In a year that has been marked by chaos and unpredictability, the best songs of 2024 haven’t just been background noise, but a whole escape–2024 gave us a lineup of tracks that comforted, motivated, and moved us. Whether soundtracking our messiest nights or quiet breakthroughs, these tracks undoubtedly defined the year. From rising hitmakers like Tul8te and Zeyne to masterful sonic storytellers from Sudan, music fans have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to considering the best songs of 2024. Without further ado, here, in no particular order, are our 10 favorite Arabic tracks from the year.
Cima– Montiyago, Big Moe
Sudanese rapper Montiyago’s Cima gave us a fresh sound this year, with innovative soundscapes. This song marks the second in-house production by SVNBIRDS, directed by Co-Founder Don. Montiyago’s lyrics delve into themes of love, loss, and self-reflection, creating an emotional journey through a complex love story.
Habibi Leh– Tul8te
Tul8te’s breakout on the Spotify Global Charts earlier this year marked a clear cultural shift, showing the rise of fresh new stars who, while not yet as mainstream as legendary icons, are carving out their own space in the music scene.
Khayana – Rap Shar3, Veto
In this anthem, Veto commands attention with his poetic lyricism, notably in his song Khayana (Betrayal), where he condemns corruption within Sudan with every echoing “Ay.”
Asliyah– Asayel
Billed as “a statement of intent,” this song will serve, for most, as an introduction to Asayel’s music. Her flow, on this track at least, is deliberate, closer to a spoken-word performance than a rap.
Fe Sawt– Shabjdeed
BTLTNM’s magnum opus, SULTAN, marks the triumphant return of rap maestros Shabjdeed and Al Nather after a five-year hiatus. With this album, the duo unveils their new alter ego, building upon their seminal work Sindibad. Seamlessly blending nostalgic samples from a Syrian children’s TV show with elements of drill and trap, the new project is a testament to their genius, and Fe Sawt was one of our favorites.
Soak City (Do It Arabic)– 310babii, Dada, Soulja
Soak City (Do It Arabic) is what happens when two regional rap titans, Dada and Soulja, take a global hit and flip it into something unapologetically their own. This remix doesn’t just slap, it takes you places.
Asli Ana– Zeyne
Reflecting on the struggle to preserve identity and heritage amidst a world rushing toward homogenization, the 26-year-old eschews disposable lyrics and catchy, empty bops in favor of depth, defiance, and cultural pride.
Meen Yesadak– nour, Eldab3
Breakup anthems never sounded this real. Meen Yesadak feels like eavesdropping on a conversation—raw, vulnerable, and painfully relatable. Nour and Eldab3’s back-and-forth cuts deep, reminding us why heartbreak tracks will always have a place in our playlists.
3amel Eh– Marwan Moussa
While dealing with deep grief and depression, Egyptian rap star Marwan Moussa was understandably absent from the music scene for nearly two years. His come-back, 3amel Eh, offered a glimpse into this dark time.
Plasma– Kiss Facility
This dreamy, ethereal track from Maya Al Khateri and Salvador Navarrete—the duo behind Kiss Facility—serves as a comforting embrace. Carrying a sense of gentle catharsis, the song feels like a much-needed shoulder to cry on.
