01 February 2007
Muslim-American Hip-Hop Group Promotes Tolerance
USINFO Webchat transcript, February 1
American hip-hop group Native Deen has become known for its positive energy, traditional percussions and lyrics focused on the topics of tolerance and the teachings of Islam. The group, composed of Muslim-American hip-hop artists Joshua Salaamis, Abdul-Malik Ahmad and Naeem Muhammad, answered questions in a February 1 USINFO webchat on tolerance and the teachings of Islam.
Following is the transcript:
(begin transcript)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
USINFO Webchat transcript
Native Deen: Celebrating Islam and Promoting Tolerance Through Hip-Hop
Guest: Joshua Salaamis, Abdul-Malik Ahmad, Naeem Muhammad
Date: February 1, 2007
Time: 10:00 a.m. EST (1500 GMT)
Moderator: Welcome to today's Webchat! We look forward to hearing from you. The live webchat will begin at 1500 GMT. You may begin sending in your questions now by typing into the box below.
You can listen to audio clips of Native Deen at: www.nativedeen.com.
Question [Relief International – Bangladesh]: Greetings from Bangladesh. This Aklak Muhammad from Yusuf High School in Comilla in Bangladesh. Our school is a participant of Global Connections and Exchange Program implemented by Relief International.
First, I must say you guys are doing a great job promoting tolerance through music. In fact, in Bangladesh, there are some traditional folk music such as Lalon’s and Hasan Raja’s song that have been promoting religious tolerance and secularism since long ago. Bangladesh is a Muslim country. I believe the hip hop you are using to promote tolerance will be widely appreciated in our country also. Do you have any plan to visit Bangladesh someday? We look forward to seeing you in Bangladesh and enjoy your show. I am sure your visit in Bangladesh will greatly inspire young people to respect religious tolerance in a time when this is also an issue here that should be addressed.
Answer [Native Deen]: Asalaamu Alaykum, Aklak Muhammad, this is Abdul-Malik Ahmad. I got a chance to visit Bangladesh in 2001. It’s a very nice country and inshallah we will get to perform there!
Salaam Everyone. This is Naeem from Native Deen. I hope all is well, where ever you are connecting with us from around the globe. I'm happy to be here and to answer some questions and have good time with this too. Let me tell you right now, my on-line grammar is pretty poor. But I'll try and limit my mistakes. So let the games begin. Also let me apologize for any slang or pop phrases I use that might not be known outside of the U.S. and the Hip Hop community.
Q [Relief International – Bangladesh]: My name is Mashrur Hasan from Rani Bilashmoni Boys School in Gazipur in Bangladesh. I have also been selected to visit USA in April on a student exchange by Relief International. I heard your song online after seeing the announcement of this chat. I always think why after so many technological development, spread of education, economic prosperity, the issue of religious tolerance became so important in the developed world?
In your opinion, what are the some root causes of religious intolerance in the western society?
A [Native Deen]: Asalaamu Alaykum, Mr. Hasan. I hope you will enjoy being in this country as I enjoyed being in Bangladesh. I believe the root cause of intolerance is ignorance. People don’t know about Islam and about other religions. The more we learn about each other, the more tolerant we will be. Islam has always been a tolerant religion. The verse "La Ikraha fi Deen" means there is no compulsion in the faith. So we hope to see this same spirit all parts of the globe.
A [Native Deen]: Hello everyone, my name is Joshua from NATIVE DEEN. I am going to answer some of the beginning questions to catch everyone up. Keep asking by the way. Abdul-Malik and Naeem are on-line listening.
Q: In Jerusalem, did you encounter anti-American sentiment in your concert?
A [Native Deen]: Native Deen did not experience any anti-American sentiment. Of course, basic concerns about justice in the world and things like that. But we felt very much at home. We did have the connection of being Muslim which helps.
Q [Relief International – Bangladesh]: I am Raihanul Alam from Sirajuddin High School in Bangladesh. I heard some of your audio clips. They are amazing. I am interested to learn what inspired you to promote religious tolerance through music. Who is your targeted audience or whom do you want to reach actually?
A [Native Deen]: Question 3 for Raihanul. Thanks for checking out our clips, glad to hear you enjoyed them. Life is what inspires us to write the way we do. We all grew up Muslims in the U.S. We all had am interest in music. And every musician right from their prospective. We were Muslims so we wrote about being Muslim and the things that we were going through. And those songs spoke to a lot of people because they had the same issues and feeling we did. Our target audience in the beginning was Muslim youth. Now we write for anyone who wants to be inspired and loves good music. We are finding now that Muslims and non Muslims love our music. Thanks for the question.
Q [qarabaqi]: Salam, once again from Iran. You know that Salam means peace, and Islam means Salam. Muslims believe Israel is a prophet whom they regard:
19:58 Those were some of the prophets on whom Allah did bestow His Grace, of the posterity of Adam, and of those who We carried (in the Ark) with Noah, and of the posterity of Abraham and Israel of those whom We guided and chose. Whenever the Signs of (Allah) Most Gracious were rehearsed to them, they would fall down in prostrate adoration and in tears.
But Muslims are against Israel, not because they are Jews, but because they are aggressors. Muslims beleive:
17:4 And We gave (Clear) Warning to the Children of Israel in the Book, that twice would they do mischief on the earth and be elated with mighty arrogance (and twice would they be punished)!
Well, why did you go to Israel, and what did you see there?
A [Native Deen]: Hey Qarabaqi, Muslims believe in all the prophets sent to mankind. I don't think we are going to get into that discussion today. This is more about Native Deen and our experiences when we travel and how we became a group, etc. The discussions about Moses, Jesus, Isreal, Jacob, Noah, Abraham, Muhammad and all the prophets should be at another time. We do have a sound for the prophets on our album. Check the lyrics out on our website.
[Joshua adds]: What were we doing in Isreal? Well we landed at the airport. Stayed for a while because they wanted to make sure they knew why we were there. And then we were escorted to the Palestinian territories. There we visited several Muslim schools and community centers where the people were struggling. Our music helps people to deal with struggles and hardships so it worked out great. In fact, our escorts from the U.S. Embassy said that it was one of the most successful trips for the youth of Palestine.
Q: This is ratib m ali again, from dhaka, bangladesh. I’ll take this opportunity to congratulate u for what ur doing. I just don’t like ur medium, that’s all.
A [Native Deen]: Thanks Ratib. We hope we can continue and producing music that people enjoy and benefit from it.
Q [dimaraja]: I want Islamic hip hop written songs please.
A [Native Deen]: Hey Dimaraja, you want hip-hop written songs huh? So, what do you think about our lyrics on the website? Have you written any songs yourself? It’s not hard to write raps. It’s all about the presentation. Perform it, and believe what you're saying. Hope you can make it to one of our shows in the near future.
Q: What impact do you think you made among the Muslim youth in the Middle East?
A [Native Deen]: I believe we had a very strong impact on the youth in the Middle East because they were able to see young Muslims who were born and raised in a Western country but still be proud of their faith and be practicing Muslims. Islam does not favor one culture over another, but seeks to embrace culture and refine it. I believe they saw that aspect of Islam embodied in Native Deen and our mission.
Q: What kind [of] feedback did you get from the people/crowd in the Middle East?
A [Native Deen]: Feedback was great. Everyone really enjoyed it and we were able to meet a lot of youth who really support what we are doing.
Q: What made u attracted to hip hop? I mean, I hate it, and I find it to be one of the weirdest combination, that of being a Muslim rapper.
A [Native Deen]: Salaams. What attracted us to hip hop. It's the language of the youth where I grew up. And it's now the voice of youth around the world and people who are struggling. It's amazing how many people have adopted it as its own and love it. When we express ourselves musically, it comes out as hip hop. We all have different types of music that appeal to us. But internationally, and people outside of the hip hop community, only see 50 cent or Jay Z as hip hop. But there is so much more, and so much positivity that dosen’t make it around the world. But again, to each his own. I don't like country western either, but if the song is written well, I can get into it. And I wouldn't say it's the weirdest combination, the weirdest combination would have to be like sardines and banana milkshake. NOW THAT'S WIERD!!! Hip Hop is art just like anything else. The artist determines whether the piece he does is positive or negative. So it should not be alarming to have a Muslim Painter, Muslim Sculpter, Muslim Snowboard, or whatever -- depends on your perspective.
Q: Have u faced trouble from Islamic clerics who do not believe in progress?
A [Native Deen]: You would think that because our style is hip-hop that we would frequently get trouble from clerics. But in fact, everywhere we go we are actually embraced by the scholars and people of knowledge. I think it’s because we base everything on the Quran and the example of our Prophet (SAW). Even the instruments we use, we are careful in choosing. So everywhere from Palestine to Africa to Dubai to Kuwait, we were embraced by the scholars and ulema.
Q [Marisa Benson]: In the Middle East, hip hop can be stereotyped as a component of Western culture. Since you mix in traditional messages as well as support for religious beliefs, do you find your music more acceptable to conservative Middle Eastern audiences than usual hip hop would be? What comments does the audience express in their views of hip hop in that region, do they see hip hop as a sustainable form of music?
