by Niya Muhammad
It all started in 1998 with the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan’s lecture titled, “Jerusalem to Jericho,” the first mixtape by Lost Sheep Productions. Brothers Jibriel Muhammad and Mustapha Muhammad, the founders of Lost Sheep Productions, built their brand from the fertile grassroots with just a desire to bring the life-giving Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad to the youth.
As they infused Hip Hop as a musical narration to Min. Farrakhan’s lectures, they created a unique synthesis that closed the gap between the youth and the retention of The Teachings.
This was the concept of the brothers, who are registered Muslims in the Nation of Islam under the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the guidance of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
›Brother Jibriel is also the owner of the Renowned Bookstore, Respect For Life Books-n-things, which was home to many on Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, since 1998. The thumping beats and the voice of the Minister playing from the speakers in front of the store attracted many listeners and people just passing by to stop in front of the RFL Bookstore to purchase the new sensation. Due to an electrical fire in 2017, the bookstore closed and is now operating online at www.respectforlifebookstore.com.
When the brothers would vend during Saviours’ Day, many would stop by to share stories of their acceptance of Islam because of the Lost Sheep Mixtapes. Some have even shared that they grew up listening to their parents playing the mixtapes while traveling in their car or at home.
When the Brooklyn born and raised brothers from Muhammad Mosque No. 7C, (with Student Minister Henry Muhammad as the Local Representative of Min. Farrakhan) were asked about the creation and journey of Lost Sheep Production, their response was, “We don’t just put hip-hop beats over the lectures, we meticulously tailor beats to match the spirit of the speaker so that the energy of our CDs is consistent. Our mission is righteous, our work is divinely inspired, and our goal is to get the message to those who are deemed unreachable,” said Brother Jibriel.
“We started off doing something different for our brothers and sisters out there who needed help in the community. We figured a clever way to reach our people. We started putting beats behind The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and other inspiring leaders. We are the Lost Sheep; we represent the people,” added Brother Mustapha.
They have also hosted their own radio show, interviewing some of the best minds on the planet including top ranking and hardworking student regional ministers of the Nation of Islam. Along with guests such as Student Minister Dr. Ava Muhammad, Student Minister Akbar Muhammad, Captain Dennis Muhammad, Nation of Islam legendary pioneer Brother Lucious Bey and the fireball Student Minister Brother Nuri Muhammad, just to name a few.
Brother Mustapha and Brother Jibriel have collaborated with other artists in the Nation as well as releasing 7 Hip Hop and R&B albums of their own, staring Jibreel “The Angel” Muhammad, including: “Singles Retreat,” the theme song for the 17th Annual Singles Retreat, “Be With You,” and “I Luv The MGT.”
Congratulations to Lost Sheep Productions for 20 plus years and going strong for Allah, Elijah and Farrakhan!
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