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Rashad Omar Shaheed is originally from San Diego, CA where he studied music at San Diego State College.  Named Steven Arlow Stewart at birth, Rashad grew up listening to music daily, with special attention to drummers and bass players, listening to Motown artists and singing along with his favorite songs of that era.  His music career started at the age of 10, playing the clarinet from elementary school through high school.  His first bass lesson was given to him by his father, Winfred A. Stewart, a jazz musician who continues to play up-right bass as of this writing. While still in the early stages of learning the Bass Guitar, Rashad studied the style of James Jamerson intently.  Once gaining a firm grasp of the Bass Guitar, Rashad's major influence has been and continues to be Nathan East, a fellow San Diegan.  While still in San Diego, Rashad formed his own band called, "Soul Unlimited," which included San Diego notables Hollis Gentry lll (tenor sax), and Hartlwell Ragsdale lll (Skipper) on drums.

After moving to Oakland, CA., getting married and turning to Al-Islam to guide his life, Rashad worked with several prominent bands and artists in the area, including "Hollywood and Company," "The Bobby Murray Band", recording artist, "Nina Causey," and the Muslim group, "Hijrah."  Rashad began to write songs a few years after marrying Ameenah Lateefah Shaheed, also a fellow San Diegan, whom he credits for inspiring several love songs. Upon listening to Rashad's music, one becomes acutely aware of his message which is  directly influenced by the teachings and insights of Imam Warithuddeen Mohammed, RAA. 

Rashad believes that good music with good lyrics serves to communicate a wholesome meal to the listener which most people appreciate and understand.  Producing good music with a good message, Rashad delivers the full three-course meal along with dessert and a chocolate mint for the listener.

In the upcoming years, Rashad hopes to continue to write and produce good music with a good message for listeners of all ages and all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. After all, everybody can appreciate a good meal!