Idriys Muhammad

Surah Al-Fatiha In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgment. You Alone we worship, and you Alone we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path. The path of those You have blessed; not of those who have incurred Your wrath, nor of those who have gone astray. Ameen Born January 16, 1981, to Rafiyqa Muhammad and the late great Abdul Ali Muhammad in Harrisburg, PA. He was the firstborn son of their five children together, Shariyka “Asia,” Ishmael, Imhotep and Aliyah. Born into an Islamic household, Unique was homeschooled before attending the private Ngozi Institute of Islamic and Cultural Education. During his childhood, under his father’s training, he honed his exceptional martial arts skills, earning a 7th Dan Black Belt in the Universal African Fighting Arts System. He assisted his father as an instructor at Ngozi for many years. Guided by his mother, Unique became a master djembe drummer and performed with the Neema African Dance Company, where his mother taught traditional African dance. He soon got accustomed to being on stage in front of huge audiences as a musical performer and doing martial arts demonstrations for cultural festivals and community events. In his teenage years, inspired by his cousins, who are members of the famous Wu-Tang Clan, Unique discovered his gift for writing and performing poetic rap lyrics. Influenced by his cousins ODB, RZA and GZA, he traveled across the United States with them as a young adult, developing his skills and creating Secret Society Recordz. He wrote, performed, and produced numerous albums, including “Sharp Lika Sword,” “Method of Supreme Bleszing,” “Unique & Ish Lyrics,” “Fresh Outta Rehab,” and “Unique’s Shattered Dreamz.” These albums have received popularity and acclaim both in the States and in Europe, and his music streams on all major platforms. After extensive travel Unique returned to Harrisburg, where he dedicated much of his time to his passion for music, recording in the studio and making videos. Many local rap artists collaborated with him, either producing or appearing on his records. He and other members of Secret Society wrote inspiring lyrics for the Harrisburg AIDS Prevention Society using music as an educational tool to inform younger people of the risks. In 2003, Unique was involved in a serious car accident that resulted in him becoming a quadriplegic. The prognosis was grim—he was not expected to live, and if he did, his life expectancy was only 1 to 3 years in his condition. After a long rehabilitation process, thanks to the grace of the Most High, the unwavering love, prayers, and support from his family, community, and lifelong companion Yvonne Otero, Unique thrived. He lived on for 21 remarkable years, demonstrating a courageous and determined spirit. He became actively involved in creating his caregiving system and became an outspoken advocate for his care. Unique continued attending physical therapy and worked religiously with a personal trainer to maintain his health and fitness. With an undying zest for life, he continued recording music. With a wide fanbase, he conducted media interviews and was featured in an article for Mode Magazine titled "About Being Unique." Unique became a homeowner in uptown Harrisburg and purchased a customized vehicle for comfortable travel. An entrepreneur at heart, he recently started Ra Da Sunlord Clothing Co. Despite his tough exterior, Unique was a generous and compassionate man. He opened his home to family and friends in need and did his best to be a loving and supportive son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and nephew. Throughout his life, which he miraculously extended, Unique led a meaningful and productive life doing what he loved, surrounded by loved ones and many pets, including turtles, fish, birds, and his beloved cats. Blessed with a large immediate family, Unique is survived by: PARENT: Rafiyqa Muhammad SIBLINGS: Shariyka “Asia” Muhammad, Imhotep Muhammad and Aliyah Muhammad, Tanya Lyles, Keisha Ordaz, Aaron Easton, Andrea Vaughan, Andrew Vaughan. CHILDREN: Daquawn Tucker, Ournajia Hempstead, Sha’cira Williams, Naje’ Stern, Shyreka H. Muhammad, Mekayla Stewart, Nigel Lane, Tyreek Shephard, Doris Mc’Call. OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS: 11+grandchildren and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family. CLOSE FRIENDS: Nev, Piper, Star, Jay Allen, Jazz, B.U. His life is a testament to the power of faith and resilience in the face of adversity. His legacy of love, creativity, and passion for life will forever inspire us. May his beautiful Warrior Spirit rest in eternal peace knowing that he left a lasting mark on this world and in our hearts. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un "Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we return."

Tributes

Idriys Muhammad

January 16, 1981 - December 24, 2024