Ahmad Ali Lewis (born October 12, 1975), simply known as Ahmad (often stylized in all caps), is an American rapper, songwriter, motivational speaker and author from Los Angeles, California. He is perhaps best known for the 1994 single "Back in the Day". Ahmad is also a former member and founder of the hip-hop fusion band 4th Avenue Jones.
Ahmad
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Ahmad in 2018
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ahmad Ali Lewis |
| Born | (1975-10-12) October 12, 1975 (age 48) Los Angeles, California, U.S.[1] |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Labels |
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| Formerly of | 4th Avenue Jones |
Ahmad made his recording debut in 1993 on the soundtrack of The Meteor Man with the song "Who Can". Released when Ahmad was 18, "Back in the Day" the remix version (produced by Maurice Thompson of Barr 9 Productions) hit No. 26 on the US pop charts and No. 19 on the U.S. R&B charts on the strength of its hook, sung over a sample of the Teddy Pendergrass song "Love TKO". It also reached No. 64 in the UK Singles Chart.[2] It was the first single off his first album, Ahmad. The remix of "Back in the Day" is also featured on the soundtrack of The Wood, a 1999 motion picture. Ahmad secured his first recording contract as a senior in high school and earned a gold record for his chart-topping hit.[3] He later formed the hip-hop fusion band 4th Avenue Jones.
He went back to school and enrolled in Long Beach City College in 2006; after graduating he was accepted by Stanford University, to acquire bachelor's degrees in sociology and African American studies.[4]
Lewis was married to his former 4th Avenue Jones bandmate, Tena Jones, from 1998 to 2007. Their son, Yeshuwa Ali, was born in 2004.[4]
Lewis is a practicing Christian.[5]
Solo
With 4th Avenue Jones
With 4th Avenue Jones:
Videos:
