Rap, the Middle Eastern version

From Iran, Lebanon, to Egypt, Tunisia and all across the Middle East, the genre of rap has implemented its own throne in the hearts of numerous youths. The language of rap bridged between what young Middle Eastern rappers carry in their hearts against their societies and governments, by reflecting their rage through lyrics and musical beats. For example, Iranian rap is mostly about the oppressed souls and the economical difficulties that are revolved in the country. Also, the Palestinian rap elaborates about the miserable conditions in the refugees’ camps and the humiliations that Palestinians receive from Israelis.



With the latest revolutions that took place in Tunisia and Egypt, many rappers thrived and utilized rap music as a way to convey their furious messages to their governments. After listening to some of the songs that were produced lately about the revolutions, I concluded that rap music became a medium to introduce democracy to the embrace of the youth. The lyrics were solidly fierce, full of emotions and were full of descriptions about the protests and power of the citizens.



In Palestine, there are more than 25 rap groups that were established in a time span of ten years. Some of the groups include young teenagers who contribute to the making of meaningful rap songs from their own point of view. Since these rappers are still young, they are able to record their music and progress as they age to deliver what they have witnessed for generations to come.



Dam is the very first rap group that was established Palestine in the late 90s, and their fame even crossed the Israeli borders with time. In 2001, the group produced a song named Meen Irhabi? Which means, who is the terrorist? The lyrics included a verse that says: Who’s the terrorist? I am the terrorist? How can I be a terrorist while I’m living in my own land? Who’s the terrorist? You’re the terrorist, you’re the terrorist and you’re slowly diminishing me as I’m living in my own country. The group also has its own fan club that includes some of the Jews from Israel who are against the movements of Israel in Palestine.