Review: "The Inevitable Change" Album By Qusai

Qusia might have just figured out how to make an album with a true positive message that speaks to the youth and speaks of their aspirations and frustrations. The word rapper and intellectual should not belong to the sae sentence, but Qusai might have merged the two world with the release of his much celebrated album "The Inevitable Change" an album not made on the cheap, an album in which traditions and heartfelt lyrics are crucial ingredients.

This is an album that will seal the mouths of those who have criticized rap and rappers, because with his lyrics flow and uplifting verses Qusai puts it all together in one album. The album has 12 tracks and offer a verity of songs in both English and Arabic. Qusai seems like a nice guy whose fans are truly in love with him. Those who might not love him cannot help but respect the Saudi rapper who knows that for rap to go mainstream in Arabia, it has to promote old values and things that people like to hear--pan-Arab unity and good virtues.

The album is a huge collaboration between the West and East--do not miss the hard rock bit and other fusions. I can now safely say, that with Qusai making music, the excuse to "I do not listen to Arabic songs" is no longer relevant. Why? Because Qusai can do both languages/styles and you would not tell the difference. For those politically savvy, will cheer the track on what see around us as a result of the Arab Spring--the album does not forget about Palestine--which he rightfully dubs, the Number one issue

Qusia kicks of his album with the verse Peace Be Upon You and then jumps into it. Qusia who has spend his time well in the States perfected (and perhaps improve) on this rebellious art form. But don't panic, the album has its fun parts with fresh beats and dance moments. The album is like an autobiography for Qusai who takes his listeners into a eye-popping journey that started in Saudi Arabia with a layover in America. You will feel that you move form the local mosque, to the souk, into the coffee shop, then into the club without ever getting disoriented or bored.

While thee has been many popular Arab rappers in the past 15 years or so, no one has worked as hard as Qusai has shown. Qusai has a lot of offer which he makes look easy because most of his hard work is behind the scenes. This is one produ rapper who has manged to be different by being proud of what makes him so great--home.
  
Arab World Unite (Official Music Video) | اتحاد العرب


قصي - يلا | Qusai - Yalla

May Matar "مي مطر" Should Always Play Piano

I have enjoyed the songs May Matar does, I did not think she was one of a kind, I thought she was a fun singer and that's the end of story. But then, I watched the video below where she can be spotting playing piano and singing at the same time. Only then, did I realize how talented and how awesome May Matar really is.

You will see that she has got some soul and some passion for what she is doing. We do not get to see too many Arabic singers who can actually play an instrument like the piano.

The album is an interview with her about her soon to be released, a pop album about a chick who does have a personality and pride in herself. May is not trying to be something she is not, she has always been a strong voice for other women--she did a song hammering another singer for talking down to women. May is producing for herself.

مي مطر: أنا عروس ألبومي وسأصعد من خلاله

A Tale Of A Citizen By Noha Taha Throwback To Old School Arabic Music

No other Arab county can turn out a new and exciting vocalist every day of the week year around as much as Egypt can. When you are in a country of 90 millions, you can do that. I am always amazed by the talent pool in entertainment Egypt has to offer.

One of the new voices I just stumped upon is named Noha Taha, a female vocalist with a voice that should be wrapped in gold. Noha composed and wrote the lyrics for the song she is performing, a tale of a citizen living under the emergency rule--it has just been lifted. Noha has also taken part of some activism as Egypt undergoes change.

I like the music and I love Eastern feel the song features. This is a song that sounds identical to songs they played in the radios during the 60s and 70s. Noha comes from a Jazz background. For more of her songs please visit here She started her career by writing poetry and she is the daughter of Alexandria-the city by the sea. She is will studied in Arabic, English and French literature. And currently she takes part of two bands. Scorpionism a tribute for scorpions, and S.M.S band that is a mixture between art and life experience.

