In the heart of Africa lies a nation with a rich history and vibrant culture that has shaped its artistic expressions. Sudan, a country known for its diverse heritage and resilient spirit, has become a breeding ground for a new generation of talented rappers. These artists skillfully blend their country's cultural tapestry with the dynamic rhythms of hip-hop, creating a musical revolution that demands attention. In this article, we dive into the world of Sudanese rap and present 12 remarkable artists who are redefining the soundscape of Sudan in 2023.
Oddisee
Oddisee fully embraces his dual Sudanese and American backgrounds without hesitation. Originally named Amir Mohamed El Khalifa, he was born to a Sudanese father and an African American mother. As an artist, particularly known for his track "Own Appeal," Oddisee has been making a name for himself in the thriving rap industry for over a decade. He represents the Arizonan record label Mello Music Group. With a remarkable discography consisting of 11 albums so far, Oddisee demonstrates his unwavering dedication and shows no signs of slowing down in his musical pursuits.
Aidy Proof
Proof, born in Paris and raised in New York City, has been immersed in various facets of Hip Hop culture and hails from a family deeply rooted in the music industry. His older brother, DJ Moma, has achieved significant success as a DJ in the international scene, while his two younger brothers include Ibrahim Hamad, who serves as J Cole's manager and partner, and the renowned rapper Bas. Growing up, music was ingrained in the family, with their uncle Bashir Abbas being a famous Sudanese composer, lute player, and the founder of the group "Al Balabil."
Proof actively collaborates with numerous artists, whether through management, mentorship, or joint projects. He gained recognition for his work on "A 249 experience VOL.1," a compilation featuring 18 Sudanese artists, which garnered millions of streams. Recently, Proof, alongside the Circle, released the highly anticipated second volume of "249 Experience," which is undoubtedly a noteworthy body of work deserving of attention.
T.A
Taher Elias, also known as T.A, is a rising star within the Sudanese Hip Hop scene. Born in the UAE, his journey into rap music began in 2005 when he first started listening to the genre. In 2010, he created his very first song, marking the beginning of his musical career. Initially, T.A rapped in English while residing in Abu Dhabi. However, he recently transitioned to Arabic, which attracted a new and dedicated fanbase.
As T.A honed his skills, he took on the responsibility of mixing and mastering his own music, showcasing his dedication to the craft. Presently, he takes charge of producing and writing all of his songs. What sets T.A apart is his unique style, which blends trap beats with Arabic raps, incorporating Sudanese slang and drawing inspiration from Sudanese culture. This distinctive approach places him at the forefront of the Hip Hop scene in Sudan.
T.A's catalog includes, "Khalata," which has become a sensation, garnering over 150 thousand views. The song's popularity is a testament to T.A's growing influence and his ability to captivate audiences with his music and visuals that pay homage to Sudanese culture.
Bas
Bas, whose real name is Abbas Hamad, is undeniably one of the most popular Sudanese rap artists. Born to Sudanese parents in Paris, France, the 35-year-old has been residing in the United States since his family relocated to New York when he was 8 years old. He frequently discusses his Sudanese heritage and how it influences his music. With over 6 million listeners on Spotify alone, Bas has garnered a significant following. He embarked on his musical journey in 2010 and later signed with Dreamville Records and Interscope Records, both owned by the renowned American rapper J Cole, in 2013. His debut album, Last Winter, was released in April 2014. In 2018, he unveiled his most recent studio album, Milky Way, which included the chart-topping single "Tribe" featuring J Cole, accumulating over 73 million views on YouTube. Additionally, Bas was prominently featured in the successful label collaboration project titled 'Revenge of the Dreamers 3', which achieved the impressive feat of reaching the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart.
Tayeb Hajo (TooDope)
Tayeb Hajo, widely recognized by his stage name TooDope, holds a prominent position within the Sudanese rap scene. His breakthrough single in 2017, "Alright," featuring a collaboration with MaMan, thrust him into the global spotlight, attracting an international audience and accumulating over 3 million views on YouTube. More recently, TooDope's music, including tracks such as "Sabbinaha" and "KTMT," has centered around shedding light on the Sudanese revolution and its profound influence. Through his music, he aims to draw attention to the ongoing events and the significant impact they have had on Sudanese society.
