Ahmad Refaat, known as Riff, has carved out a significant place in the Egyptian music scene, collaborating with some of the biggest names on the alternative side of the industry. His music production is best described as genre-defying, with a sound distinctly his own yet never confined to a single formula. Drawing influences from a wide range of styles, including lo-fi, hip-hop, shaabi, and Tarab, Riff seamlessly blends these elements to blur genre boundaries, creating a soundscape that is uniquely his and instantly recognizable.
Riff has made his mark in both the rap and indie scenes, working with artists like Ziad Zaza, Donia Wael and Zaid Khaled, among others. One track that stands out among his many productions is 'Yemken Ala Bali', a cherished hit from Karim Osama’s debut album 'Awdet El Ebn El Dal'. The song is an intimate rap piece that has become one of the most popular tracks from both artists, celebrated for its unconventional lo-fi, dreamy production, and Karim Osama’s raw vocals and songwriting.
In this episode of NoiseBreakdown, we visited Riff’s studio, where he deconstructed the process of creating the beat for 'Yemken Ala Bali'. The producer shared how Karim Osama sent him the vocals, and he crafted the track to tell a story through its musical composition. Riff also offered insights into his beat-making process, his academic studies in music, and his dreams of becoming a rockstar.