A [Native Deen]: Yes, hip-hop came from the West and then again it has origins from the East. No one owns music. The world has used it as a bridge to one another for centuries. But we do live with stereotypes. So when people hear Muslim hip-hop they have an idea that comes to their head. But when they see us perform, we normally crush a lot of stereotypes. We have fans from all age groups and from all ethnic groups, and from all economic groups. It is the positive message that brings people together. So we normally hear positive comments about our shows and our message.
Q [Maires_H]: ...I wish there can be some ways to get your advised. Not every person in [the Middle East] is hostile to Democracy and the Liberalism. Yet the US state should be aware not to use overpower very freely, and make it propaganda. It spreads hostility and damage intellectuals out here, at Middle East. Anyway, plz notify me if there can be any way to make assured not every Iranian, and I particularly, do not believe in extremism. Currently seems to be even more outspreaded! I am going to apply for admission for Postgrad in Computational Linguistics, very preferebly at U.S. Univ. but I'm very hesitating cause of some bad news of U.S. Student Visa out here!
A [Native Deen]: Hello Maires_H. If you want to come of the U.S. to go to school...COME ON!! There are good people and bad people everywhere. America is no different. Just do what you feel is right and be open minded. Treat others like you want to be treated. After that, there is nothing we can do to change people minds. So get that Linguistic degree and go as far as you can in your field. I'm sure we'll hear more from you. You seem like a future leader.
Q [Saira]: I am sure you are aware of the situation in Darfur, Sudan, a predominantly Muslim society in which people are being ethnically cleansed. Have you thought about producing or produced anything on promoting awareness about the ongoing situation in Darfur?
A [Native Deen]: Salaams. This is a great question. I work for a relief group working in the region. I had plans to visit this month but things have changed so I won't make the trip. But ND has always stayed close to relief work and doing benefit concert that helps orphans and people in need. Proceeds from every CD we sell help charity, specifically orphan projects. We pray for peace in Darfur, this year we'll be apart of some concert that will benefit the region and Africa in general. My boss asked me to come up with a song. So that’s in the works too. But the relief situation around the world need focus from all of us.
Q [qarabaqi]: Salam Abdul-Malik Ahmad. Have you visited Iraq or Afghanistan? Or do you have any plan to visit these countries?
A [Native Deen]: We have not visited Iraq or Afghanistan, but we would love to. I'm sure we would need to be prepared to see a lot of suffering and hardship, but sometimes you need to see that to encourage you to do more in the world.
Q: I am Rubaiyea Farrukee from the Aga khan school Dhaka. I have recently heard about your group. But I did not understand one thing. What exactly do you mean by building up religious tolerance? Your hip hop band has performed in the Western countries, how was the reaction over there?
A [Native Deen]: When we perform in Western countries, people see a positive image of Islam. Much of the intolerance is due to ignorance - people just don’t know enough about Islam. When we perform in Muslim countries, we are also promoting tolerance. Because some people believe that every person in the West is bad. There are a lot of good Muslims living in the West and good people in general. So this is one way that we help promote tolerance.
Q: Hello! Can you please tell me the difference between "Hip Hop" and "Rap"? Or are they the same thing?
A [Native Deen]: Salaams. Umm, one way to look at it as this, Hip Hop really refers to this whole urban culture that was developed in the late 70’s and early 80's in New York City. It comprised of 5 Elements, Mc'ing, Dj'ing, Breaking Dancing, and Graphiti Art. Rap really refers to what a MC does, and refers to themselves as rappers. Hip Hop grew into a higher term more inclusive of the music, the dress, the issues dealing with Hip Hopper, their environment, and it goes on.
Q: Have you worked with other Muslim rap artists? How about non-Muslim rap artists?
A [Native Deen]: Salaams. We have done a lot of shows with many other Muslim rappers based out of the U.S. We haven’t recorded with any other yet, but we are working on it. We’ve done shows with people like the Last Poets and Jurassic 5. As far as non-Muslim, we performed with this group out of France called Sian Supa Crew.
Q: Hi, this is Subehee. I work for a teen magazine in Bangaldesh. I think you are doing a great job in spreading the message of Islam. Why do you use hip hop as your platform? Anything special about hip hop music which makes it specially effective to spread your message?
A [Native Deen]: Hey Subehee. What’s the name of the teen Magazine that you work for? We use hip-hop as our platform because this was our natural music we were exposed to when we were young. In our neighborhood, all the kids were listening to hip-hop. So it's not like we choose hip-hop. It chose us when we were very young. And yes, hip-hop has a beat that everybody worldwide seems to connect to. That’s why it has spread so fast.
