Makshoof Music: Hip Hop

As a part of the Makshoof Music platform and an extension to the Home-grown to Hollywood opportunity we thought we’d shed some ‘spotlight’ on the participating artists and bands. Read below to find out more about all the amazing talent on Makshoof Music…

First up is Hip Hop. The Middle Eastern hip hop scene is thriving with some dynamic, hardworking and innovative talent. Hip hop, as a genre is associated with a culture and lifestyle which is miles away from the Middle Eastern context. But what makes hip hop so relevant, is the style’s ability to merge mass appeal with some very intimate and personal insight.

Emcee Yahya – Lebanon

Hailing from Tripoli in Lebanon, Emcee Yahya started out in 2006 and describes his work as the sort of music which “tells you what it feels like”. He raps about deeply personal topics over dark, minimal beats. He is currently in the process of drawing attention to his music by working on some creative music videos (which he didn’t want us to spoil for him!). Emcee Yahya tells us about his influences: “I was influenced by artists such as Eminem and Hollywood Undead. Rayess Bek was the first Arabic rapper I listened to and I’d love to work with him someday.” And as to what he’s planning in the future “I’m looking into dabbling with dubstep music. I think it’d be an interesting take on my music!”

Asfalt – Egypt

This hip hop duo from Cairo has been making what they describe as “real, funny, hard and touching” music since 2005. Their style of music sheds a light on societal issues in a lighthearted and relevant way – as they put it, their biggest influences are “The streets and people of Egypt.” Asfalt has already collaborated with fellow Egyptian MC Zap Thawrat and would like to work with the likes of Cairokee and Wust El Balad. Their vision for hip hop in Egypt is to achieve legitimacy in the underground music scene.

EgyUnits – Egypt

A hip hop group from Cairo, who started making music in 2007 – EgyUnits is a collective of dynamic, talented and motivated young men who are looking to make a difference in Egypt’s hip hop scene. EgyUnits describes their music as “leading, fearless, real, inspiring and thorough”. The group is going to participate in a benefit concert for youth which is taking place in Los Angeles.

E Grand – UAE

Eric Grand, aka E Grand, is a hip hop and R&B artist based out of Dubai in the UAE. Eric is currently working on his debut album which he hopes to release by the end of the year. He is also preparing for a couple of live performances in Abu Dhabi/Dubai in the coming months. Eric thinks that the way to encourage a more vibrant hip hop scene in the region is by rewarding and motivating the artists through talent shows.

MC Amin – Egypt

MC Amin has been involved in the hip hop scene since 2006. He managed to create a buzz about his music through constantly putting out mixtapes with other hip hop artists. Right now, he is looking to do more “Releasing my music mixtapes was the logical thing to do when I first started out. They are accessible and a good way to get your name out there. Currently, I’m working on my first studio album.” MC Amin cites his life in Egypt and all the societal paradoxes as his biggest influences. MC Amin advises that in order to cultivate a hip hop scene in Egypt – the genre should be embraced with all of its aspects (breakdancing, graffiti, beatboxing).

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