Derek W. Murphy (born December 29, 1968),[2] better known as Sadat X, is an American rapper, best known as a member of alternative hip hop group Brand Nubian.[3] Originally known as Derek X, Sadat takes his name from former Egyptian president Anwar Sadat.
Sadat X was born in the Bronx, New York City.[4] He and DJ Alamo are childhood friends who grew up together in the Bronx, where Sadat and his family lived at Concourse Village.[5][6] Sadat's father and Alamo's father knew each other and grew up together in Harlem, New York City at Lincoln Projects.[7] At age 11, he and his parents moved to New Rochelle where he met future Brand Nubian bandmates Grand Puba and Lord Jamar.[8] He first started rapping after his father brought him a turntable to DJ. He was known as "DJ D-Rock" and "Kid Paradise". According to Jamar, Sadat's father had an extensive record collection of different genres of music to where Sadat would use for the group's discography of their albums.[9][10] During his time while attending high school, he became a member of the Five Percent Nation after seeing one his family members and friends being involved as 5 Percenters.[11]
Career
Sadat made his debut with Brand Nubian in 1989, with the release of their debut single "Brand Nubian" b/w "Feels So Good". The group's debut album, One For All, was released on December 4, 1990, featuring the singles "All For One", "Wake Up" and "Slow Down".
Sometime around 1995, other members of Brand Nubian split up after releasing two albums, In God We Trust in 1993 and Everything Is Everything in 1994, while Sadat continue to make guest appearances and collaborations on albums with Diggin' in the Crates, as well as various artists. He would make an appearance on Biggie's "Come On" song, the original track that was supposed to be on Biggie's first album Ready to Die. The song was produced by Bronx native Lord Finesse.
In 1997, Sadat and Brand Nubian reunited together while recording some material for the group's new project.[12] In 1998, he and Brand Nubian released their fourth album Foundation[13]
On October 3, 2006, Female Fun Music released Sadat's third album, Black October. On March 23, 2010, Sadat X released Wild Cowboys II, the sequel to his 1996 solo debut Wild Cowboys, on Fat Beats Records. The album featured guest appearances from Ill Bill, Kurupt, A.G., Brand Nubian, Rhymefest and others, with production from Pete Rock, Diamond D, Buckwild, Sir Jinx, Will Tell and Dub Sonata. On February 23, 2010, he released an EP, containing five songs from the album and complementary instrumentals. The first single from the album was "Turn It Up" which features and is produced by, Pete Rock. In 2015, Sadat appeared in Mya Baker's documentary film Afraid of Dark which examined the experiences of Black men in America.[14][15] In 2022, Sadat released his 12th studio album, Science of Life.
Other work
In 2009, Sadat X and music producer Will Tell developed a wine-tasting web series entitled True Wine Connoisseurs. The wine show with a hip hop twist is now in its 5th season.[citation needed] The series was shown on a YouTube channel directed and produced by Tom Calabraro.[16]
Legal issues
On December 22, 2005, Sadat was arrested in Harlem and charged with criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment and resisting arrest.[17]
Personal life
Sadat X is involved in teaching children. He has worked as an elementary school teacher in New Rochelle, New York, qualified as a firefighter, and coaches children's basketball for the New York City Basketball League.[18] He also played point guard for the Howard University basketball team.[19] He has a daughter.[20]
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