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Islam has a significant presence in the realm of Hip-Hop music. Mos Def, Everlast and Divine Styler are just a few Muslim MC's who have laid down conscious lyrics for the people. In the San Francisco Bay Area specifically, rapper Encore, who made an impressive breakthrough with his first album entitle Self-Preservation, is currently working on his next album and I was lucky enough to catch him between recording sessions.
Adisa Banjoko: How long ago did you convert to Islam?
Encore: I converted in [1998].
AB: Do you remember the moment you decided to take Shahada?
E: I don't remember the exact moment. But I do remember the nervousness I felt while taking my Shahada. The nervousness came from having this sense of the unknown. By that, I mean Allah has no physical form and is never visually depicted in any Islamic literature. I've always been a strong believer in the idea that there are certain things about the Supreme Being that man has no logical knowledge of. The essence of Islam fits fairly nicely with that belief. So in a way, the nervousness over the unknown was comforting.
AB: What were some of the early Islamically influenced rap songs you remember?
E: A lot of the 5% [Nation of Islam] MCs like Rakim, Brand Nubian, etc. were some that I liked. But I honestly think I like them more for their Afro-centric viewpoint than anything. Islam didn't play a big part into my early Hip-Hop influences.
AB: What were the first books you read about Islam?
E: Of course the Qur'an and the 40 Hadith [Nawawi]. The first book that I would say somewhat made me look in the direction of Islam [though] was The Autobiography of Malcolm X.
AB: What made you choose Al-Islam as opposed to the Nation of Islam (NOI) or the 5% Nation of Islam?
E: Studying some of the history behind both NOI and 5%, I found that some things just didn't make a whole lot of sense. I know there are a number of things in most religions that don't make a lot of sense immediately -- meaning some things are widely accepted as symbolic in nature. I personally felt like there were too many concepts in those two belief systems that were being passed off as historical fact when my gut was telling me it should actually be treated as symbolism.
AB: Why do you think so many rappers are heavily influenced by Islam?
E: I think with rap, being a predominantly Black art form, I think it was initially used as a tool with identifying with Africa. Although Africa was Africa before Islam, if I'm not mistaken, it's probably the most dominant religion throughout the continent. However, I always say that if [the] library in Alexandria had never been destroyed and most of the Ancient Mysteries were still intact, rappers might be gravitating more towards that. But who knows.
AB: Is it hard balancing your Islamic lifestyle and being in the entertainment industry, or do you find the pressure really not too heavy?
E: Honestly, I feel there is more pressure within myself and Islam that virtually has nothing to do with the entertainment industry. I never question Allah's will, but there will always be things I could do to improve my practice.
AB: Tell people about Self Preservation, your last album.
E: My first solo album. If you don't have it, definitely go pick it up. It's in stores everywhere.
AB: What have you been working on lately?
E: Right now, I'm working on an EP with Joey Chavez called Dirt Class that should be coming out on ABB Records sometime this year. I'm also working on my next album sometime early next year. I did a couple songs on the Executive Lounge album produced by the Architect that's also in stores now.
AB: Any advice for [young] Muslim rappers?
E: Stay true to your convictions and understand self. As Salaam Alaikum.
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