Can you guys refresh my memory about who was discussing rap/muslims? My husband came across a CD by a group called Lifesavas and in between two cuts there is a diatribe with a guy sounding Arab and my son will get those words and I will post them when I get them.
FYI
Islam has had a tremendous influence on American rap and hip-hop for decades, primarily through the Nation of Islam, a faith based on the belief that the white man (also referred to as the devil) aims to oppress the black man.
Rap groups like Public Enemy -- whose members were Nation of Islam followers -- have often made inflammatory statements and have been accused of being racist and anti-Jewish, often railing against what they called the "white world order."
In the post-Sept. 11 world, where paranoia toward Muslims can seem practically institutionalized by the government, traditional Muslim rappers (as opposed to Nation of Islam-influenced MCs, who focus more on civil rights) are gaining attention.
Locally, Des Moines' Sons of Hagar (pronounced "HA-jar") has already released two albums and plans to drop a third later this year -- all self-recorded and self-produced. The group is named for Abraham's wife and Ishmael's mother -- a woman revered for her faith and strength.
What makes Sons of Hagar stand out from other Muslim MCs, such as Washington, D.C.'s, Native Deen, is not the Arabic words they use: Allah, bismellahe rahmane rahim (in the name of the mighty and forgiving God) and other words out of the Quran have appeared in rap songs for years. The group's politics sets them apart.
Take, for example, the protest single "INSurrection" off their upcoming release, "A Change":
"It's the Arab hunting season, and I ain't leavin'
I'm pushing the conscience button on you people
Where is reason?"
Ahmad (stage name: Allahz Sword), 20, and his brother, Abdul (Ramadan Conchus), 18, are the core duo of Sons of Hagar, but Kareem (Keen Intellect), 17, and Musa (Musa), 17, also appear regularly, along with other guest MCs and DJs. Both Musa and Kareem have solo CDs coming out in the next year or so.
A war of words
Despite the angry lyrics, the young men themselves don't come across as hot-headed extremists.
"The revolution's gonna shine
Shine its light on Palestine
Armageddon round the corner kid I'm cockin' my nine
Israelis fightin' coz they think its theirs I'm fightin' coz I know it's mine
I'ma kill Sharon that devil's mine."
Although he makes no bones about loathing Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's government ("I disagree with every aspect of Sharon"), Ahmad maintains that neither he nor anyone in the group is anti-Semitic.
"Hip-hop and Islam have a long, fruitful history together and I do not see them splitting any time soon, in'sha Allah (God willing)."
Note:
Adisa Banjoko, an author currently working on several projects, including a book called "The Light From the East: The Story of Islamic Influence in Hip-Hop Culture."
* Lengthy, inormative article:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/pop/108750_muslimrap.shtmlWOW what terrible lyrics.