In their first-ever collaboration, Cairo-based rapper Ziad Zaza and influential Egyptian singer 3enab come together in an upfront and punchy drill release with ‘7aret Elsa2ayen’.
While 3enab is no stranger to rap, having experimented with trap and shaabi-inspired hip-hop beats in the past, this release sees the singer honing in on drill sonics, which Ziad Zaza has based his signature sound upon. Zaza’s work has seen him exploring the sub-genre in the past, developing a unique and identifiable vocal style which he adopts in most releases.
In this track, Zaza and 3enab’s differing vocal styles compliment one another, with Zaza’s matter-of-fact and apathetic delivery contrasting 3enba’s enthusiastic energy. The blend of melodic and rhythmic flows also helps to round out the vocals which are delivered on top of a hard-hitting and detailed instrumental.
Produced by Ismail Nosrat, the track kicks off with a lo-fi sounding sample featuring a rich chord progression. A full-on drill beat then comes in to intensify the energy of the track, rich with metallic percussions and booming bass. Zaza’s raspy vocals and distinctive flows sway throughout the beat’s rigid structure, whereas 3enab’s more melodic approach takes Zaza’s usual style into unfamiliar territory.
The music video, directed by Omar Zaki puts the viewer directly among the artists’ entourage, as we are met with 3enba and Zaza outside of a street-food vendor, casually performing with a group of their peers. The artists' sheer attitude and charisma keep the video entertaining as Zaza and 3enab exchange lines throughout the release, with a hand-held filming style that lends an organic feel to the video.
Watch 3enab X Ziad Zaza’s ‘7aret Elsa2ayen’ here:
