Sudanese rapper Soulja has just dropped his latest single, ‘Argeen’, named after the Sudanese-Egyptian border crossing. The title serves as a powerful motif for his journey between the two nations, both physically and artistically. The track’s production, handled by his frequent collaborator 77, features a traditional North African instrumental inspired by Sudanese and Egyptian folkloric music.
Lyrically, ‘Argeen’ is among Soulja’s most introspective works. He delivers deeply personal bars reflecting on his journey, the struggles he has endured, and the milestones he has reached. His measured, almost monotone delivery enhances the reflective nature of the track, allowing the weight of his words to take centre stage. 77’s production subtly reinforces the themes with well-placed bass accents that highlight Soulja’s bars.
Despite the song’s contemplative tone, there’s an underlying sense of peace, prosperity, and even hope. This is further emphasized in the music video, which opens with a quote from renowned Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish: “ونحب الحياة ما استطعنا اليها سبيلا” - (“And we love life as much as we can find a way to it”)
Directed by Sudanese filmmaker Mousab, the accompanying video visually mirrors the song’s overarching narrative. Soulja is seen wearing traditional Sudanese attire, immersed in what appears to be an authentic Sudanese celebration. Midway through, the setting transitions into an Egyptian shaabi wedding, reinforcing the song’s central theme of cultural duality and movement between borders.
‘Argeen’ stands out as one of Soulja’s strongest releases in recent memory. It not only showcases his growth as a songwriter but also highlights his ability to craft deeply personal yet universally resonant narratives.