 حكاية مواطن - نهى طه A Tale Of A Citizen - Noha Taha

Balqees Fathi, One Of The Best Thing About Yemen

Yemen is an awesome place with history so deep and heritage so rooted in the land. No other pop star is rooted in the land of Yemen as much as new sensation Balqees Fathi is. She is the daughter of Yemen's most famous composer and singer Fathi Ahmed and she offers so much more than other can afford to. Her voice, and her lovable personality make me think, this is someone who was born to be a star.

Her work has not gone unnoticed, as she was named best young talent by the French fashion magazine L’Officiel at the 2012 L’Officiel Arab Woman Awards held at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi.

She is young yet she is very talented and seems savvy in the business and musical choices she makes. She filmed her latest clip in Lebanon with a Lebanese crew, but the song is in the Gulf Dialect, she is not trying to be cute and sing Lebanese and Egyptian. She is very proud and I know she wants to make it big using only her local Dialect that brought her fame and cemented her status as a leading lady.

The song is about a jealous lover....and the struggle to stay sane. Hollywood got nothing on Balqees, she has those exotic looks, confidence and charm. She knows how to tease the camera and the fans at the same time, she has some dance moves...BUT she does it without disrespecting her conservative upbringing.

“Ya Hawa” (“Oh It’s Love”)

Balqees Fathi - Ya Hawa Video Clip

DOWNLOAD: Ramy Essam 2012 Mini Album مينى البوم رامى عصام - المسلة

As far as Egypt protest music is concerned, Ramy Essam is king of that land. Ramy is an award winging dude with a guitar and a cause. He was one of few singers who did not buy the crap from the army and the propaganda machine. He stood firm and spoke loud. Get ready to hear from this energizer bunny activist singer who has become a big player in indie music in Egypt.

He remains one of the few artists who perform often and compose their music as they go....take the example when he made a song about sexual harassment in Egypt--a big deal. Ramy came to be the most recognizable face of the protest music, he has been given so many rewards and many articles have been published about his work.

It's enough to know this, his election song is like watching a high end political show with all that fine analysis. He is one of the smart ones that analyse what he sees around him in a way worthy of envy by many college professors. So check out his new mini album with six tacks. He is mocking the show the army is putting in Egypt and all the fine sneaky details.

I could not help by fall in love with the artist album cover, this is the soul of an artist all around. Ramy composes his music, plays his own guitar and sings with passion. The lyrics of those songs you hear are of Amjad Al Qahwajy. The lyrics pay a tribute to the Egyptian culture in away that makes the album accessible to a wide audience.

 01.Action Tany Mara
02.E3meli Bta2a
03.El Masala
04.Tartoor
05.Mal3oon
06.E3meli Bta2a Acoustic

Ramy Essam - Elections 2012 رامى عصام - ملعون يا نظام الانتخابات


Ramy Essam Movie Tour Album 2011 - 2012 | Manshourat

Uss W Laz2 Band فرقة قص و لزق Flies Under The Radar

Hany Adel is the cool kid of indie music, the composer singer is lending his voice and his talent to a hot band that is making it to large concert halls around Egypt. The name of the band is Uss W Laz2, translating to Cut and Paste. It's driven from a game band members used to play as kids--think scrapbooking, where one brings various things together in under a catchy theme.

Therefore, the band does that by mixing different kinds of music together and playing more than one Genre, sometimes more than one Genre in the same song. That's refreshing. The Band participated in various events and music festivals including "The International Music Festival",-"El Sawy Underground Music Festival",-"Maadi Revolution Festival",-"The International Day for Forgiveness"

So if you want to tune in to "Uss W LaZ2", you will be getting a healthy dose of original songs is played using different kinds of music on Arabic lyrics that talks about our social life in everyday Egypt. The band is made out of friends who seem to get along on camera and behind it. See their performance with Hany Adel

Uss W Laz2 Feat. Hany Adel - Daya3ty 3omrek

Orphan Song By Maher Zain

Orphans are God's favorite little kids. Prophet Muhammad--himself an orphan asked us to be kind to them. There are too many rule in Islam about orphans and how one is not supposed to steal their money or try to mistreat them. Most Muslims get the message about how one needs to go the extra mile with people who missed a parent or two.

