The Psychology of the Egyptian Rap Scene

Rap occupies a grey area between speech, prose, poetry, and singing. The word "rap" itself was originally used in British English since the 16th century. It was part of the African American dialect in the 60s meaning to "converse."

For the past couple of years, Egyptian rappers have stolen the thunder of the music community adding a whole new taste to become everyone's favourite. You listen once, you get hooked and you play the song on repeat! That's how fast it's spreading!
Let's explore the psychological side of rap music in Egypt and why it's more than just rhyming beats.

Rap music has taken a new shape as Egyptian rappers have been digging deep into layers of our psyche uncovering what has not been said or expressed before.

We were exposed to a wider range of rap music when Ahmed Mekky released his album (Aslo Araby) in 2012. His most iconic song, "Atr El Hayah" which addressed the journey of addiction in adolescence, went viral with 27 million views on Youtube back in 2017.

Ahmed Naser (El Joker) won our hearts with his one of a kind rapping style when he released his first single back in 2010 and up to his last (Kobayt El 3asir) in 2020 discussing a young man's suicide attempt.

El Joker sings actual Arabic poems and so his songs are not that easy to get! You have to listen more than once to understand the meaning intended. He's known for the issues raising controversy addressed in his songs, let's take for example "Enfsam Had II" which is taking us into a ride through the mind of every human being doubting the existence of the creator due to the cruelty of reality and how we fight our darkness so we won't lose faith.

In Egypt, the rap scene witnessed a remarkable breakthrough since 2019 with a new generation of rappers presenting a mixture between rap and trap music (a subgenre of hip hop music).

1. Ahmed Ali professionally known as (Wegz)

Wegz attracted a huge fanbase in 1 year with his hits like "Dorak Gai" which has reached over 67M views now on youtube, followed by " El Ghasala, 21, Bazet, Skerty and Manhos." In his tracks, we're exposed to various youth issues dealing with society. The lack of belonging to a community, the use of drugs to escape reality, the inner conflicts, and how young men fight against temptations.

"أنا منحوس جيلى اتمرد .. جيلى أتغرب.. جيلى جرب

جيلى عارف فين الصح.. جيلى عارف قيمته بره"

2. Marwan Ahmed Metaweh, currently known by his stage name Marwan Pablo and referred to by the vice media as Egypt's Godfather of Trap. He is most known for his hits "Free," "Ghaba," "El Gemeza," and "Sindbad."

In one of Pablo's tracks, "Atari," poverty in this generation is vividly displayed throughout the lyrics.

عالمصالح لفيت

جمعية في جمعية

بكون نفسي مش عيب

مفضلش حاجة في الجيب

يوميتي رايحة عالكيف

مبشغلش بالي بالغيب

من الفقر مليت

من الكبت غنيت

3. Marwan Moussa

Egyptian rapper and producer originally from Ismailia, who grew up in Cairo and is currently living in LA, joined the rap scene in 2020 with more than one hit: (Nhayt El 3alam - Sheraton and most recently Tesla).

In his song "El Bosla da3et" he discusses what it's like to have a major identity crisis, losing one's self whilst tying to fit in society. 

ملامحي اختفت مخي ابتدى تسيح

والبطاقة طارت مع الريح

مفيش مستقبل مفيش تاريخ

بس في دلوفتي، عايز اعيش

عايز اعيد، عايز اتحول

باقولها كتير، وبتتفوت

عايز احس ان في شخص اتكون

عايز العبها تاني من الاول

Those songs and lyrics have made it a lot easier for this genre of music to get widely popular. We listen and feel that we can relate to each tone and every line.

Leave a comment below with the song that says a lot about you and your psyche!