Many Are Called but Few Are Chosen - Muslim Identity among Swedish Rappers

In English The Hip-hop culture has developed from a marginalized African-American subculture in South Bronx, New York, to a global billion-dollar commerce. Islam has flavored hip-hop from its beginnings; from early recordings to current rappers such as Talib Kweli or Jedi Mind Tricks.

The formula of success has been its ability to adjust itself to the local contexts where it has emerged. In the end of the 1980s, Hip-hop became increasingly popular in Sweden. Today, in the beginning of the 21st Century, Hip-hop in Sweden has reached mainstream fame. Swedish rap often deals with themes of multiculturalism and positive suburban identity. Many rappers affirm their ethnic, religious and racial background.

The presentation portrays the intimate relation between islam and Hip-hop culture in Sweden. Swedish rappers evoking Islamic principles and ideas in their rhymes and life styles are presented and discussed. Also, the flows of beats, rhymes and persons from the Middle East to Sweden and back will be described and briefly mapped out.

This presentation is based upon field research and case studies among artists and other activists from the Swedish Hip-hop scene. The theoretical framework for the presentation draws on Social Movement and Globalization theories.