Feeling out of touch with Moroccan rap? The Shoelifer team offers you a quick catch-up session to help you get back on track for parties, to seem cool to your teenagers, or, who knows, maybe even inspire you to actually listen.
Moroccan rap is on the rise, and we’re not the only ones saying it. Are you still stuck on Fnaïre’s “Mchicha” or limited to a few tracks of “conscious rap” by Mobydick? In other words, you’re completely out of the loop and struggling to keep up with the slew of new releases that Moroccan hip-hop has brought forth in recent months (even years). The editorial team offers you its non-exhaustive (and entirely subjective) playlist of the most talented rappers of the moment. What about female rappers? Stay tuned, we’ll talk about them very soon.
EL GRANDE TOTO: SILHOUETTE
Self-proclaimed “The GOAT” (meaning “The Greatest of All Time”), El Grande Toto is undoubtedly the artist who has propelled Moroccan rap to another level. Most of his tracks turn into hits, and he constantly breaks records with each new release. In 2022, he was the most streamed artist in Morocco for the 3rd consecutive year (not too shabby!). We’ll let you re-read our interview and listen to one of his latest tracks, “Silhouette,” which caused quite a stir.
DON BIGG x REDA TALIANI: L’ÉTRANGER
A pivotal figure in Moroccan rap, Don Bigg has just collaborated with the raï singer Reda Taliani. For better or worse? We’ll let you judge for yourself.
DRAGANOV – WILI
Well-established in the music scene since 2014 – when he won the Génération Mawazine competition – the rapper from Oujda is one of the brightest of his generation. He has more than one string to his bow, as he quickly establishes himself as a singer and producer. Special mention for his clips, always with a very personal aesthetic.
DIZZY DROS – M3A L3ECHRANE
5 million views in 48 hours, reaching 12 million views in four months…these are the latest audience figures for the new track by rapper, composer, and producer Dizzy Dros. Who said Moroccan rap was has-been?
TAGNE – HELMA
Moroccan-Cameroonian, Tagne got into rap when he was young. He even released his first track at the age of 15. He hasn’t let go of the mic since, and we love his comforting flow. Good news: his next album is out on June 23!
DOLLYPRAN – N13
With his colorful swag and captivating tone, Dollypran is one of the favorites of the editorial team. A crush on his latest track, “N13,” and his meticulously crafted punchlines.
7LIWA – HALLELUJAH
A sort of free spirit in the Moroccan hip-hop scene, 7liwa is known for his love of clashes and his unique portrayal of street culture.
OUENZA – LA TETE
Ouenza is a bit like the ideal son-in-law of Moroccan rap, someone who should appeal to you and your mother-in-law alike. Doubting it? We love everything about his latest mixtape “Alan,” which we’re listening to on repeat.
SHOBEE – POWER
The half of the Shayfeen duo (on which we recommend watching the excellent documentary “Wa Drari”) has just delivered a very impressive performance at COLORS. We’ll let you admire it.
BONUS: ISSAM: WRA TABI3A
A truly unique figure in the Moroccan rap game, Issam has won us over with his aesthetic that’s part melancholic and part psychedelic. We’re eagerly awaiting the release of his next album.
