Moroccan rap sensation Taha Fahssi, widely known by his stage name ElGrandeToto or simply Toto, leaves his mark once again on the global music scene with his latest release, "27." The album showcases Toto's journey from the streets of Casablanca to a sold-out concert at the legendary Olympia in Paris and also solidifies his position as the most streamed Arabophone artist in the world on Spotify.
"27" kicks off with an ‘INTRODUCTION’ track with an ambient synth that sets the tone for the album, accompanied by mysterious background vocals. The dark and eternal melody draws listeners into Toto's musical world.
One standout track from the album is "DELLALI" featuring Hamza, where Toto’s rap pays homage to his recently departed mother, who served as his guiding light in life. Hamza, on the other hand, delves into themes of betrayal from loved ones. The music video for this track tells a love story between a boxer and his significant other, interspersed with scenes of Toto rapping and Arabian dancers showcasing their moves.
As the album concludes, Toto delivers a profound track titled "LILLAH," where he pays tribute to his homeland. Over a high-energy beat with prominent snares, Toto raps about his unwavering loyalty and love for Casablanca, even in the face of its challenges with drug dealers and crime.
"27" has shattered records and claimed the coveted third position on Spotify's Top Albums Debut Global chart. This ranking reflects the album's streaming numbers during its first week of release, placing Toto alongside artists Myke Towers and UZI.
This is not the first time ElGrandeToto has made waves on Spotify's global charts. In March 2021, his debut album "Caméléon" earned a spot among the top 6 global album debuts, an extraordinary achievement for an Arab singer.
In addition to his chart-topping success, Toto collaborated with Spotify to introduce the pre-save feature to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for the first time. This partnership allowed fans exclusive access to "27" before its official release. By pre-saving the album on Spotify, fans received instant notifications upon its release and could seamlessly add it to their music libraries. They also gained access to exclusive video content, a release countdown, pre-saving options, and a sneak peek at the tracklist, which features collaborations with artists like Hamza, Beny Jr, Oxlade, and more.
To offer fans a glimpse into ElGrandeToto's creative journey, Spotify released a short clip that delves into the artist's profound experiences, particularly when Toto's house was engulfed in flames. This event played a significant role in inspiring the album's title, "27," adding a deeply personal and introspective element to Toto's musical narrative.
