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The Five Percenters

Islam, Hip-hop and the Gods of New York

Michael Muhammad Knight

With a cast of characters ranging from Malcolm X to 50 Cent, Knight’s compelling work is the first detailed account of the movement inextricably linked with black empowerment, Islam, New York, and hip-hop. Whether discussing the stars of Five Percenter rap or 1980s crack empires, this fast-paced investigation uncovers the community’s icons and heritage, and examines its growing influence in urban American youth culture.

  • Publication date: October 1, 2008
  • ISBN: 9781851686155
  • RRP: £14.99
  • Pages: 352
  • Publication date: October 1, 2013
  • ISBN: 9781780744490
  • RRP: £7.99
  • Pages: 328

Michael Muhammad Knight

Michael Muhammad Knight converted to Islam at 16 after reading the Autobiography of Malcolm X, and at 17 traveled to Islamabad, Pakistan to study at Faisal Mosque. His debut novel, The Taqwacores, is credited with influencing the American Muslim woman-led prayer movement and has also inspired a nascent Islamic punk rock scene.

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