Top 10 Black Religious Conversions

Since the one-time King of Pop (I’m looking at you Weezy) has made another life-changing decision to convert to Islam, NewsOne wanted to paraphrase some of the other major religious changes in Black public life. From the thoughtful to the bizarre, black public figures have made religion a cornerstone of their existence. Sometimes, like with Malcolm X, it signifies the shift to a humble momentous experience that translates the joy and pain of life. Mike Tyson, Whitney Houston and now “Mikaeel” Jackson prove that it is just another bump on the rocky road of celebrity.

10. Lew Alcindor as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – The Los Angeles Laker and NBA legend had been cultivating a champion’s career since he was a skinny New York kid at Power Memorial Academy. He won championships at every level, and received the highest accolades in every sector. He is a best-selling author, a lecturer, an influential coach and a puzzlingly complex celebrity athlete. When he converted Islam in 1971, mostly private about his choices, the sporting world responded with some shock. Of course, his accomplishments overwhelmed any criticism of his brooding spirit.

9. Isaac Hayes the Scientologist – Isaac Hayes was one of the rich 1970s era Soul Men who came to define several genres, including hip-hop. Hayes was responsible for one of the greatest records in Black music history, Hot Buttered Soul, and penned the theme song for Shaft while acting as a leading artist for Stax Records. When Hayes, known more for his sexualized smoothness, announced a conversion to Scientology in 1995, it was met with quizzical reply. For one, few people understand the cultish rituals of Scientology, and certainly there weren’t any black celebrities linked to the Hollywood “it” religion. Hayes reportedly was helped through his bankruptcy and bad investment period by accepting speaking appearances at Scientology events. He battled with South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker after he left the show citing their religious mockery as part of his reasoning.

8. Whitney Houston – The pop diva made waves when she married her heartthrob and enabler, Bobby Brown. She had enjoyed a lucrative career as a powerful voice in both the urban music genre and elsewhere. She even made some headway as a part-time movie actress as her career headed to the skids. Houston’s behavior began to deteriorate after her marriage to Brown, and she went as far as saying she did not do crack cocaine because that was for “poor people” (as if to say her abuse of powder cocaine put her at least in the right class). While searching for the inspiration for a Christmas album, Houston and now ex-husband Bobby Brown made a 2003 pilgrimage to Israel. There they were embraced by the Black Hebrew Israelites, a sect of African-Americans who claim to be descendents of the first Egyptian Hebrews. Houston also embraced the religion in a ceremony held there, in full garb. The announcement did not do much to calm the frenzy around Houston concerning her career. Her career in serious decline, family members and fans questioned her direction with Bobby Brown and her commitment to any religious values in view of her magnetic attraction the the pipe.

7. Mike Tyson – The former heavyweight champ and all-time boxing crazy has claimed many things throughout his erratic journey. Tyson has been the subject of media scrutiny since the age of 19, which drove him to seek the trust of several unreliable patrons. After serving a prison sentence for a rape conviction, Tyson converted to Islam while incarcerated. Unfortunately, the newfound religious commitment did not prevent him from intentionally biting off Evander Holyfield’s ear in the infamous title fight. As with some of the others on the list, Tyson’s conversion came as he faced bankruptcy after his spending habits and addiction to antidepressants spun out of control. Even so, he fought with several of his opponents and managers publicly and railed against the press with the fire of a true madman. Tyson also recently tattooed the left side of his face to complete a string of odd behaviors.

6. Ma$e – The rapper-turned-pastor went from Murder Mase to Ma$e, but that was only the first of his conversions. The release of Ma$e’s first album Harlem World brought him unthinkable success at the peak of the Bling Dynasty in hip-hop. His mentor, Sean “Diddy” Combs had a reputation for being the life of the party, and promoting the excitement of luxury cars and clothing. Filling the shoes of the late Notorious B.I.G. as a swinging bachelor began to affect Ma$e however, and his second album Double Up was the reflection of an uninspired Harlemite surrounded by yes-men and climbing relatives. Years of partying dried up Mason Betha until he linked with famous twins Tia and Tamera Mowry, who introduced him to their Christian fellowship. Within a year, Pastor Mase was ordained and preaching at his own Atlanta church. The hip-hop world was momentarily surprised, but realized Mase had only established himself as a public figure in another arena. 50 Cent then signed the baptized soul to G-Unit Records where he rapped again about the girls, money, guns and other rap favorites in the name of the Lord.

5. Prince – Don’t be surprised if the next time you get an unexpected Sunday morning bell-ring — one touting the benefits of the Good Word — you see a five-foot, fair-skinned rock star. It’s not Britney this time either. Prince revealed to the New Yorker that his devotion to the Jehovah’s Witness sect of Christianity has become a full-on investment. He even took some time in his comments to denounce homosexuality (maybe to add that extra righteous religious flavor?). Since the ban on gay marriage erupted in the Prop 8 controversy, it seems curious timing for a man who once claimed himself bisexual, among other things. That Prince has reversed course so quickly indicates that we must be in a post-identity era if an androgynous, oversexed rocker from orgies past sees fit to pass holy judgments on others. We wonder if his ministry presides over the Erotic City.

4. Tina Turner – Little is known about Tina Turner’s personal life besides her relationship with ex-husband and former manager Ike Turner. But Ms. Turner has been a practicing Nirichen Buddhist for over 20 years. Unlike her peers in conversion, it’s arguable that her allegiance to the faith has helped propel her career rather than stagnate it. This particular group of Buddhists believes in self-improvement and accountability being the main tenets of growth, and of creating world peace. Although her life was tainted by violence, it seems that her sense of peace is everlasting.

3. Michael Jackson – Speaking of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Michael Jackson’s main traumas probably stem from his family’s untiring loyalty to the Church. When fame swept up the Jackson 5, and MJ specifically, the Church was extremely watchful over his standard of behavior. Two child abuse investigations later, it seems as if Michael has had a change of heart about his preferred spiritual advisers. Conventional wisdom says that he won’t find many sympathizers to his alleged boy-crazy ways among Islamic leaders. Still, the former King of Pop could use as much help as he can get in avoiding the perils of the Jesus Juice and sleepover party combo.

2. Muhammad Ali – Ali was and is the greatest boxer of all time. His dominance of the ring was evident in his epic battles with champions like George Foreman, Joe Frazier and Sonny Liston. Born Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali became a member of the Nation of Islam in 1964. More than that, his storied career also gives a template to athletes who have trouble avoiding the public eye. He simply turned the media on its head with lyrical limericks, and struck a chord with many Americans who wanted to voice dissent while still supporting their country. When Ali refused to be drafted for the Vietnam War, citing his religious beliefs, he was brought to trial, and faced prison time for draft dodging. The battle against the censorship of free speech won him many admirers, though, in a time where African-American citizens were afraid to speak out against an unpopular war. Ali’s status as an Olympic champion, Southern hero and fighter for free speech vaulted him into American lore for years to come. Although he eventually split with NOI, he was never shy about using his platform to express his views.

1. Malcolm X – Also known as “Red” and later El Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, Malcolm X laid the foundation for spiritual awakening among Black men in the United States. By breaking with the traditions of Christianity, the ones that had been so prevalent in the struggle for human rights, he helped realize the dream of the founders that included a diverse set of beliefs. Malcolm X discovered the Nation of Islam in prison, as well as the leadership principles that would make him a profound speaker and thinker for time to come. His time with the NOI is often sullied by their reported involvement in his assassination plot. Nevertheless, he converted twice, essentially, looking to explore his relationship with Islam after a trip to Mecca illumined just how broadly inclusive Islam was.