Flippter
Loay Karim, known by his stage name Flippter, stands as a prime example of a politically-charged and socially-conscious rapper in Sudan. Through his music, he sheds light on the stereotypes imposed on Sudanese people by Saudi Arabia, cleverly infusing humor into his hit track "Gorasa."
After a brief hiatus, Flippter made a comeback with impactful songs like "Tamees" and "Hatred," both of which have quickly gained popularity. It's no surprise that these tracks have resonated with listeners, as they feature lyrics that call out the Sudanese government, capturing the frustrations and grievances of those who took to the streets of Khartoum to voice their concerns. In these uncertain times for the country, Flippter serves as a reliable source, providing a comprehensive overview of the situation through his music.
AKA Keyz
Elfatih Shami, better known by his stage name Keyz, burst onto the scene with his 2018 single, "No Options Left," which showcased his innovative talent and quickly gained recognition. Originally hailing from Sudan but based in the UK, Keyz has continued to generate buzz by collaborating with fellow Sudanese rappers. Notable collaborations include his work with G-SALIH on the project "A 249 Experience Vol. 1," his joint effort with Omar Majid on the track "Sudania," and a collaboration with Bas on the song "Dead Body."
Keyz's prominence has extended beyond his recorded music, as he has also delivered captivating live performances. One notable event was his appearance at the BudX FIFA Fan Festival held in Dubai, where he showcased his skills to a live audience. Keyz's ability to captivate listeners with his talent and his collaborations with other Sudanese artists highlight his growing influence and contribution to the Sudanese rap scene.
EazeDaBully
Eaz Da Bully is a Sudanese rapper hailing from Oxford England. After a career derailed in football, the young talent turned to the mic and has been on a roll ever since. Eaz has a street wisdom-infused style that resonates with them and inspires them. As a survivor of misfortune, the gritty MC he does not hold back on the delivery of his message. His unique voice and persona enabled him to build a brand of his own with bangers such as "Bahry Baby" and "Asly."
Soulja
Usama Soulja Ashraf has experienced a rapid rise to fame and has amassed a huge fan base among music enthusiasts, not only in Sudan but throughout the entire MENA region. His popularity can be attributed to his distinctive Sudanese rap style, the infectious beats in his songs, and the vibrant and unconventional vibes they exude. Since making his official debut in 2020, the rapper quickly established himself as one of the most exceptional artists to emerge from Sudan. His uniqueness and talent have captivated audiences and set him apart in the music industry.
G-Salih
Gihad Salih, known by his stage name G-SALIH, is an accomplished Sudanese-American rapper who has made a significant impact on the Sudanese rap scene in recent years. With his exceptional music composition skills and seamless flow, G-SALIH has proven himself as a gifted artist. Notable tracks such as "Bouquets" and "All Year" showcase his talent and have resonated with his audience.
G-SALIH's freestyles have garnered substantial attention from thousands of viewers across various music platforms, further solidifying his position as a rising star. In a notable collaboration, he was featured on Aidyproof's collaborative album, "A 249 Experience, Vol. 1," lending his talents to tracks like "Sudania" and his own debut single, "On the Way!" This collaboration has further expanded his reach and showcased his skills to a wider audience. G-SALIH's remarkable presence in the Sudanese rap scene and his contributions to the collaborative album highlight his growing influence and promising career in the music industry.
O’D
OD's music is a must-listen for all hip-hop enthusiasts. Recently, he dropped his latest single titled 'Picasso' in early 2022. His music resonates deeply with young adults and teenagers who appreciate his style. In 2020, OD joined forces with fellow Sudanese artist and rapper Soulja on the track 'Marrakesh', which has been hailed as one of the most successful singles for both artists thus far. With nearly a million views on YouTube, 'Marrakesh' has undoubtedly made a significant impact and garnered attention for OD and Soulja alike.
Nadine El Roubi
Nadine El Roubi, renowned as the siren of R&B hip-hop in Sudan, has established herself as a prominent figure in the Arab hip-hop scene, thanks to her soulful compositions. What sets her apart is her versatility in seamlessly transitioning between singing and rapping, blending neo-soul and hip-hop elements, and skillfully alternating between delicate melodies and impactful phrases. Nadine El Roubi possesses a captivating talent that has garnered comparisons from her fans to the renowned superstar singer Lana Del Rey, further attesting to the power and allure of her voice.
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