For most hip hop fans, Ayatollah needs no introduction.
Over the years, he's produced many highly-respected underground hits, as well as gold selling records, for artists such as Rakim, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Ghostface Killah, Pharoahe Monch, Lloyd Banks and many others.
 
Ayatollah's signature sound played a key part in the beat-driven explosion of talented hip hop artists in the 1990's, which was spearheaded by the now-infamous Rawkus Records.  
Moving into 2005, Ayatollah is currently working on a solo LP in the same vein as his earlier release, "Personal Legend Vol.1", as well as the production for emcee Okai's planned 2005 LP, both of which will be released on Soundchron records.  
Discogography: (scroll down for releases)Mos Def - "Ms Fat Booty"
Talib Kweli f/ Mos Def - "Joy"
Talib Kweli - "The Proud"
Styles P f/ Pharoahe Monch - "The Life"
Rakim - "A Cold Feeling"
Shyne - "What You Know"
Ghostface Killah - "The Odd Couple"
Inspectah Deck - "The Movement"
Lloyd Banks - "I can take you anywhere"
Cormega - "Raps a Hustle"
Black Rob - "By a Stranger"
Vast Aire - "Elixir"
Wordsworth - "Right Now"
Troy Slugs - "What you Know"
Masta Ace - "Hold You"
Screwball - " The Loyalty Album"
Tek of Cocoa Brovaz - "All Massive"
Mos Def f/Ghostface Killah - "Ms Fat Booty Rmx"
Imam Thug - "Verrazano"
RA the Rugged Man - "You Don't Wannna Fuck With"
24.k - "Klak Klak"
Bless Roxwell - "Fame"
Tragedy Khadafi - "Lift ya Glass"
Ayatollah - "Personal Legend Vol 1"

Mustafa has met with many successes in music and acting such as: "Junglist" a song on "The Brooklyn Beat Rockers" compilation, a recording and publishing deal with Victoria Theodore of VT Music. Mustafa was on the verge of being signed by Warner Brothers in 96' when the head of Black Music was ousted shelfing the project which would have included production deals with John Salley formerly of the Pistons and Lionel Ellis of Millenium Finance as part of the package. You may have seen him on the front page of USA Today a few years back promoting Converse's resurgence into the mainstream Hip Hop community with the All Star 2000, he recorded the song "Converse with a Legend" as a part of the marketing campaign along with another rapper "Tru" from LA. Mustafa is currently recording his album, "autobiography" on Soundchron Records with Ben Goldstein, Max DeArmon, Ayatollah, and Okai, set to drop early Summer 2005. Be on the look out!

Okai is a Brooklyn MC from East Flatbush with a strong Haitian background.

His Debut album, exclusively produced by Ayatollah, is dedicated to the deconstruction of the minds of the troubled generation who are trying to find their place in the world. His rhymes paint a picture of the struggle and the hustle that his generation goes through in order to survive. His ghetto newscast will bring you the raw and uncut news of the streets, political and economic systems, and family values.

One Love to the lost generation.

OKAI: Bout That 12" review from XLR8R

"Produced by Ayatollah, Okai's single should remind hip-hop fans of GangStarr, Mobb Deep and Black Moon's gritty OG sound, a welcome change in this bling era. Why? Cause it means Okai (who rep's East Flatbush) has to be as dramatic and lyrical as Ayatollah's funky beat. No monotone flow and an 808 here, son. "Face Off" features Planet Asia who informsus that he's "comin' with force," which he does over sample-filtered low-slung groove. A single to find and fiend for."

-Duncan Phillips

OKAI 12" hit number 1 last week on college radio charts. Big up.

"Okai" Listening Party, Friday, September 23rd 8 pm at the Bowery Poetry Club (308 Bowery between Houston and Bleecker)
Special performance by "Okai" etc ...

Sponsored by L Magazine and Heineken (open bar). Plus, don't miss the pre-party from 7-8pm right next door at Slainte Bar and Lounge (304 Bowery @ 1st).
Mustafa Effortless w/ Dakah Hip Hop Orchestra:

Soundchron artist Mustafa Effortless will be playing a free show with Dakah Hip Hop Orchestra this Sunday August 21st at noon at Sterngrove, San Francisco. Check http://www.sterngrove.org for details.

Hip Hop Orchestra is a highly acclaimed 70 piece band out of LA, and has been touring the country playing for sellout crowds at the Hollywood Bowl (Playboy Jazz Festival June 12), New Orleans Jazz Fest (April 29th), Las Vegas House of Blues (with Guru), LA's CaliforniaPlaza etc etc... Mustafa is a featured MC with Dakah, rocking showswith them across the country. Don't miss the San Fran show!
OKAI LIVE AT SOUTHPAW: Fri Aug 12th. With Tara Thomas, Maya Azucena, and Red Clay. On the Wheels: DJ Eleven, DJ Goldrocc, Ayatollah. $10 at the door. Direx to Southpaw::: located at 125 5th Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn>> Q Train to 7th Ave. M/N/Q/R/W/4/5 to Atlantic-Pacific. M/N/R to Union Street. 2/3 to Bergen St. F to 4th Ave.
7/13/05: Last night Ayatollah recorded a track for Tupac's new album along with Buckshot and Smif n Wessun, with a hook blessed by the amazing Maya Azucena. Also on the scene were Sean Price, Dru Ha, The Johnald, Pac's Fam, Pac's Spirit, James, Goldrocc, and others.
This jawn for sure making the album.
7.11.05: Okai rocked it last night at Club Rare. Thanks to everyone that came out and big up Jeremy James and The Truthseekers for more hot music.
DC -- we're coming your way in August! Stay tuned for more details
6.14.05: Okai just recorded a monstrous track with the Cali heavyweight Planet Asia. This joint is a crazy 12." And then there's the A side. The lead single for the album 'Bout That' b/w 'Face Off' feat Planet Asia will hit stores in August. Look for the LP "Deconstruction of the Mind" in stores this Fall.
We're currently scheduling Okai shows throughout the Northeast, so stay posted for info on an Okai show near you
June, 2005: New FORUMS! Check em out on the navigation bar under "board".
Mustafa Effortless (M.E) is performing at this year's biggest hip hop event -- South by Southwest in Austin TX. Big Up. His album features guest appearances from Ayatollah, Styles of Beyond and others.
Legendary producer Ayatollah just finished his instrumental album 'Listen'. Stay tuned for info on the release party -- should be crazy.

Brooklyn emcee Okai is finishing up his album, produced exclusively by Ayatollah, and featuring guest shots from Vinia Mojica and Jeremy James, just to name a couple. To be released Fall 2005.

I can honestly say that we've recorded some of the best music in the world...ever. So check it out and return much b/c you'll want to say that you were down b4 it blew!! Don't snooze!!