Hamada Ben Amor, also known as "El General," performs during the first meeting of Tunisia's main opposition party on Jan. 29, in Tunis.

STEVE INSKEEP, host:

Other rap artists are also drawing on events in the Middle East for inspiration, like the Syrian musician named Omar, better known by his stage name Omar Offendum. His song "Hashtag January 25" is named after a marker for Twitter message Egypt and its protests; the protests which led to the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak.

(Soundbite of song, "Hashtag January 25")

Mr. OMAR OFFENDUM (Rapper): (Rapping) This is Egypt, home of the ruins last time we needed change it took Musa to move them. Operation get rid of the pharaoh. Now we getting rid who ain't willing to share no bread with the people. We are all equal, true men of God, Fear God. Don't fear no person...

INSKEEP: The song was produced by the Palestinian-American composer Sami Matar. It features several artists and uses both English and Arabic lyrics to reach a wider audience.

AYAH (Rapper): (Rapping) Time to push and we ain't falling back now. Time to fight. We are all we have now. Do you hear? Calling out for back up, keep a look out for better days

INSKEEP: And let's hear another artist known as Khaled M. He also raps about the recent protests. Khaled was born in the United States after his parents fled the regime of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

The song "Cant Take Our Freedom" draws on both his familys history and the recent protests.

(Soundbite of song, "Cant Take Our Freedom")

KHALED M (Rapper): (Rapping) And I don't know why it seems this guy's regime keeps pushing through the silent scream. Won't take you half an hour to figure that this coward can only get his power through violent means. Killing all the

INSKEEP: And you can read more about Khaled M and Omar Offendum, and other artists inspired by the Arab Spring, at NPR.org.

It's MORNING EDITION from NPR News. Im Steve Inskeep.

LINDA WERTHEIMER, host:

And Im Linda Wertheimer.

KHALED M: (Rapping) You can't take our freedom and take our souls. Take our freedom and take our souls. You are not the one thats in control. You are not the one thats in control. La illaha illallah, no power is greater God Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.