In this edition of our Rap of the Week playlist, we select some of the best hip-hop releases of this past week from across the MENA region, highlighting tracks that stood out for its quality, performance and overall vibe. This edition of the playlist features new music by Shbash, Wezza Montasser and Thawra.

On the forefront of the playlist is the latest release from Amman-based rapper Shbash with his new track ‘962’ featuring production from Ssandkidd. The track marks Shbash’s first release following his successful EP ‘L’Top’. Here, Ssandkidd creates a static beat infused with synth inserts coupled with subtle, unorthodox drum patterns, while also utilizing a sample from Yara’s ‘Enta Menni’, allowing Shbash to come in with his distinct vocal delivery, taking over the beat with ease.

Also on the playlist is ‘3asby Gdn’ from Wezza Montasser’s new full length LP ‘Labes El Tag’. On the track, Wezza jumps into uncharted territory with an unconventional beat, veering away from his distinct trap-shaabi fusion. Wezza also delivers well-crafted bars over the thrilling instrumental enhanced by accelerated drums. Wezza flexes his flow switches on the track introducing an intense beat switch mid-track coupled with ghostly ad-libs and dramatic spoken-word snippets.

The playlist also includes new releases by Thawra and Billy Tstrk on ‘Alloo’, Tunisian rapper Defame with ‘Layem’, and the latest track from Riff and Seif Mrdeny, ‘A3ml A’.

Full tracklist down below:

Riff with ‪Seif Mrdeny‬ - A3ML A

SHBASH X Ssandkidd - 962

Wezza Montaser - 3asby Gdn

RUNAWAY - Kairokid (Prod. Belal Nawasra‬ )

Thawra - ALLOOO ft. Billy Tstrk

3amo Klay x ‪Mr Kordy‬ - 3ayzen Nsayef

AKA Keyz - Wayside Freestyle

L5VAV - LEL

Bo9al - Messi

DeFame - Layem

Fadila - Wedhet?

Nadine El Roubi - GOD

Hleem Taj Alser - Eshara

ElNashmy - Mirror