We are back with a new instalment of our ‘Rap of the Week’ series, highlighting the best releases that came out across the Middle East and North Africa region this past week. Featured on our radar are picks from a roster of some of the region’s most revered hip-hop artists such as TIF, ElGrandeToto, NovaQueen and Zaza.

Moroccan rapper and singer NovaQueen, formerly known as ‘Psycho Queen’, returns with ‘Wala Wala’, a flirty maghrebi rap tune with subtle pop sensibilities, touching on themes of selfhood and pride, while Saudi rapper Jara further solidifies her status in the region’s hip-hop culture with a powerful single ‘Dawaran’.

Algerian rap sensation TIF link up with Morocco’s powerhouse ElGrandeToto on a trap confessional single ‘Kafini’, helmed by Algerian producer Dawee. The track, built on a cloudy trap beat, serves as a poetic reflection on the back stories of both rappers without falling into the pit of cliche.

Sudanese rapper and songwriter Tageel comes through with ‘Wagif, Jari’ in collaboration with up-and-coming Sudanese talent roTation, showing a new layer of his evolving sound and vocal range through razor-sharp delivery. Meanwhile, Egyptian rising artist Daro released ‘Leh Mokhtafy’, an infectious blend of trap and dark pop with poignant emotional storytelling. Produced by Mohaimen, the track sees Daro exploring the notion of disappearing – a phenomenon that has been ever present in the regional music scene – capturing his personal fear of being truly known and his ever-present struggle with selfhood in the spotlight.

The playlist also features Alvin with ‘Ezay Hatmshy’, Uzishettan and Hassa1 with ‘L’Kass’ and Ziad Zaza alongside his long-time collaborator Ismail Nosrat with ‘Balini’.

TRACKLIST:

TIF x ElGrandeToto - Kafini