Bu Kolthoum Reintroduces Himself as MHD Mounir on New EP

Bu Kolthoum has long been a force in the region’s alternative and hip-hop scene, not only as a rapper but also as a producer, known for his wide musical range, lyrical precision, and consistently high-quality output. His sound fuses traditional Arab musical forms: tarab, zajal, and ataaba, with hip-hop, R&B, soul, and Sufi influences, creating a distinctive sonic signature.

The Syrian-born artist returns in 2025 with MHD Mounir, his first full project since 2024’s Dumya Bilaa Khie9aan. Named after his birth name, the five-track EP marks a creative rebirth for Bu Kolthoum, and a subtle nod to the Egyptian icon Mohamed Mounir. While his rugged flow and introspective lyricism remain, Bu Kolthoum explores a new direction: sample-heavy hip-hop that draws from Arabic classics and East Coast hip-hop and trap frameworks.

On ‘Shubenni’, he reimagines Ibrahim Al Hakamy’s ‘Sho Beny’, distorting the vocals with auto-tune before launching into sharp verses. The sampled lines touch on themes of new beginnings, happiness, hope and deep affection, while Bu’s bars present an unflinching reflection on disillusionment and survival in a world that’s as ruthless as it is fleeting. Yet, he managed to combine both into a polished, cohesive production with a clear sense of purpose.

The title track, ‘MHD Mounir’, showcases Bu Kolthoum’s confident, boastful side. It’s a classic “I am the best” anthem layered over a moody beat, highlighted by a synthesised flute- or sax-like sample and deep bass, creating a nostalgic backdrop for his dense, rapid-fire delivery, peppered with subtle social critique.

‘If I’m Honest’ shifts to trap, infused with Arabic scales and a maqam-inspired string arrangement. Bu alternates between English and Arabic with a melodic flow, his lyrics raw and confessional, exploring honesty, inner conflict, isolation, and fate, painting a vivid foreboding image of Bu Kolthoum’s personal story, standing strong as he openly confronts the misfortunes of his reality.

Closing the EP, ‘U NVR KNU ME’ is a classic, standard Arabic hip-hop tune for the unassuming ear, yet there are subtle sampled orchestral elements interwoven with the sonic palette. It is clean and more focused, giving space for Bu to convey a strong message of moving on, prioritising self-worth, and confronting those who have caused pain through the lyrics. The track’s music video by a bold, mind-warping cinematic piece by Good People and directed by Ingrid Bawab. The visuals feature cuts of Bu Kolthoum being the Joker-level unhinged and standing amid a gangster-like cult, sometimes sinisterly smiling, other times angrily glaring at the lens, with shots of scattered dead bodies punctuating the chaos.

Few producers master sampling in hip-hop as effectively, and with MHD Mounir, Bu Kolthoum cements his status as one of the region’s most innovative and accomplished artists, delivering an intricate, fully realised body of work.