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Gangsta rapper ýa fool for living thug lifestyleý By Paul Robins 29/ 5/2008 Former gangsta rapper Napoleon paid a special visit to Reading to warn young Muslims about the dangers of getting involved in gang culture and street crime. The US rap star ý an ex-member of the notorious Outlawz group formed by 2Pac ý told a huge gathering at the Pakistani Community Centre (PCC) how destructive the ýgangsterý lifestyle can be, and the empowering impact Islam has made on him. Napoleon ý real name Mutah Beale ý turned his back on a life of drugs and guns when he converted to Islam four years ago. He told the 250-strong audience the truth behind gangsta rap and encouraged them not to follow that path. 'I would never want to go back to the thug lifestyle ý I was a fool,' he explained. 'You guys need to get out of this culture, itýs not real, itýs all plastic. 'If you want to be a thug then try living in the ghettos of New York. I promise you will not be able to survive out there.' The 30-year-old spoke passionately about growing up on the mean streets of New Jersey and how the cycle of violence began when his parents were murdered in front of him when he was four. His talk, entitled ýFrom Thug Life to Islamý, also gave a stark account of living in the ýhoodý, and how he couldnýt see a way through his troubles until he found Islam. 'I have sold millions of records, I had everything ý money, houses, cars and an extravagant lifestyle,' he said. 'I have been around the biggest celebrities, had guns pointed at me and was always invited to VIP parties. 'But even though I had everything, none of that stuff made me happy. The more money I had, the more depressed I felt. I did not have peace in my life ý I have only found this in Islam. 'I have led the lifestyle that you think you want ý and Iým telling you that this type of lifestyle is no fun and itýs not worth it.' Saturdayýs event ý the first of its kind in Reading ý was part of the former rapperýs UK tour which has already seen him speak to youngsters in Sheffield, Derby, Bradford and Luton. 'I was delighted with the response of the audience,' said Mr Farid. 'What he said had a strong message and the youth can easily relate to him.' One fan, 19-year-old student, Asghar Mahsood, agreed. 'I have grown up listening to Napoleonýs songs, but I never dreamt of meeting him,' he said. 'I think his message today will have a big impact on those so-called ýgangstersý. It will certainly have an impact on myself.' Speaking to the Evening Post after the event, Napoleon said he felt compelled to reach out to young Muslims in Reading. 'A lot of the youth here look up to the youth in America and thatýs not good. My mission is to engage with them and speak to them in a language they understand,' he said. He also endorsed the relaunch of the Evening Posts Knives Cost Lives campaign, adding: 'I think itýs a brilliant idea. 'I totally support it. It shows the Evening Post is really trying to help deal with the problem of knives and gang culture.'