There has been a rise in Islamic representation in rap culture and African American rappers. Religious quotes from Islamic practices are announced in Arabic in the lyrics. This interesting artistic approach is quite unique given the controversial issue of rap content in the conservative Muslim belief system, though it is necessary to understand its development historically. African American Muslim identification started with the rise of the Nation of Islam as a way for African Americans to engage in a community. Even though the Islamic identity has remained present in African American communities, there has been decline in orthodox religious practice. Examples of what remains of the practice can be found in rap culture. This presentation will analyze songs and statements from prominent rappers such as A$AP and others. I argue that their Muslim identity empowers them and provides them with an inclusive community in a time of rising aggression towards African American communities. I will also look at how the decline of Islamic practice among these rappers compared to historical African American members of Nation of Islam such as Malcom X and Mohammed Ali show a shift to identity expression in lyrics and rap presentations.
About the presenterYousef Khalid Alhamoudi
Graduate Student At West Chester University