In an interview with Gigwise, Deeyah, a Muslim rapper known as the Muslim Madonna, has reported that she has received death threats from some of her religion’s more extreme members due to her rapping career.

“People have said to me, 'If you wore more modest attire, toned your act down a little, you'd be OK'," she said. "Well, you know something? I've tried wearing traditional costumes onstage and I'm still the whore. I'm still the person who's wrong."

Deeyah, who feels that Muslims’ attitude towards the role of women has affected women’s options for creative careers, has released a mixtape titled Sisterhood to show young Muslims that they can have music careers if they try.

“Many are actively discouraged from expressing their thoughts and dreams through music. A big part of the problem is the cultural expectations placed upon women. There is the association of music with sexuality and a westernized form of expression.”

The mixtape is available now. [Gigwise]