The Gangsta Rapper Who Became an Orthodox Jew? This is Nissim Black
The extraordinary journey of Nissim Black, from gangsta rapper to Orthodox Jewish artist in Jerusalem, spreading messages of faith through hip-hop while bridging cultural divides.
Twitter
In a world often defined by division, a man named Nissim Black is building bridges with beats. The American-Israeli rapper, born Damian Jamohl Black, has forged an improbable path from a difficult childhood in Seattle's inner city to an Orthodox Jewish life in Jerusalem, where he uses his music to spread messages of faith, hope, and resilience.
Black's journey to global recognition and a new life in Israel has been anything but conventional. After a successful early career as rapper D. Black, he famously stepped away from the music scene. It was a period of deep spiritual searching that eventually led him and his family to convert to Orthodox Judaism. In 2016, they made aliyah, immigrating to Israel and settling in Jerusalem before moving to Beit Shemesh.
His return to music under the name Nissim was a transformative moment. His work, now infused with the values of Judaism, speaks to a diverse audience, bridging the gap between hip-hop culture and the religious world. Black's recent album, Glory, released on August 14, 2024, is a testament to this evolution. The album, which was postponed due to the October 7th attacks, is a passionate response to the darkness of the past year. In a recent interview, Black said the album became an "emergency" for him, a tool to "infuse light" into a world that feels increasingly loud and dark.
Nissim has also been vocal about the challenges of his unique position. He has spoken candidly about facing both racism and a rise in antisemitism, particularly since the attacks. However, he remains committed to using his platform for a higher purpose. He has used his music and social media to offer a "voice of hope," and his work has been embraced by a growing fanbase, including a significant following in the Evangelical world.
From performing for soldiers to using his podcast, The Nissim Black Show, to discuss faith, identity, and the spiritual battle behind antisemitism, Nissim Black's influence extends far beyond the music charts. He has proven that a life's soundtrack can be rewritten, and that the most powerful message is often the most personal.