New Muslim Cool

New Muslim Cool

Year: 2009

Runtime: 83 mins

Language: English

Director: Jennifer Maytorena Taylor

Documentary

Puerto Rican‑American rapper Hamza Pérez left a twelve‑year stint as a drug dealer and embraced Islam, becoming a young Muslim. He relocates to Pittsburgh’s tough North Side to launch a new faith community, heal his fractured family, and deliver his message of belief to other youths through the uncompromising hip‑hop sounds of his duo, M‑Team.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – New Muslim Cool (2009)

Trace every key event in New Muslim Cool (2009) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Prophecy Dreams

Two recurring dreams haunt Hamza Perez: one foretelling his death at age 21, the other predicting jail. The summary frames these visions as signs guiding his choices, foreshadowing major life changes. They anchor his early life in Pittsburgh as he searches for meaning.

before age 21 Pittsburgh
2

Street Encounter with the Sheikh

One day on the street while smoking marijuana, a sheikh approaches Hamza to talk about Islam. The unexpected conversation marks the turning point toward religious change. The moment signals the beginning of a new path that will reshape his life.

before age 21 Pittsburgh street
3

Conversion at Age 21

At age 21, Hamza becomes a Muslim, describing it as the death of his past doings and a spiritual rebirth. The conversion marks a fundamental shift in identity and priorities. It sets the stage for his future activism and community work.

age 21 Pittsburgh
4

Suliman's Boricua Halal Kitchen

Hamza visits his brother Suliman to cook Boricua Halal dishes, a cross-cultural exchange that underscores their hybridity. They discuss Arabic-Spanglish-Ebonics as they communicate across languages they don’t fluently share. The scene grounds his faith journey in family ties and cultural fusion.

after conversion Suliman's kitchen, Pittsburgh
5

Family Dialogue on Faith

During a family gathering, Gladys expresses hesitation about the religion while revealing Hamza’s birth name, Jason. She reflects on their Catholic upbringing and private schooling, then offers cautious acceptance of their choices. The moment frames familial tension and support during his spiritual transition.

early in faith journey family home
6

Harlem Radio Interview

The brothers travel to Harlem to conduct an interview for a radio station about their music and religious message. The trip broadens their platform beyond the streets and into mainstream media. It marks a turning point in how they share their story.

during NYC trip Harlem, New York
7

Outreach in New York Projects

In New York, Hamza visits the projects to reach out to at-risk youth, leveraging his experience as an anti-drug counselor. He uses his music as a form of religious outreach to connect with young people. The scenes emphasize direct community impact over fame.

during NYC trip New York City projects
8

Mosque, School, and Youth Center Plans

Back in Pittsburgh, Hamza outlines ambitious plans to build a Mosque, a school, and a youth center for the growing Muslim community. He explains how people travel from different places to join a drug-free, faith-centered environment. The initiative signals a shift from activism to institution-building.

after NYC trip Pittsburgh
9

Marriage via Naseeb.com

Rafiah describes meeting Hamza on the Muslim social network naseeb.com and deciding to marry after courting online. Hamza frames the union as a 'clash of civilizations' given their mixed backgrounds. The online romance leads to a real-world partnership.

leading to marriage Online (Naseeb.com)
10

Massachusetts Family Visit

After the wedding, the couple travels to Massachusetts where Rafiah meets Hamza's family and learns about his past as a drug dealer. The visit deepens family ties and provides context for his earlier life. It also foreshadows the challenges he will face in his new role.

after wedding Massachusetts
11

Return to Pittsburgh and the FBI Light

Back in Pittsburgh, Hamza introduces the new community Mosque. The film shows a hidden FBI light-post camera pointed toward the Mosque, signaling ongoing surveillance. The scene highlights the tension between his community work and national security concerns.

after Massachusetts trip Pittsburgh
12

FBI Raid on the Mosque

On a Friday during the 4th of July, the FBI raids the Mosque, forcing everyone out at gunpoint. Witnesses describe the operation and the official reason ties it to a felon staying at the Mosque for the evening. The raid becomes a pivotal turning point for Hamza’s family and career.

Friday, July 4 Mosque, Pittsburgh

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 09:43

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