Abd Al Malik

French rapper Abd Al Malik drew on traditions far outside of the hip-hop idiom, embracing elements of blues, jazz, and slam poetry. No less unique are his uncommonly philosophical lyrics, which often serve to champion his deep-rooted Muslim faith. Born in Paris on March 14, 1975, Malik spent much of his early childhood in his family's native Congo before returning to France in 1981. He first earned notice during the late '90s leading the New African Poets (N.A.P.), a rap collective inspired by the pioneering jazz-funk of Gil Scott-Heron and the Last Poets. Upon exiting their r...