Rap has always been about giving a voice to those who are often overlooked, and it’s no different in the Middle East and North Africa. Over the years, Arab rap has become a mirror for the region’s biggest challenges—from youth struggles to political upheaval—and it’s not shy about tackling the tough stuff. Whether it’s El General’s Rais El Bled, which became the unofficial anthem of the Tunisian revolution, or Marwan Pablo’s Sindbad, shaking up the Egyptian rap scene with its trap beats, Arab rap has always been in tune with the times.
As the region continues to face hardships—bombings, economic troubles, migration, and exile—Arab rap doesn’t just document the pain, it also offers hope. It’s been there, amplifying the acts of resistance and resilience that define so many of these moments. What makes this genre stand out is that it’s not just a recap of what’s happening—it’s one of the last spaces where young people can freely express their frustrations and realities when it feels like the world isn’t paying attention. Across the region, young people are connecting, feeling a little less alone, and finding comfort in a community that shares the same struggles.
And this summer, Arab rappers have been dropping tracks that hit home, helping fans process everything that’s been going on.
Below are the songs we just can’t stop listening to:
Rap Street Palestine – Ard Kan3an , ana Palestine
Shabjdeed & Al Nather – Fe Swat
AFROTO – KEBDA FT ONUY
MARWAN PABLO – DÉJÀ VU
Bu Kolthoum – Alli Jara
Soulja – Tshreen
BLVXB – Shfeek
Sanfara – Qatra
Raja Meziane – Deal
Ziad Zaza – NATRQA
