From Oud to 808s: How Arab Americans Shaped U.S. Music

Frank Zappa. Photo source: wikimedia commons
By: Rania Basria / Arab America Contributing Writer
Music is a universal language, constantly evolving as cultures blend and influence one another. Arab Americans have played a crucial but often overlooked role in shaping the U.S. music scene, bringing Middle Eastern sounds, rhythms, and instruments into genres like jazz, funk, rock, and hip-hop. From the pioneering jazz musicians of the 20th century to today’s chart-topping producers, Arab American influence continues to echo through the beats and melodies of modern music.
One of the earliest instances of Arab American influence on U.S. music can be found in jazz. Ahmed Abdul-Malik, a bassist and oudist of Sudanese descent, was instrumental in introducing Middle Eastern and North African sounds into American jazz. His fusion of maqam (Arabic melodic scales) with traditional jazz improvisation created a new, rich sound that inspired artists in the 1950s and beyond.
Other jazz musicians also explored Arab and Middle Eastern sounds, integrating instruments like the oud (a lute-like instrument), darbuka (a goblet drum), and ney (a reed flute) into their compositions. This cross-cultural blending laid the foundation for later global jazz movements and inspired artists across different genres.
As rock and funk music gained popularity in the 1960s and 70s, Arab Americans found ways to weave their heritage into the soundscape. Frank Zappa, the legendary rock musician and producer, had Lebanese roots and was known for his experimental compositions that often incorporated non-Western scales and rhythms. His ability to blend various musical traditions helped push rock music into new, avant-garde territory.
Meanwhile, funk music—rooted in deep grooves and percussion—also saw Arab American influence. Lebanese American musician Omar Khorshid, a prominent guitarist in the Middle East, infused his music with funk and psychedelic rock elements, influencing later Western artists who embraced international sounds.
Hip-hop, a genre that thrives on cultural fusion and innovation, has been heavily influenced by Arab American artists, particularly producers who shape the beats and sounds behind major hits. DJ Khaled, a Palestinian American, is one of the most recognized names in hip-hop today. His production style, often featuring dramatic orchestration and anthemic beats, has shaped contemporary rap and R&B. Belly, a Palestinian Canadian rapper and songwriter, has worked with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, infusing his lyrics with themes of identity, struggle, and heritage. Fredwreck, an Iraqi American producer, played a key role in crafting the West Coast hip-hop sound, working with legends like Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Ice Cube.
These producers have brought Middle Eastern sonic elements into the mainstream, using everything from Arabic string arrangements to hypnotic drum patterns to craft unforgettable beats. Beyond individual artists, the sounds of the Arab world have deeply influenced the textures of U.S. music. Maqam scales have been sampled in countless songs, adding an exotic and emotional depth to Western melodies. Percussion instruments like the darbuka and riq have found their way into pop, electronic, and hip-hop beats. Vocal techniques from Arabic music, including melismatic singing (where a single syllable stretches over multiple notes), have been embraced by artists across genres. Artists such as Missy Elliott, Timbaland, and Jay-Z have famously incorporated Middle Eastern influences in their beats, showcasing the seamless fusion of these traditions.
While male artists and producers have received much of the attention, Arab American women have also made significant contributions to U.S. music. Faouzia, a Moroccan Canadian singer-songwriter, blends powerful pop vocals with Arabic-inspired melodies, gaining international recognition. Similarly, Elyanna, a Palestinian-Chilean artist, merges Arabic and Western sounds in a way that appeals to global audiences, breaking barriers for Arab American women in the industry.
The influence of Arab Americans on U.S. music is undeniable. From the early days of jazz to the modern beats of hip-hop and electronic music, Arab American artists, producers, and musicians have left an indelible mark on the industry. As more artists embrace their heritage and blend musical traditions, the future of Arab American influence in U.S. music looks more dynamic than ever. Whether through a nostalgic oud melody in a rap song or a driving darbuka rhythm in a pop hit, the echoes of Arab music continue to shape the soundtrack of America.
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