In Algeria, there’s currently a lively rap scene that has been growing rapidly in popularity, with a tidal wave of rising talents as well as up-and-coming stars who have been taking over stages across Europe with their distinctive confrontational delivery style and raw lyricism.

As in many countries across the MENA region, hip-hop and rap emerged in Algeria as a form of self-expression for the youth populace to criticize their country’s shortcomings and speak out on political and social injustices. Its genesis dates back to 1988, when the first Algerian hip-hop/rap outfit, Intik, emerged. The group became widely recognized for their raw and aggressive rap style, in both the Algerian dialect (Darija) and French, drawing on the violence they experienced growing up in turbulent Algeria during the ‘80s and '90s.

While the Algerian rap scene remains largely overlooked and isolated, there is a consistent surge of diverse new talents emerging even through censorship and the lack of support from mainstream media. They continue to rap about the depressing reality of Algerian youth, forgoing commercial appeal to produce edgy and authentic sounds, with intricate production and powerful lyrical work.

From seasoned rappers like Didine Canon 16, Lotfi DK, and Savage Plug to up-and-coming stars like TIF and Younes we have compiled a list of some of the most talented Algerian rappers that you need to listen to.

Savage Plug

Since the beginning of his career in 2009 under his real name Nasreddine Benkrifa, Savage Plug has been ahead of his time, sonically, visually and with his choice of collaborations, which has established him as one of the most important voices in the North African rap scene. His career boasts high-profile features across borders, including ‘Asyad El Balad’ with Egyptian rap icon Wegz and ‘Gang’ with Moroccan rapper 7liwa.

Lotfi DK

Born in the city of Annaba in Algeria, Lotfi Double Kanon, or Lotfi DK, is known as a ‘’rebel’’ by Algerian authorities for his unapologetic and unfiltered music. He has been in the scene for over 20 years now, producing an extensive discography of more than seven records. He is also a TV presenter and blogger.

One of his most notable songs is ‘La Politique Des Bandits’, released in 2022, which is a cry of political protest condemning the oppressive policies of the government which caused division and chaos between Algerian families.

Phobia Issac

Issac has established himself as one of the powerhouses of the Algerian hip-hop scene, gaining recognition for meshing penetrating and aggressive lyrics into catchy hooks. His music draws on the struggle for freedom and human rights in Algeria, and the challenges of poverty and inequity he faced in pursuing his music career.

Didine Canon 16

Khireddine Youcef, aka Didine Canon 16, is an Algerian rapper, singer-songwriter and actor, who has been one of the most popular rappers in the Maghreb region. He claimed a new music style in Algeria called ‘Zenqaoui’, where he portrays himself as the voice of youth. He is known for his mainstream rap beats and laid-back flows, which have been garnering millions of views on YouTube. Last year, he collaborated with Egyptian artist Mohamed Ramadan on the hit ‘Nassaba’.

Médine

Médine is a 40-year-old French-Algerian rapper who is renowned for delivering razor-sharp bars as cutting as they are political. His honest and conscious rap has been giving voice to Algerian youth struggling in France, calling out the political far-right and religious fundamentalists in the country.

Flenn

Mehdi Kouloughli, aka Flenn, is a France-based Algerian independent hip-hop artist who has been making music for over 10 years now. He’s known for his distinctive freestyling and unfazed tone. His music features introspective lyrics that also tackle social issues and the hardships young Algerians face, delivered in laid-back flows over melancholic beats. Some of his most famous tunes include ‘Liyam’, ‘Napoli’ and ‘Fast Life’.

Youppi

Youppi has become one of the most notable names within the regional hip-hop scene over the past few years with his impressive discography, fearless lyricism, and distinctive fluid flows. His songs, combining traditional elements from Algerian music with modern hip-hop and trap sounds, are introspective, meditating on love, loss and the idiosyncrasies of Algerians.

TIF

French-Algerian rapper Toufik Bouhraoua, aka TIF, has become widely recognized for his intoxicating blend of Algerian shaabi music, modern rap and Andalusian sounds. He delivers melodic verses in French and Algerian, exploring the feeling of longing for his homeland, being in exile, and the hardships he faced on his journey to France. He has become a rising figure in French-speaking rap, garnering a huge following from across the globe.

TIF has been touring across Europe this year, performing at various prestigious festivals in France, Belgium and more. Earlier this year, he was featured on Palestinian artist Saint Levant’s album ‘Deira’. He was also featured on COLORS show, where he debted a song, titled ‘Nothing Personal’, dedicated to Palestine.

Ill-Yess

Ill-Yes is one of the more established names that has been taking over the Algerian rap scene over the past few years. Though he has been rapping since 2010, he started gaining recognition in Algeria after the release of his album ‘Yes Lookan’. While he doesn’t release consistently, his blunt delivery and hits such as ‘S.Y.C’ and ‘Artisane’ still remain influential for many aspiring hip-hop artists to this day.

IcoWesh

IcoWesh is recognized for his laid-back production style, reggae-fused beats and melodic delivery, bringing a late-night drive to Algerian hip-hop. One of his most famous releases is his single with MC Artisan, ‘Leyla’.

Soolking

Abderraouf Derradji, aka Soolking, began his career in 2013 under the pseudonym MC Sool as a drummer in a rock band in Algeria. His breakthrough as a rap artist came when he performed a freestyle rap, titled ‘Guerilla’, on a radio show. His music incorporates various influences, from traditional Algerian music like rai, to American and French rap, soul, R&B and reggae. He has showcased in famed global venues across North America and France, including New York’s Apollo Theater.

Younès

Algerian rapper Younès Boucif has garnered the attention of many Algerian rap fans across the region and Europe for with his collaborative single with TIF, ‘HARRAGA’, which reflects on the almost-lost potential of youth in Algeria and how the lack of prospects within their homeland forces them into illegal immigration,where they lose their lives along the way. When he is not wearing the rapper’s hat, he makes a name for himself as a comedian.

SYC

SYC is one of the most promising talents spearheading the new wave of Algerian rap. His versatile music styles goes from nimble and almost dreamy flows to provocative freestyles.

Skorp

Skorp is one of the rising voices in the Algerian hip-hop scene. He is recognized for his laid-back production, blistering lyrics, and never shying away from saying what’s on his mind. Some of his most popular hits are ‘Vantablack’ and ‘Confudz’.