The unlikely story of Weekend Money begins in the Middle East and America’s so-called City of Brotherly Love. As a child, Amar “Bagh” Ibrahim endured the bombs and bloodshed of the first Iraq conflict. “My parents did a very good job of turning living through war into a game,” he says. “It became, ‘Saddam [Hussein’s] army patrol is coming. Let’s play hide-and-seek behind the fridge.’” His family fled to the States in 1991, settling in Princeton, New Jersey, where he began to chafe against his conservative Muslim household. Later, he would pick up a guitar, become a Nirvana fanatic and enroll at New York’s City College — while teaching himself music production on the computer. Sam “NE$$” Murrain was the product of a dysfunctional home and the violent, drug-fueled turmoil of North Philly. Hip-hop became his refuge. “I remember there was a school talent show in sixth grade, and someone did Boogie Down Production’s ‘Illegal Business,’” says NE$$, referring to the 1988 song about drugs ruling America. “Just seeing the principals and teachers looking intimidated was exciting,” he laughs. “That’s what I wanted to do.” Years later while at Florida A&M University, NE$$ would take his love of art form to the next level becoming a full fledge MC, joining forces with rap partner Karaam “A-Black” from his first rap group "A-Alikes" an affiliate of legendary rap duo dead prez' .... Full Bio on WeekendMoney.Tumblr.com