Source: Mercury News

http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/entertainment/music/5685019.htm

On April 23, 2003 the Mercury News reported that "Islam has flavored hip-hop from its beginnings with Afrika Bambaataa to current rappers Jurassic 5 and Mos Def. But current events have made Muslim rappers feel like they're under attack. Muslim rappers are also struggling to make their varied beliefs understood... Some are changing their names to avoid backlash and fearing they can't pray openly without being called terrorists. Others are lacing their lyrics and album names with anti-war rhymes and provocative phrases... Many hope their presence in the music breaks stereotypes, says Eman Tai, part of Calligraphy of Thought, an East Bay Muslim women's spoken word collective... She adds that both African-American Muslims and immigrant Muslims are increasingly getting into hip-hop."