Suvarna Garge (Editor)

Egyptian hip hop

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Egyptian hip hop is a form of hip hop music in Egypt which draws inspiration from both regional and global events.

Islamic and Ancient Christian

Egyptian hip hop is distinct from other hip-hop genres around the world, as it tends to use traditional instruments such as the Oud and the Egyptian flute to add a Middle Eastern and Pharoanic beat to music. The Islamic religion has also had an effect on hip hop in Egypt. The Qur'an is a book consisting of laws and rules Muslims must follow. Since Egypt is a predominantly Islamic society and the government follows certain Islamic laws, the society expects a limit on certain things such as showing off one's wealth, the objectification of women although the Qur'an specifically encourages domestic violence as seen in the verse "(4:34) ... As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them, refuse to share their beds, beat them" as translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali. Other morally wrong behaviors include causing evil to one another, displays of hatred, etc. There are also many Christian Coptics in Egypt and they too have very close morals and values as the Islamic faith, especially in the villages such as Upper Egypt where the objectification of women is also an issue.

An Islamic verse states, "God advocates justice, charity, and regarding the relatives. And he forbids evil vice, and transgression. He enlightens you, that you may take heed." This verse tells Muslims that good and evil are not equals and to always perform good actions towards others. Muslims can interpret this "evil" as the objectification of women, showing off the "bling", doing inappropriate things, or anything else involved with consumerism and capitalism.

References

Egyptian hip hop Wikipedia