With over twenty-five years of bringing us slamming Hip Hop and the introduction of Southern Bass with singles as “Eliminator“, “Raheem The Dream“, “Most Beautiful Girl“, DJ Taz “That’s Right/”ft. Raheem The Dream” and artist as Kilo, and Young Dro, and so many others, The real, Raheem The Dream is back! Yeah, you heard me right. He’s back! Recently finishing up his new release, “Back to the Future” and his new book, “Key To Make Money In Today’s Music Industry“, Raheem The Dream is definitely back on track. Check out this exclusive interview as he talks about his tragedy on the 4th of July 2004, his views on how the music industry has changed throughout his career, his piece’s he’s authored, and his brand new life. To set the mood, why don’t you skip down and listen to what some would say were his best selling singles from his old school days. Ck him out at www.greyghostent.com.
HEAT: So how you doing?
DREAM: I’m feeling so good Nik. I was like, “The Heat”! it’s on today… (we giggle)
HEAT: So tell us what’s been going on?
DREAM: I been all right. It’s been some good days with really good things happening, it’s been all good. Just finished up a new project, a new album entitled “Back To The Future”. We took some of the back in the day stuff and mixed it with the future stuff.
HEAT: So did you do this project with your back in the day producers?
DREAM: No, this producer is Sam Peezy out of Alabama. This guy plays all the instruments. He doesn’t sample and he makes all his beats and the beats are crazy hot. We went in the studio and laid it down. This is actually my first time working with just one producer. That’s how cold blooded his tracks are. The other surprise is he got me and Kilo together and we did two songs together.
HEAT: You’ve been in this industry now for what, twenty-five years?
DREAM: Well, this year marks twenty-six.
HEAT: I’m not sure if the fans know it but on July 4th 2004 you suffered a double aneurysm. And look at you now, talking to me about just coming out of the studio. Wow, what a blessing.
DREAM: Yep, God is truly amazing to me, most gracious and most merciful.
HEAT: Will you share some of that experience with our readers. I mean were there warning signs before it happened?
DREAM: For two days, I’d had a migraine that wouldn’t go away; medication wasn’t working. Finally, I called my mother, who was away attending her high school class reunion; she suggested that I go to the ER right away because I was having an aneurysm. She called my sister, Jeminah, who called the ambulance, and my sister came over right away. I was taken to Southwest Hospital ER with extremely high blood pressure. They assessed the situation and stabilized me to be transported to Atlanta Medical Center Trauma Unit; I’d had an aneurysm. It took two days for the medical team to get my pressure under control. My sister, Asia, who was a Pharm Tech in the US Navy at the time, advised my doctor on which type of medication to use to bring my pressure down. He took her advice and my pressure went down right away. Next, I underwent surgery for ten hours. Just before suturing, I had a second eruption; they had to repair that damage. If it had happened after the suturing, I would have passed away. It was a very long and difficult road ahead. I was told that on many days I was not expected to survive. I was in ICU 2 1/2 months. Next was physical therapy to learn to walk again and use other basic functions. Industry people and fans visiting me and sending get well cards, flowers, etc., all of this support contributed to me getting better and making a full recovery. 
HEAT: Wow man, we’re so thankful and grateful your life was spared so that you can continue to bring us such greatness.
DREAM: These days you should live your life every day as though you are leaving. Thank everybody, hug everybody, tell’em you love’em. Do the best you can each and every day.
HEAT: Not only are you an entertainer, you have added the title of author to the mix, tell us about your publications.
DREAM: “That’s Right”, (he giggles) I have two published books, “The Record Game Can Be A Dirty Game” and “How to Get Paid From the Record Game”. I also have a third book coming out, “Key to Making Money in Today’s Music Industry”. You can pull that up on Papermoneypublishing.com.
HEAT: When can we expect to see it on the shelf?
DREAM: Soon as distribution is finalized.
HEAT: Look at how you grooving. You’ve paved the way for a lot of artist, are you just working on your own stuff right now or are you working with other artist?
DREAM: I’m doing both at the same time. I’m working with a young guy name Chris Taylor out of Chattanooga, TN, and we’re looking to sign a young lady by the name of Tamara Operi (Dublin, Ireland) and re-sign Drama as well as working with Kilo trying to get him a deal. Also working on putting something together for Kilo and I to get on the road. I’m doing a lot but I’m relaxing and having fun. Taking moms advice trying not to put too much on my plate. Prior to having the aneurysm, I was working with seven groups and my projects; I was on overload. Now I’m just putting small portions on my plate, finishing that, and loading back up. I’m enjoying my family and enjoying my life at the same time this time around.
…Continued in Part II
