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An Orthodox rapper in Jerusalem

Nissim Black made his name rapping about drive-by shootings in the USA. Then he converted to Hasidic Judaism and moved to Jerusalem.

Nissim Black grew up in the American city of Seattle, where he made his name rapping about drug dealing and drive-by shootings. These were all subjects that were familiar to him, and his music was doing well, but nevertheless Nissim became increasingly unhappy with the gangster image he portrayed. He started as a Christian looking for answers in the Bible, but a growing interest in the Old Testament led on to a conversion to Orthodox Judaism, and ultimately a move to Jerusalem. Nissim still raps, but now he does it in a Shtreimel hat.

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com

Presenter Emily Webb
Producer: Harry Graham

Picture: Nissim Black
Credit: Tziporah Litman

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23 minutes

Podcast