17 Best Muslim Rappers

Beanie Sigel

Philadelphia rapper Beanie Sigel emerged around the same time as labelmate and partner Freeway in the early 2000s as part of the group State Property and Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records.

The gangsta rapper was an intimidating presence on and off the mic, with hardcore violent lyrics that often played out in real life through his endless legal troubles.

Sigel had several successful albums throughout the 2000s and earned a Grammy Award nomination for his contribution to Jay-Z’s song “Change the Game.” He’s been quiet of late and has not released a full-length album since 2012.

DJ Khaled

“Another one!” Perhaps the most ubiquitous force in all of the rap music, DJ Khaled has been at the forefront of hip-hop music for nearly 20 years. The Palestinian artist’s greatest gift is the ability to bring different artists together for chart-topping hits.

Khaled first came to prominence in the early 2000s because of his affiliation with Fat Joe and the Terror Squad. His second album, the 2007 effort “We the Best,” established him as a force in rap music. He shows no signs of slowing down entering his third decade in hip-hop.

Lil Durk

The youngest rapper on this list is also the most recent convert to Islam. Chicago rapper Lil Durk, a pioneer of the hardcore drill sound that emerged in the 2010s, has quickly become an A-List rapper and one of the most successful artists in music.

In his young career, he’s already had two chart-topping Billboard 200 albums and three Grammy Awards nominations.

Durk announced his conversion to Islam in the song “Viral Moment.”

Mos Def

Brooklyn rapper Mos Def is one of the most talented artists in all of pop culture. He became famous for his early work alongside fellow conscious/backpack rapper Talib Kweli as part of the group Black Star.

He parlayed that success into a blossoming solo career, with his 1999 debut album “Black on Both Sides” establishing the MC as one of the best lyricists in the game.

Most Def continued releasing music over the years, but to his music fans’ dismay, his passions soon shifted to acting and social activism.

Ghostface Killah

Alongside Raekwon, Ghostface Killah rose to prominence in the 1990s as part of the Wu-Tang Clan. A fan favorite for his loud, brash demeanor, Ghostface became one of the breakout stars of the group.

When individual members of Wu-Tang began releasing solo albums, Ghostface’s debut effort, “Iron Man,” was among the best. It peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 and led to a career full of memorable guest verses.

Ghostface is famous for being one of the best storytellers in rap history.

Big Daddy Kane

Big Daddy Kane was there when hip-hop emerged from the New York underground in the early 1980s. A pioneer of rap music, he is one of the most influential artists in the genre.

Kane’s early collaborations with fellow hip-hop Golden Era artists Biz Markie and Marley Marl made him one of the first true rap stars. His debut album, “Long Live the Kane,” became an inspiration for an entire generation of rappers.

With a fast-paced flow and a mastery of lyrical delivery, Kane helped rap music become what it is today.

Lupe Fiasco

Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco wanted no part of the hegemony of gangsta rap music with all of its misogyny and the glorification of drugs and violence.

Instead, he forged a path focused on lyrical delivery and introspection in the conscious rap style. In the mid-aughts, he released his debut album “Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor,” gaining mainstream crossover appeal and an international audience that appreciated his thoughtful lyrics.

Fiasco has two Billboard Hot 100 hits on his resume and won a Grammy Award for the song “Daydreamin’.”

Top Muslim Rappers, Final Thoughts

People might be surprised to learn that some of their favorite rappers practice Islam. After all, the best Muslim rappers aren’t exactly writing lyrics that glorify their faith or talk about their religious habits.

However, the exceptional talent of the artists on this list should leave no doubt that Muslim rappers are amongst the best in rap music.