Hakim Green of Channel Live Drops Timely New Single "Don't Sell Ya Ass"

A bold commentary on fame, fortune, and the seedy side of the entertainment industry, paired with a groundbreaking AI-powered music video.

(Newark, NJ) — Hakim Green, legendary rapper, activist, and one-half of the iconic hip-hop group Channel Live, is back with a powerful new single, "Don't Sell Ya Ass," produced by Dani Boi, is a thought-provoking anthem that takes aim at the moral compromises often made in pursuit of fame and fortune. The song, while written and produced prior to recent explosive revelations and controversies surrounding entertainment moguls like Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and celebrity streamer DJ Akademiks, feels eerily prophetic and strikes a deep chord in the current cultural moment.

The Message Behind the Music

“Don’t Sell Ya Ass” pulls back the curtain on the entertainment industry’s darker side, exposing the exploitation and self-destruction that can come with chasing stardom. Through hard-hitting, unapologetic lyrics, Hakim warns against losing oneself in the pursuit of success. Lines like, "Hanging around the cesspool you bound to get shit on, so many play themselves just to try to get on," and "This life is like a party and the devil want to dance," paint a vivid picture of the moral pitfalls lurking behind the glitz and glamour.

The song also addresses the systemic exploitation of artists, with biting commentary on unfair record deals and the predatory practices of the industry: "They get you for your publishing now you caught up in the shuffle, said you was getting the bag, but all you got was ruffles."

Hakim Green states, “This song is a wake-up call. Too many people are sacrificing their principles for a seat at the table, not realizing they’re being served as the main course. It’s time we look at what we’re selling—and what we’re selling out—for fame.”

A Technological Leap: AI-Powered Music Video

Adding a cutting-edge layer to the project, the accompanying music video uses AI-generated visuals to amplify the song's themes. This groundbreaking approach brings Hakim’s message to life, combining surreal imagery and thought-provoking AI-created animations to highlight the song’s cautionary tales about temptation, power, and the cost of ambition.

Hakim explains, “AI is the perfect tool to illustrate the duality of this industry—the shiny facade and the darkness lurking underneath. It allowed us to visually depict the soul-selling narrative in a way that’s as mesmerizing as it is unsettling.”

A Voice of the Golden Era, A Leader in the Now

As a pioneer of hip-hop’s golden era, Hakim Green has always used his art to educate and empower. From the unforgettable 1995 anthem “MAD IZM” to co-founding the 24Hrs. of Peace Festival in Newark, NJ, Hakim has remained a steadfast advocate for peace, community, and using hip-hop as a vehicle for positive change.

“Don’t Sell Ya Ass” is another extension of Hakim’s mission, marrying his sharp lyrical prowess with an urgent call for authenticity and integrity—both in the entertainment industry and beyond.

A Song for the Moment

In a year where the entertainment world has been rocked by lawsuits, exposés, and scandals, "Don't Sell Ya Ass" arrives as a cultural lightning rod. It’s more than a song; it’s a statement. With its raw lyrics and innovative AI-powered visuals, this single bridges the gap between music, technology, and activism, making it a must-watch, must-hear moment for fans of hip-hop, social commentary, and cutting-edge artistry.

Availability

Go to www.hakimgreen.com/music to view the AI-powered music video and to get your free download of "Don't Sell Ya Ass".