Muslim hip-hop gaining in popularity

CHICAGO, June 30 (UPI) -- Muslim rap, an offshoot of a music genre often riddled with obscenities and sexism, uses lyrics true to Islamic beliefs as a way to boost U.S. Muslim youth.

Muslim hip-hop's popularity reflects a U.S. trend in which many Latinos and African-Americans, cultures steeped in rap music, are converting to Islam, the Chicago Tribune reported.

"One reason this music is catching on is because Islam in America is undergoing a revival and it reflects America as a melting pot," said Leila Mohammed, 22, who attended a recent Muslim rap concert.

Bands, such as Chicago's MPAC, Native Deen of Washington and California's Jurassic 5, are traveling to major U.S. cities to bring Muslim youth from varying cultures together.

"It is our goal to bring races together," said Jameel Karim of MPAC. "Music is so powerful and universal."

"We want them to know that Islam can be strong and cool," said MPAC's Luqman Rashad.