Hip-Hop’s Islamic Influence: How American Rappers Embrace Muslim Culture

Many Americans know the traditional Muslim greeting "al-salamu alaykum" which means "Peace be upon you" thanks to hip-hop. In her book "Muslim Cool," artist and activist Souad Abdul Khabeer explains how Islam, and black Islam in particular, has been one of the sources of hip-hop. Several rappers mention the principles of Islam and other religions in their songs.

For example, Rick Ross, who does not identify as Muslim, used the greeting "al-salamu alaykum" in the chorus of his song "By Any Means," referring to a famous speech by Malcolm X. Other hip-hop artists also address topics such as the consumption of "pork," forbidden to Muslims, and which is also a derogatory nickname for the police. This last expression is much more used by non-Muslim artists, according to The Conversation.

Muslim rappers, on the other hand, use the greeting "al-salamu alaykum" more directly. In their 1995 song "Glamour and Glitz," A Tribe Called Quest used this greeting, emphasizing that it is one of peace and harmony between all of God’s creations. Rapper of Moroccan origin French Montana, who immigrated to the Bronx, also released a song titled "Salam Alaykum" in 2019.

But while Muslims are artisans of peace, they are often victims of discrimination and prejudice, as they are often considered terrorists or criminals, drug dealers. Fatima El-Tayeb, a specialist in race and gender issues, explains how hip-hop, created by African Americans, has become one of the main means for minorities around the world to express their struggles and successes. With the "al-salamu alaykum," rappers have contributed to the acceptance of Islam in the world.