5 Artists You Didn’t Know Were Muslim
A list of five musicians who identify as Muslims, to show that people who belong to Islam are as normal and human as those who don’t.
Written by Nehal Kamel
Photo courtesy of British Vogue
Islam has constantly been shoved to the side in entertainment, but it is present and it is valid. Muslims make music and create content just as beautiful as non-Muslims do, and you know a lot of it! Here are some big artists you may not have known are Muslim.
1. T-Pain
Photo courtesy of Billboard
Faheem Rashad Najm, professionally known as T-Pain, is a Muslim-American singer/rapper with over 6 million monthly listeners on Spotify. The artist was raised in a Muslim household but does not talk about his faith publicly, respectably choosing to keep his private life under wraps. The Nappy Boy Entertainment founder’s latest work includes his 2018 mixtape “Everything Must Go,” which contains all of his unreleased music.
2. Ice Cube
Photo courtesy of All Black Media
O'Shea Jackson Sr., or Ice Cube, is an American rapper and actor who converted to Islam in the mid-1990s. When asked about his faith in an interview with The Guardian, the former N.W.A rapper responds by saying, “I mean, what I call myself is a natural Muslim, 'cause it's just me and God.” He further explains that while he believes in the faith, he does not necessarily practice it in the traditional sense. The songwriter’s latest track, “Arrest the President,” was released in November.
3. Busta Rhymes
Photo courtesy of OK! Magazine
Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., otherwise known as Busta Rhymes, is an American rapper, producer, and actor. The Muslim record executive has always been very open about his faith, stating multiple times that he finds peace in his faith and understanding the “Mushaf” (pronounced Moos-haff), the Arabic word for the Quaran, Islam’s religious text.
4. SZA
Photo courtesy of Billboard
Solána Imani Rowe, known professionally as SZA, is an American singer and songwriter. SZA is is a proud Muslim and wore the hijab until after 9/11, when bullying forced her to do away with the headdress. The daughter of a Christian mother and Muslim father, Rowe grew up going to both a church and a mosque. The artist behind Ctrl has always been very open about her faith, noting how supportive her family is of her decisions regarding both Islam and her career. As a Muslim woman of color, she is an inspiration to many young women. As her race and religion make her a target for hate, taking pride in her identity is empowering for fans who see themselves in her.
5. French Montana
Photo Courtesy of Lollaparis
Karim Kharbouch, more commonly known as “French Montana” is a Moroccan Muslim rapper who immigrated to America with his family at age 13. The founder of Coke Boy Records is very open about his faith and often discusses his abstinence from alcohol during the holy month of Ramadan with the public. When asked about the 2015 Paris bombing, Montana responded with “Assamu alaikum,” Arabic for “peace be upon you,” and said not to blame an entire faith for one person’s actions. A proud and successful Muslim man loved by thousands, the songwriter represents a community of Muslims who are as approachable and human as everyone else.