Hip-hop and Islam have always shared a healthy relationship with a wide array of artists – from big names Akon and French Montana to legends such as Ali Shaheed Muhammed and Q Tip – proudly declaring their faith. Hip-hop remains arguably the only popular music form where Muslim artists can freely express their craft and spirituality in equal measure.
Here are a five Muslim MCs leading the way.
Brother Ali
Converting to Islam at the age of 15, Brother Ali – real name Jason Newman – is one of the biggest names in indie hip-hop. Over the space of six albums, the 39-year-old has never shied away from expressing how his faith helped him overcome grief and difficulties. His latest album, The Beauty in This Whole Life, was released earlier this month, read the album review here
• Key lyric "I'm standing on champion greatness/ I cannot claim it cause that's the creator, I stand up and state it/ That's not bragging it's praying, that's what I'm saying" – from Never Learn (2017).
Lupe Fiasco
Another indie hip-hop giant, the 35-year-old cerebral Chicago rapper – real name Wasalu Muhammad Jaco – credits his Islamic upbringing from keeping him away from hedonism that’s part of the music world.
• Key lyrics "The creator of the worlds, sculptor of the stars/ During Haj we walk, through Ramadan we starve/Though you not eating, there's a feeding of the mind/A defeating of the demons, a seeing of the signs" – Muhammad Walks (2006).
Mos Def
Although officially announcing his retirement last year, Mos Def – who now goes by the name Yassin Bey – will go down as one of the genre’s most supreme lyricists. Converting to Islam at the age of 19, the 43-year-old’s faith remained a mainstay of his work ever since.
• Key lyrics "The empire holds all the gold and the guns/ But when all is said and done there's only La ilaha ill'Allah" – Wahid (2009).
Poetic Pilgrimage
Made up of Muneera Rashida and Sukina Abdul Noor, the British duo – born to Jamaican parents – converted to Islam in 2005, after being inspired by the memoir, The Autobiography of Malcolm X. They are popular figures in the United Kingdom's hip-hop and spoken word poetry scene, with lyrics discussing faith, gender equality and ancestry. They released their Starwomen: Mixtape in 2009 and are presently working on a new album.
• Key lyrics "He made us equal as people/ To seek his light I will not seek no evil/ And after this life there will be no sequel/ So praise your lord, what are you waiting for?" – Land Far Away (2010)
Alia Sharrief
The 23-year-old American rapper and activist is a fiery presence on stage and while protesting at human-rights rallies. Sharif also runs Hijabi Chronicles, an online platform dedicated to Muslim women to showcase their art and to counter misconceptions and stereotypes. She released her funky new EP, Don't Forget About Me.
• Key lyrics "And I won't party in these evil ways of the dunya/ These bright lights will ruin ya and confuse ya/ I won't entertain plane Jane raunchiness/ They are taking shots at us/ say cause it's God we trust" – Black Heroes (2014).
* Saeed Saeed
sasaeed@thenational.ae
