7liwa has been steadily asserting his position within the Moroccan hip-hop scene, establishing himself as one of the most notable names in the industry. He has consistently developed his unique sound through solid album releases and strategic collaborations. Now, the rapper presents his fourth full-length album, 'Champion', a 20-track record that runs just over an hour.
The album kicks off with the drill opener ‘Brabus’, where 7liwa unleashes relentless bars over an ominous beat featuring chanting church acapellas, creating a dark and foreboding atmosphere. Throughout the record, 7liwa explores various sonic aesthetics and genres, all rooted in trap, with a few notable afrobeats and drill cuts. In ‘Douwi Douwi’, he slows down his punchy and hard-hitting delivery, offering an emotional and contemplative performance. Similarly, ‘Maybach’ smoothly blends afrobeats and trap. 'SOS' stands out for its production and lyrical performance. 7liwa crafts a subtle trap instrumental with a looping piano sample and horn inserts, providing a backdrop for his concise bars and introspective delivery.
The album features numerous collaborations with artists like Inkonnu, Abdu and ElGrande Toto. However, a standout feature is legendary rapper and producer L’morphine. The pioneering trap artist showcases his distinctive sound effortlessly, with his signature delivery and multiple entendres, while 7liwa maintains the track’s energy with a solid performance that elevates the collaboration.
Although the record feels scattered at times and could have benefited from a more concise tracklist, it ultimately showcases 7liwa's evolution as an artist. 'Champion' reveals where his mind is at this point in his career, blending personal and introspective themes with the trademark elements of trap music.