Q [qarabaqi]: Dear moderator, I'm really confused! Answers without questions, and changes in sentences that were published before! I have read something, and now it is lost! This is a hip hop chat I think!
Moderator: We have had some technical problems on the webchat this morning. We are doing our best to fix everything and post all of the answers. Every answer should be posted now. Thanks, the moderator.
Q [qarabaqi]: Do you have combined Islamic songs like AZAN with your programs before? We in Iran, have something like this. I'm not sure if you have heard it yet. A combination of Azan with music and song.
A [Native Deen]: We use a lot of Arabic in our songs. Many of our chorus lines are in Arabic. WE have not used the Athan yet. But I think we have a good blend of Arabic and English.
Q [gotowos]: Hi there. I talked to a group of high-school students about you guys. We checked out Native Deen's website and tried to get an idea of what your message and nature is all about.
Some students, after a while of research, found it somewhat problematic to kind of promote Muslim religion due to what they believe is a typical Muslim attitude of men towards women and women's rights in general.
Do you guys have something to tell my 18-year-old students about this?
Janni Gotowos (Hamburg, Germany)
A [Native Deen]: It is very true that in many Muslim countries, women are not treated properly and are subjugated. However, this is not a problem with Islam. This is a problem with the culture that Muslims are living in. In many of our songs, we indirectly promote the education of women. When women are educated in the religion, they will understand their rights and will not be abused. We encourage women step up and be leaders in the community and help make a difference in this world.
Q [Saira]: On your trips around the world, was their one particular place that you liked the most? If so, what did you like about it?
A [Native Deen]: Salaams. We've been to some really nice places so far. Countries we performed are England, Scotland, Dubai, Kuwait, South Africa, Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, and Canada. Maybe a few others, but for me (this is naeem txting) I really loved Mali. It was the first African country I've been in and I just fell in love with the people and the country itself. In all my travels international, it was the first place I felt I could move there and live. If anyone from Mali dialing in, VIVA LA MALI!!!! But that dosen’t mean, I didn't like the other places too. But it's just a special place.
Q: The world view of Islam has changed post 9/11. What do you think the Muslim community can do to revert the negative feelings that their religion has aroused?
A [Native Deen]: The world view of Islam has not changed in my opinion. 9/11 just brought those feelings up front. People have always had misunderstandings about Muslims. So the thing we can do to change those feelings is to live Islam the best way we can. And let our friends and strangers see us living Islam. Let them ask us questions. People will believe the neighbor before they believe what is on CNN or BBC or whatever. SO just live Islam and share it with as many people as you can.
Q: Hi, subehee here. I work for 'Rising Stars', the teen supplement of The Daily Star, the most popular daily in Bangladesh.
Q [qarabaqi]: Thank you Native Deen group, and thank you dear moderator. I think there are many questions in Islamic world about anything especially about art, Western culture and so on. I wish to hear from you more.
Q [gotowos]: Some of my students brought up the idea this U.S.-supported web chat with you guys, Native Deen, might primarily be a political move in order to polish the U.S. image regarding dealing with Muslims in general... Any comment on that... For the students.
Gotowos (high-school teacher, Germany)
A [Native Deen]: This is Joshua. Very good question, indeed. I think your students will make excellent political advisors. We spoke with people from the government about this. The fact is that America has a lot of good things to offer people and Muslims. It also makes a lot of decisions that hurt people and Muslims. As Muslims in America, we speak out for truth and justice. When America does something right we support it. Like when we finally helped the Muslims of Bosnia. And when America does something wrong, we and many other civil rights groups in America are the first to stand up and fight against injustice. I know non-Muslim lawyers who are in jail right now, for standing for justice in America in the post 9/11 world.
So the answer to your question is that if there is any negative affect to this chat...the good far outweighs it and Allah knows best.
Q: What kind of hip hop songs do you sing? As in what do you mostly mean to say through your songs?
A [Native Deen] First...to the MODERATOR. Sorry about posting wrong. I'm new to the whole webchat thing. But I got it now.
To answer the question about the message in our songs. Mostly we want to encourage Muslims to be better Muslims and to give a nice introduction to Islam for non-Muslims. Other than that, we rap about our experiences being Muslim in America.
Q [gotowos]: Thanks a lot for your time and answers, Native Deen!
Way to go! Janni Gotowos
IIP Moderator: We would like to thank Native Deen for joining today's chat. The chat is now closed. Please visit our USINFO webchat station where today's transcript will be posted within one business day.
(While guests are chosen for their expertise, the views expressed by the guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of State)
(end transcript)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
