup of cities and universities across the U.S. and abroad.

“Over the past year I’ve lived life, literally, in the clouds. We’ve done some special things, but with this tour I want to take time and show my fans that anything is possible if you just put your mind to it. Defy odds and achieve the impossible,” says Khaled.

Whether it’s by plane, car or bus the Above The Clouds Tour has already left the runway. New dates are being added by the week.

Manager Darrin Rich raves, “Headlining your own tour is no easy task. Being able to do this at the indie level makes it all the more impressive. We’re excited to be stopping in new cities and performing in front of new crowds, but fans should look most forward to Khaled’s live show. That’s what truly sets him apart from the pack.”

Khaled M and the clouds both appear to be a win-win.

The Above The Clouds Tour will be making stops in the following, but not limited to cities: Manchester (UK), Champaign (IL), Austin (TX), Houston, Philadelphia, Louisville (KY), Indianapolis, Lansing (MI), San Francisco, Phoenix, Detroit, Doha (Qatar), Lawrence (KS), and more. To book your city contact: Bookings@ThisisKhaledM.com

MORE INFORMATION ON KHALED M

Son of a Libyan revolutionary, Khaled M is a Chicago-based Libyan-American hip hop artist who was born into the struggle. The reigning Chicago Urban Music Awards “Lyricist of the Year” has been featured on CNN, ABC World News, Yahoo! News, BBC, Complex Mag, NPR, and more. With a story fit for a Hollywood script, a loyal international fan base, and a live show setting stages ablaze, it’s no wonder he was listed as one of CNN’s “Most Interesting People.”

www.ThisisKhaledM.com

www.facebook.com/ThisisKhaledM

www.twitter.com/ThisisKhaledM @thisisKhaledM

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Khaled M headlines Depaul’s 5th Annual Cafe Resistance! (Mon. Feb. 27th)

Darrin Rich — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:00:14 +0000

Fresh off a successful press tour through Los Angeles, Khaled M invades Depaul University this Monday Feb. 27th along with 4 time HBO Def Poetry Winner and “Louder Than A Bomb” founder Kevin Coval! This event kicks off their Israeli Apartheid Week for 2012!

Monday also kicks off a string of national/international tour dates for Khaled including: Manchester (UK), Univ of Illinois (Urbana), SXSW Music Festival (Austin,TX), Univ of Houston, Governors State Univ, Univ of Louisville, Michigan State, Univ of Kansas, Univ of Indianapolis, Univ of San Francisco and more!

WE ARE STILL BOOKING DATES! Contact: Bookings@ThisisKhaledM.com

Full show details coming soon to the website and Khaled’s Facebook Fan Page!

See you THIS Monday! Khaled looks forward to meeting you all! Follow @ThisisKhaledM

CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL FACEBOOK EVENT

Khaled M Begins 2012 Los Angeles Press Tour! (Feb. 15-21)

Darrin Rich — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:42:53 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Darrin Rich

Khaled M Music Manager

DarrinRichNow (at) gmail.com

Phone: (859) 475-3054

KHALED M DESCENDS ON LOS ANGELES FOR MEDIA TOUR AFTER UNPRECEDENTED 2011

Los Angeles, CA February 13, 2012 – There’s no denying Khaled M’s rise to the forefront of the world’s indie music scene over the past year and now he brings his inspiring story, music and charm to Los Angeles for a highly anticipated press tour.

Khaled explains, “We’re booking shows all over the world and although we’re creating an international brand, we must be sure that we have a presence in the major U.S. markets. Los Angeles is a place that we’re eager to continue our expansion. You’ve got to love the press in this business.”

The Khaled M team calls Chicago home, but the press tour won’t be their first time in Los Angeles. Khaled awed a multi-cultural audience at the University of Southern California back in November and as it appears now, trips to the Golden State look to be much more frequent.

Khaled M will be in Los Angeles beginning February 15 through 21. Contact manager Darrin Rich for all press inquiries.

MORE INFORMATION ON KHALED M

www.ThisisKhaledM.com

www.facebook.com/ThisisKhaledM

www.twitter.com/ThisisKhaledM @thisisKhaledM

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HaHa-HipHop Tour featured by The Huffington Post

Darrin Rich — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:42:47 +0000

CLICK HERE FOR ORIGINAL ARTICLE

By Kate Abbey-Lambertz

Khaled M is a hip-hop artist. Khaled TheComic is (not surprisingly) a comedian. Together, the two Khaleds are the unstoppable duo behind HaHa-HipHop, a frenetic variety show complete with a twist of social commentary.

This weekend, the Chicago-based entertainers will descend on Michigan, performing HaHa-HipHop at a Friday show in Ann Arbor and twice on Saturday evening at the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn.

“With comedy and hip hop it really just feels like a natural fit,” Khaled TheComic told HuffPost. “There’s a pretty easy crossover between the materials.”

Khaled and Khaled have always been immersed in their respective crafts, but it wasn’t until the last few years that each decided to take it professional.

Khaled TheComic started performing stand-up about five years ago as a stress-reliever. At some point, he realized people were actually listening to — and laughing at — the things he had to say.

