Connie Muhammad

Connie Muhammad, formerly known as Nutmeg, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer. In the early eighties, hip-hop music and its' span of influence was growing immensely. Connie aspired early to not only sing but rap as well, in lyrical battles around town, she found she had something special. She wrote and performed her own songs for local festivals and showcases. A critical turning point for her was by age 16. Connie was homeless and living in the crack infested “hoods” of Phoenix. These experiences later fueled her raw writing skill. By age 20, she was offered a record deal with local record company, Soul Sauce Records distributed by Raging Bull Records of Encino,Ca. The CEO, Johnny Salcido, signed her. The album GHETTOS CHILD written and co-produced all by Connie herself (except for featured artist) was one of the first rap cds' out of Phoenix to get national attention, distribution and feature from a major rap artist, Kool g Rap. The project was strictly "g-funk" laced with Connies' Rap and R&B esqe vocal-ism. In July of 96, The Source Magazine featured Nutmeg as a promising new talent for the Southwest rap scene! Sampling SOS Bands' "Take your Time" the single and video "Much Love" featured Kool G Rap and was one of the first of its' kind "East meets West" compilations (male/female) the blend was surprisingly cohesive and heralded more collaborations of its' kind to come.

However, problems developed with the distributor, Raging Bull Entertainment. The owner, music industry mogul Joe Isgro, was later indicted on loan schemes. Losing distribution without securing a new deal for her, the label lost the ability to market and distribute the CD. GHETTOS CHILD was eventually only a regional classic. Her vocal talent and writing ability was still noticed. As G Rap said himself in a interview that Connie “was a very talented young lady”.

After a long hiatus, Connie came back in 2008 with a new sound and new outlook altogether. A write-up in the international black publication, The Final Call < http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_4781.shtml > signified the validation that her music was being heard. Converting back to the Islam as she was taught in her childhood, she made a proclamation thru each track. The cd "Shahadah" is a fresh blend of hip-hop soul, jazz, and alternative with a conscious lyrical content embellished with her rich vocals. Songs such as "9000 miles", a tribute to the founder of the Nation of Islam, has a unique flavor with jazzy riffs over an urban beat complimented with funk synthesizers. Connies' lyrical storytelling skills are also seasoned and raw with sincerity and courage to speak on subjects that most shy away from.

Since that new beginning, Connie Muhammad has produced and delivered new music every year and showcases at the Annual Nation of Islam Saviours' Day Conventions. Her stage show is energetic and yet relaxed. Some of the most memorable were at the 2009 Holy Day of Atonement in Memphis, and The 2010 Saviours' Day Jazz showcase in Chicago, before a pleased "standing room only" audience. Nominated one of Phoenix Best Female Hip-Hop Artist of 2010. . She is a pioneer of the Southwest Rap scene more recently delving into her new love, Neo-soul. Connie has also acted in theater productions "Triumph over Tragedy" and a adaptation of the award winning musical "Rhyme Deferred". She also works in her community ,promoting positive music with organizations such as The City of Phoenix Project Brave.