Most people when they think of rap music, they think of the Three B’s: bitches, blunts and Bentleys.
The hip-hop culture has always been associated with violence, rebellion, and aggression.
The community faces the stereotypes of homicide, gang affiliation, and the insatiable appetite for costly possessions.
However, a sect of the rap music goes unnoticed. Many rappers are actually devout and practicing Muslims. This includes popular artists such as Lupe Fiasco, Mos Def, and A Tribe Called Quest, who all practice their faith and incorporate Islamic teachings into their lyrics.
The Jacka, the biggest selling Bay Area artist since E-40, converted to Islam in 1996. In an interview he described his reason for converting. “It was a religion of respect, non-selfishness, and logicality. I had admiration for it.”
When asked about how the Muslim community perceives his music he said, “No one can judge me. It is not their duty. If you know Islam, then you know only Allah can chastise a person for who they are and what they do.”
Other Muslim artists have also promoted Islam in their music. Hip hop superstar Mos Def created a song called “Supermagic,” which starts with Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim.
Lupe Fiasco’s album cover depicts artwork similar to “Qur’aan-ic” scripture and A Tribe called Quest group members Q-tip (who took the name Kamaal Ibn John Farheed after he converted) and Ali Shadeed Muhammad formed the group “The Ummah,” which in Arabic means “community” or “brotherhood.” The group dedicated their music to delivering Islamic principles to their fans.
Thanks to the Nation of Islam’s influence in the 1960’s, this generation of rappers are familiar with Islamic culture and principles. Even rappers who do not practice Islam, definitely recognize its presence in the black community. Prodigy in his song “Still Shinin’” said, “I’m head strong, at peace with my head like Islam” off Mobb Deep’s “Hell on Earth” album. Notorious B.I.G. coined the punch line “quick fast like Ramadan.” Islam is so renown that it affects the black culture.
Even Arabic has trickled down to the hip-hop community. Prominent member of the Wu-Tang Clan, Raekwon uses the name “Shallah Raekwon” as one of his many personas.
“Sheek Louch” or “sheikh” means “elder” in the Arabic language. One of the most successful rappers of all time went by the name “Tupac Amaru Shakur” and in Arabic, which translates to “shining serpent.” Islam is a force to be reckoned with among the hip-hop audience.
The music format, although controversial is relatable to Muslims everywhere. Who else knows the struggle of being marginalized and misrepresented by society? Who else could relate better to being harassed by authorities? Ask anyone with a beard or wearing a hijab with an Arabic name going to an airport.
Tequila Brown of the group Sharkstyliens is a local Bay Area rapper. He believes Islam and music should coexist. “Rap music is mathematical, poetic, scientific, and strategic. So is Islam. That’s why I love it. Muslims should embrace music because it helps you get through and offers a release. Music is therapy.”
Rap is music that speaks to the soul. It reflects poetry, shares experiences, and offers an escape. The music is about heart and many rappers keep theirs with the faith of Islam.
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