Hanif-Jamiyl has been writing, recording, and performing since the age of 10. In 1994, while most high school kids were trying to figure out what college to attend, he was discovered in a local record store in his hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts as part of Maspyke, the CT-based group of which he is a member along with DJ Roddy Rod and Tableek.
Maspyke eventually signed with Elektra Records, giving Hanif the opportunity to write and record with the likes of Doug E. Fresh, Q-Tip, Wordsworth, Chante Moore, Al B. Sure, Ronny Jordan, Toshi Kubuta and Robyn. In 2000 he and Maspyke founded Bukarance Records and began releasing indie / underground bangers worldwide.
In today’s rap music world of studio gangsters, pimps, and thugs, Hanif-Jamiyl remains none of the above. Instead, he offers a more mature alternative for the hip-hop listener over 21. With a trademark voice, witty, unpredictable lyrics, and a flow reminiscent of the “Golden Era”, Hanif-Jamiyl has been hailed as the hip-hop Marvin Gaye.
He has shared the stage with some of the most respected artists in the business such as Mos Def, Slick Rick, Xzibit, The Clipse, Kardinal Offishall, Talib Kweli, Planet Asia, Jurassic 5, Dilated Peoples, Nore, Royce Da 5’9”, Heltah Skeltah, P.R.T., Zion I, Unspoken Heard, EPMD and J-Live, and has performed at legendary venues like BB King’s, S.O.B.'s, Lyricist Lounge, Nuyorican Poets Cafe, Elements, MJQ's and many more.