Assasi on Unifying Generations of Rappers on ’Syrian Cypher 2'

Looking back at the Syrian scene of the early 2000s, pioneering rapper Assasi details the immense difficulty of making hip-hop under the Assad regime. Today, the scene has developed significantly - albeit in a decentralized fashion - across multiple Syrian cities and throughout the diaspora.

In an effort to unify today’s scattered emerging voices with the established veterans who paved the way, Assasi, alongside the Bilad El-Sham Collective, executive produced ‘Syrian Cypher 2 (963)’, a direct follow-up to Big Hass’ original 2022 ‘Syrian Cypher’. Expanding the initial scope to feature 12 rappers, this new edition presents a formidable roster reflecting the full spectrum of Syrian rap, with Sheky, Deep, Jubran, Merry, Patriot, Wylway, Syad Jad, Doola, B.Show, AlPazo, and Nurulez joining Assasi on the track.

In an exclusive interview with SceneNoise, Assasi discusses the challenge of narrowing down the lineup to just eleven artists. He emphasises his intentional focus on bridging generational lines, and highlights the decision to feature two women MCs from the rising generation. Noting that women have been a foundational pillar of global hip-hop since day one, Assasi stresses that their inclusion was essential to accurately reflect that reality within the Syrian scene.

Musically, Assasi helmed the production alongside co-producer Jubran, blending heavy boom-bap drum patterns with organic regional instrumentation, including runs of oud, qanun, and kamanjas. Each rapper was granted complete creative freedom to write candidly about their personal realities, their relationship with Syria, and the systemic lack of opportunity framing their shared generational struggle.

Watch the full interview below: