'Rebel Music': How Hip-Hop Became Part Of Muslim Culture

In his new book Rebel Music: Race, Empire, And The New Muslim Youth Culture, Columbia professor Hisham Aidi explores how communities of young Muslims across the globe have been -- and are -- impacted by Western musical culture, particularly hip hop.

"Hip hop today is the global youth culture, the global lingua franca for youth around the world," says Aidi. "Hip hop resonates in particular, more than other musical genres." 

In a wide-ranging conversation with host John Schaefer, Aidi talks about the global influence of Malcolm X; Islamic social movements in Brazil; how a one-time Tupac Shakur collaborator became a vocal Salafi critic of hip hop culture; and more. Plus: We find out what exactly is "state-sponsored hip hop"? 

Abd Al Malik, from France, is a Sufi spoken-word artist who was previously a street hustler and gangster rapper. He is lauded by the French government as a model and counter for "angrier" hip hop coming out of the poorer regions of the country.