Ahmad (rapper)

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Ahmad Ali Lewis (born in 1976 in Los Angeles, California), is a West Coast hip hop performer. Credited simply as Ahmad or Ahmad Jones (he is a part of the 4th Avenue Jones crew), he is best known for his solitary hit single, 1994's "Back in the Day", a nostalgic song that has become somewhat of a clichéd signifier for nostalgia in hip-hop culture. Released when Ahmad was only 18, "Back in the Day" hit #26 on the US pop charts and #19 on the U.S. R&B charts on the strength of its catchy hook - a sample of the Teddy Pendergrass' "Love TKO" - and Ahmad's quirky vocal style, reminiscent of Fatlip of fellow West Coasters Pharcyde. It was the major single off his first and only album, Ahmad. A second album was recorded for Giant Records, but it was unreleased. Ahmad went on to found the rock/soul/hip-hop group 4th Avenue Jones. 4th Avenue Jones' music is featured in the Christian video game Dance Praise. The song "Stereo" is included with the game. The group also covered dc Talk's song "Jesus Freak" for the complition tribute album, Freaked!. Ahmad is currently recording another album. Meanwhile, Ahmad and the Fourth Avenue Jones continue to make guest appearances with groups such as Mars Ill, DJ Maj, and GRITS.