Hip hop and religion
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
While religion and spirituality are unusual to many successful mainstream artists, the study and advocation of religion(s) and spirituality forms an integral part of many artists music and occasionally acts as the binding force behind entire scenes.
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[edit] Muslim Hip Hop
Islam has been a major spiritual and political force within communities of color in the United States since at least the 1960's when the Nation of Islam gained national attention under the dynamic leadership of Malcom X. Little wonder then that so many hip hop artists conscious hip hop artists who see their music as a tool for political and social change, have embraced Islam. A short list needing extension of Muslim rappers: Mos Def, Paris, Common, Q-Tip, Lupe Fiasco, and Jurassic 5.
The Nation of Gods and Earths gained a significant presence in hip hop with the emergence of the Wu-Tang Clan. All nine members, and several affiliates, are affiliated with the nation, as are other artists such as; Eric B. and Rakim, Jadakiss, and Big Daddy Kane. Lord Jamar, Brand Nubian member, released a 2006 album entitled The 5% Album. Islam has had a profound affect on the conception of hip hop because a large amount of rappers throughout rap's history have been Muslim. Most of these MCs are also peaceful and passive. Unfortunately, the fact that both violence and Islam are related to hip hop has associated the two by proximity.
[edit] Jewish Hip Hop
The only Jewish artists to have gained large-scale success in hip hop are the Beastie Boys. Although Matisyahu has recently gained considerable attention. Less well known is Princess Superstar. Judaism has not been a major force in hip hop for the fairly obvious reason that it is not a major force in the spiritual lives of African-American communities from which most hip hop artists in the United States originate. Remedy is a Jewish affiliate of the Wu-Tang Clan. Former The Roots member Scott Storch is also Jewish.
[edit] Christian Hip Hop
Christian Hip hop is by far the most common form of overtly religious hip hop and many of the artists in this sub-genre are actually ordained ministers. Artists of note include Cross Movement, GRITS, and many others.
[edit] Pagan Hip Hop
Paganism/Neo-Paganism is one of the fastest growing religious identifications in the USA, a phenomenon that provokes extreamly varied responses within mainstream america and hip hop culture in particular. Pagan artists include Emcee Lynx, Gruf the Druid, and others.
