Vibe.com, April 25th, 2006
A Pakistan-born, American-raised MC could be noticed just off the strength of his ethnic culture and background. However, for Grand Scheem, he’s not only looking for the Western culture to peep his visage. More importantly, he wants people to pay close attention to the real, thought-provoking rhymes that come out his mouth. Chances are if hip hop fans lend him their ears, they’ll begin to understand the Grand Scheem of things.
True story - Grand Scheem is no stranger to hip hop. In fact, he was hanging plaques on his wall way before he ever picked up a mic. That’s because, before delving into a full-fledged career as an MC, Scheem was successfully making the rounds as a promoter with Interscope Records and a variety of other major labels.
During his tenure as a promoter in the industry, Scheem had the opportunity to work with big acts like Lil’ Jon, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Shaggy and Mary J. Blige. During one particular promoting project with Blackground Entertainment, Scheem actually had the chance to chop it up with Aaliyah, just two weeks before her untimely passing.
Although the meeting was short, Scheem vividly remembers Aaliyah’s words of wisdom and uses them as a code of life till this day.
“She told me, ’Never lose sight of your identity and who you are,’” says Scheem, who is prepping his yet-to-be-titled debut album for a late fall release. “I think I have a very good understanding of hip hop and what it means to keep my existence as a Pakistani and also show my Americanism. That’s the problem with other rap cats: identity crisis. You see a lot of cats out here and they don’t know who they are.
“I get a lot of love from the hoods because I use that same hood mentality to push forth my message. I’m giving back to hip hop what hip hop has given me. That’s why my sh*t is a movement.”
Scheem’s movement began following the tragic events of 9-11. When he witnessed the way Pakistanis and people of Middle Eastern descent were being negatively viewed in America, he felt the need to react. Scheem decided to pour his emotions out in the studio. What resulted was a heated, controversial track entitled, “The Greatest Scheem Ever Sold,” which openly challenged the ways of American politics. The powerful track began to generate buzz across the country, but the ideals brought up in the song left Scheem open for some probing.
“Michael Moore talking about other white guys is a debate, but a Pakastani talking about it [politics] is war,” says Scheem. “We have run into altercations with the government, like being under surveillance with the Feds, being questioned on flights, being harassed, feeling like we’re being wire-tapped with certain situations that have occurred and frozen bank accounts.
“I don’t really think that this is something that a lot of rappers want to be involved in because a lot of rappers are actors.”
Despite the temporary hardships faced, Scheem feels as though “The Greatest Scheme Ever Sold” track is a very intricate part of his lyrical blueprint. The gritty MC, who’s currently residing in Miami, cites “The Greatest Scheem Ever Sold” as key to presenting hip hop listeners in America, and on a worldwide platform, with the “issue” of American politics and its injustices in relation to those of Middle Eastern descent.
In addition, Scheem believes his street record, “Blowin’ Up In America,” hits listeners with his “struggle,” while he’s confident his new single, “Disperica,” will provide a “solution” to the drama.
While his path to releasing his debut album may very well likely be an arduous one, Scheem is gaining respect in hip hop circles across the nation. Among other recognitions, Grand Scheem was approached by Makaveli-Branded, the clothing line commemorating the life of the late, great Tupac Shakur, to rock their gear, and his MySpace page boasts nearly 22,000 profile views with daily fan comments reaching out in support of his music.
“We’re making history right now. When is the last time you saw a Pakistani American step forth out into the Western radio charts?” asks Scheem, who did disclose that he has potential deals on the table with Interscope and Jive. “What I’m doing right now, hasn’t even been done before. I really represent the average poor individual in America that has to suffer from the decisions that are made by the hierarchy: rich people.
“Grand Scheem is synonymous with the people. It’s completely up to the people where my music goes. I’m really speaking to the Western culture as a whole. Grand Scheem stands for the complete picture.”
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