African American Muslims Revolutionize the message of Hip Hop

THE PLATFORM
By Shirin Lakhani

African American Muslim artists across the nation have taken advantage of the popular medium of hip hop to revolutionise the notion of Islam in the United States in two distinct, but related ways. Popular, more mainstream, artists like Lupe Fiasco and Mos Def present a message of Islam through subtle references to core beliefs or key figures and as a parallel to their perceived duty towards social activism. It is hip hop’s ability to maintain an identity of American authenticity that allows it to be both a success and a necessity in allowing African American Muslim artists to successfully speak for their Islam. [link]