“Two years ago I came out of the comedy closet,” he said. Since then, he’s been traveling across the country performing for fans and strangers. “This is not a fame and fortune pursuit for me,” he added. “This is a passion pursuit.”

Khaled’s comedy is observational, drawing on both personal experiences and social issues, with a particular focus on LGBT issues. He tries to examine stereotypes, sometimes nearing the line of offensiveness in order to get his point across.

“It’s commentary put in the wrapper of humor,” he said. “I’m trying to weave together my life experiences and the audience’s life experiences in a way that gives us the opportunity to create dialogue.”

Khaled M draws much of his inspiration for his music from his father, a Libyan poet. Although he started rap-battling in his school lunchroom and ghostwrote for other rappers for years, he, too, only started performing under his own name in the last two years.

He calls his songs “reality music,” rather than other terms he’s heard, like “conscious” or “political.”

“To call it political is really underestimating people,” he explained. “It’s the same stuff people talk about every day. Realistically people don’t talk about popping bottles on a daily basis. My music is a reflection of me, and I try to touch on real life.”

Both Khaleds would describe themselves as social activists as well as artists, and they draw a diverse crowd.

“People aren’t used to seeing a 50-year-old white lady at hip-hop shows,” Khaled M noted.

But his music speaks to a wide range of people.

“It’s about uniting people and really empowering people and offering a message of brotherhood.”

Khaled TheComic first realized the power of comedy while growing up in Texas in a town with very few other Arab Americans. When the Gulf War started, he said he became a target of harassment at his junior high. A classmate even threatened him with an after-school fight. While sitting in class dreading the confrontation, he made a joke that cracked everyone up. Afterwards, the bully approached him to make a truce.

“An hour ago this guy wanted to beat me up, and now that I made him laugh, he sees that I’m a person and that these perceived differences really don’t matter,” Khaled TheComic said. “Laughter gives someone the ability and permission to see someone for what they really are.”

“We want to touch people’s hearts, we want to light a spark inside of them,” Khaled M said. “The easiest way to do that is with entertainment, not only [leaving people] feeling entertained but feeling inspired.”

But does that mean this weekend’s shows will be heavy on message and light on fun? Not at all. The Khaleds promise nothing less than a spectacle.

“I go into every show assuming no one is a hip-hop fan, so I have to win them over,” Khaled M said. “I approach every show like it’s a Las Vegas event.”

FOLLOW @ThisisKhaledM

Facebook.com/ThisisKhaledM

Bump This: R.o.X feat. Khaled M

Darrin Rich — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:44:23 +0000

This track was released by Killa Beatz Ent off R.o.X’s debut album “Now or Never.”

Lookout for Khaled on the 3rd verse!

Bump This (Produced By Killa) Ft. R.o.X & Khaled M. by Killa Beatz

Listen to it Here:

“And You Don’t Stop” Radio w/ Lengendary Chuck D Highlights Khaled M

Darrin Rich — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 20:44:43 +0000

In mid-November 2011 while on his international Freedom Tour in NYC, Khaled stopped by the “And You Don’t Stop” Radio with Chuck D and DJ Johnny Juice both from the legendary group Public Enemy. Khaled expresses much love to these legendary artists.

To fast forward to Khaled’s segment, forward to the 22:50 mark.

Special thanks to Tim Einenkel for the connection.

Enjoy!

http://www.rapstation.com/shows/935/andyoudontstop.html

Khaled M Live MIX FM (Saudi Arabia)

Darrin Rich — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 22:47:46 +0000

Khaled M on MIX FM's Laish Hip Hop Radio (Saudi Arabia)

Khaled M featured on Saudi’s MIX FM Laish Hip Hop. This is the countries first FM hip hop radio show.

Look out for Khaled in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Qatar spring 2012! Please share! Enjoy!

Khaled M Drops “Lights Out” Video 12/13/11

Darrin Rich — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:48:15 +0000

Here is a promo video entitled “Lights Out” produced by Killa Beatz (Ohio) and directed by Raphah Anderson (Chicago).

“Lights Out” shows you Khaled’s versatility and universal appeal as an artist. This is the first in a string of releases from Khaled.

More coming soon!

DOWNLOAD LIGHTS OUTS MP3

Khaled M, Via Limo Form Partnership

Khaled M lands Feature Spread in Rolling Stone Magazine

“Above The Clouds” Spring Tour comes to a city near you!

Khaled M headlines Depaul’s 5th Annual Cafe Resistance! (Mon. Feb. 27th)

Khaled M Begins 2012 Los Angeles Press Tour! (Feb. 15-21)

HaHa-HipHop Tour featured by The Huffington Post

Bump This: R.o.X feat. Khaled M

“And You Don’t Stop” Radio w/ Lengendary Chuck D Highlights Khaled M

Khaled M Live MIX FM (Saudi Arabia)

Khaled M on MIX FM's Laish Hip Hop Radio (Saudi Arabia)

Khaled M Drops “Lights Out” Video 12/13/11

Khaled M - Lights Out