Husalah
American rapper From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Husalah (born James Ratliff, May 13, 1979) is an American rapper from Pittsburg, California, widely regarded as a cornerstone of the Bay Area’s underground hip-hop scene.
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Husalah | |
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| Birth name | James Ratliff |
| Born | April 13, 1979 |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation | Rapper |
| Years active | 1995-present |
| Labels | The Artist Records, Sumo Records |
A founding member of the Mob Figaz, Husalah rose to prominence in the late 1990s with a distinctive style that melds the brash energy of gangsta rap, the improvisational flair of hyphy, and a reflective spirituality rooted in his Muslim faith.[1]
Known for his charismatic delivery, rapid-fire cadences, and unfiltered persona, he has released three solo studio albums—Dope, Guns and Religion (2006), Hustlin’ Since the ‘80s (2007), and The H (2018)—alongside numerous group projects and guest appearances.[2] His career, however, has been punctuated by legal troubles, a federal prison stint, and a high-profile feud with fellow Pittsburg rapper A-Wax, which has fueled speculation and debate within the rap community.[3]
Early life
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Perspective
James Ratliff was born on May 13, 1979, in Pittsburg, California, a working-class city in the East Bay known for its industrial grit and tight-knit communities.[1] Raised in the El Pueblo Housing Projects, he grew up in a family with deep ties to street life, where criminality was both a legacy and a means of survival.[4] From an early age, Ratliff was immersed in the hustle, a reality that would later permeate his lyrics with vivid authenticity.
His musical journey began as a child, freestyling with peers, but it wasn’t until his teenage years that rap became a serious pursuit.[2] Influenced by Bay Area legends like Too $hort and Mac Dre, as well as East Coast lyricists like Kool G Rap, he developed a style that balanced raw aggression with a playful, improvisational edge.[2]
Ratliff’s formative years were shaped by the cultural currents of Pittsburg, a city that, while overshadowed by Oakland and San Francisco, fostered a distinct rap identity. His conversion to Islam, shared with close friend and collaborator The Jacka, added a spiritual dimension to his worldview, often reflected in his music’s themes of redemption and struggle.[1] This duality—street swagger and introspective faith—set him apart in a scene dominated by hedonism and bravado.[5]
Career
Mob Figaz and early success (1997–2005)
Husalah’s career ignited in 1997 when he was discovered by Sacramento rap veteran C-Bo at a Pittsburg record store.[4] Alongside The Jacka, Rydah J. Klyde, Fed-X, and AP.9, he formed the Mob Figaz, a crew that blended aggressive street narratives with a pensive, soulful undertone.[6] Their debut, C-Bo’s Mob Figaz (1999), released under West Coast Mafia Records, peaked at number 63 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, selling 60,000 units—a respectable feat for an independent act.[1] Husalah’s standout verses, marked by a breathy, high-pitched delivery, earned him early acclaim.
The Mob Figaz’ rise coincided with the Bay Area’s hyphy movement, and Husalah’s ties to Mac Dre—whose playful, kinetic energy he often emulated—positioned him as a potential torchbearer.[4] Yet, as the group’s momentum grew, so did Husalah’s legal entanglements, foreshadowing a turbulent path ahead.[2]
Solo career and incarceration (2006–2010)
Husalah’s solo debut, Dope, Guns and Religion (2006), arrived amid heightened anticipation, cementing his status as a Bay Area cult figure.[1] Produced during a period of legal scrutiny, the album’s dark, jazz-inflected tracks—like “Frozen Heart”—showcased his lyrical dexterity and emotional depth.[2] However, his ascent was derailed in 2006 when he was implicated in a federal drug conspiracy case involving over 10 kilograms of cocaine.[4] Sentenced to five years, he turned himself in after a brief period on the run, leaving fans awaiting his return.[4]
While incarcerated, Hustlin’ Since the ‘80s (2007) dropped, a polished sophomore effort that refined his earlier rawness.[1] Tracks like “Sleep Wit da Fishes” captured his unapologetic charisma, sustaining his relevance despite his absence.[7]
Released in 2010, Husalah returned to a hero’s welcome, but his output slowed as he prioritized family and personal reconnection over a full-scale comeback.[2]
Return and The H (2017–present)
After years of sporadic releases, Husalah reemerged in 2017 with singles “M.O.B.” and “Protect Your Soul,” signaling a renewed commitment to music.[2] His third solo album, The H (2018), arrived after a decade-long hiatus, blending hyphy throwbacks with experimental flourishes like Spanish verses and dancehall influences.[5] Featuring The Jacka posthumously and produced by Bay Area stalwarts like The Mekanix, it was hailed as a time capsule of the region’s rap heritage.[8] Though not a commercial juggernaut, it reaffirmed his enduring appeal among purists.
Since The H, Husalah has maintained a low profile, balancing music with personal pursuits like soccer and fitness, as seen on his Instagram.[9] His legacy, however, remains tied to the Mob Figaz and his role in preserving Bay Area rap’s underground ethos.[2]
Feud with A-Wax
Summarize
Perspective
Husalah’s career has been shadowed by a contentious feud with A-Wax, a fellow Pittsburg rapper whose rivalry with Husalah has become a focal point of Bay Area rap lore. The origins of their beef are murky, with multiple narratives circulating among fans and online forums.[10] One theory posits a personal betrayal—rumors suggest A-Wax caught Husalah with his child’s mother, sparking a violent confrontation where A-Wax allegedly chased him with a revolver.[10] Another ties it to Husalah’s 2006 drug case, with A-Wax accusing him of snitching on associates, including a cousin or brother, to secure a lighter sentence.[10]
The conflict escalated musically in the late 2000s. A-Wax’s “Sure You Did” (circa 2008) alluded to a snitch without naming Husalah, prompting speculation.[10] Husalah reportedly responded with a diss track, leading A-Wax to unleash “Cinderella Story,” a scathing rebuttal that intensified the feud.[10]
In 2010, A-Wax released alleged court paperwork from Husalah’s case, claiming it proved his cooperation with authorities—a charge Husalah has never directly confirmed or denied.[11]
The documents’ authenticity remains debated, with some dismissing them as fabricated or misinterpreted.[11]
The beef spilled into physical altercations, notably in 2016 when A-Wax slapped Mob Figaz producer Rob Lo on video, a move seen as a proxy attack on Husalah’s camp.[3] Online, A-Wax has kept the feud alive, targeting Husalah and The Jacka in songs and interviews, while Husalah has largely stayed silent, focusing on music over retaliation.[12]
Fans speculate the rift stems from deeper Pittsburg rivalries, exacerbated by Husalah’s prison time and A-Wax’s affiliations with Waka Flocka’s Brick Squad.[13] As of 2025, the feud remains unresolved, a lingering footnote to Husalah’s complex legacy
Discography
Solo albums
Studio albums
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Collaborative albums
With Mob Figaz
- 1999: C-Bo's Mob Figaz
With Mob Figaz alumni
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Additional collaborations
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Guest appearances
- 2001. "Target Practice" (with The Jacka, Earl Haze, Kozi & Yukmouth) on (The Jacka Of The Mob Figaz)
- 2010. "Lightweight Jammin'" (with E-40, & Clyde Carson on (Revenue Retrievin': Day Shift)
- 2016. "This Goin' Up" (with E-40, & Turf Talk) on (The D-Boy Diary: Book 2)
References
External links
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