Maher Zain took notice and wrote a song just for them. The music video is about a little girl navigating her way through the big nothing. It's a touching blues song, Maher unleashes his vocals and emotions to make this song a lot better and lot more personal. A ship with no water around it cannot sail...Beyond the song Maher seems to make a difference as he supports a number of charities.

This is a clip you do not make to be famous, it's one you make to help get the message out and hope that people will dig in their pockets.

Maher Zain - So Soon | Official Music Video

DOWNLOAD: CairoKee Wana Maa Nafsi 2012 Album البوم فريق كايروكى - وانا مع نفسى قاعد

If any Westerner wanted to hear rock music from the Arab world, they will sure have to check out this album from Cairokee 2012 who have just released their freshest album. Now Arabs  will also enjoy the different yet pleasant music. These guys can get their guitar to dance the way they want it to and make it seems effortless.

As far as the lyrics go, those lyrics represent a fresh take on indie music, personal stories that is heavy on self exploring. So this is the personal album one need to hear as they try to figure out what to do next or how to make sense of Egypt at the moment.

So you know when you go to a gym in the Arab world, and they play western music to pump people up? Now, gym operators can pump people and give them something different like that music Cairokee makes. Yet someone this album, is meant for the thinking man as well, promising you one thing, the sun will come out tomorrow and you will have hope.

Enjoy the tend tracks on the album, Cairokee and its lead challenge themselves and come up with what might be the first serious attempt at giving the Arab world, a real rock and roll album. I like the simplified Arabic the band uses.

This is band made for live experiences, they make the music as they go. I think I am ready to say it, Cairokee is the band to watch! They are sitting up the bar so high which makes other similar bands look band. Too bad the government in Egypt has repeatedly denied them a permit to hold a concert.

01.El Malek
02.Kol Yoom Mmkn Ykoon Bedaya
03.Bokra El Shams Tetlaa
04.Wanaa Maa Nafsy Aaed
05.Law Kan Andy Guitar
06.Souty
07.Basaal Aleaki
08.Tayeh
09.Lakn Ehsasy Msh Kfaia
10.Mestany

كايروكي - وانا مع نفسي قاعد Cairokee - Wana Maa Nafsy Aed

Cairokee New Album - ألبوم كايروكي الجديد حالياً بألأسواق

WATCH: كايروكي - وانا مع نفسي قاعد Cairokee - Wana Maa Nafsy Aed

Cairokee might as well be Egypt's most real band, their music is so heavenly good and their lyrics are loaded with meanings and beauty. Their second album is due soon, and they have a music video to get their fans and they are an excited.

The music video is pretty clever and presents something we rarely see in Arabic music video, personal struggle with demons. People with masks, the video does have a French feel to it and so does the get go music. This is a change for the band whose last songs were political and social, this time they are going for personal and life.

I have three cheers here, the first and the second go to the director of the picture, the same person who also wrote the lyrics--Amir Eid who chose the Egyptian city of Maadi to film his music video.
 كايروكي - وانا مع نفسي قاعد Cairokee - Wana Maa Nafsy Aed. And of course the cheer for music goes to Ciarokee for crafting this gem.

Consider this a song about the world famous hamster wheel and the dull routine that most of us live through on daily basis. Cannot wait to check out the album, I only wish Cairokee was given a permission to perform in the stadium as they had planned. I do not think the SCAF, that runs Egypt at the moment likes them very much.

This video was directed by Amir Eid in 2012 and was filmed in streets of Maadi. Music video by Cairokee. (C) 2012 Cairokee Productions. DOP Mahmoud Gawish Art Director Layla Omar El Farouk Cairokee Adam El Alfy-Bass Guitar Sherif Hawary-Electric Guitar Tamer Hashem-Drums Sherif Mostafa-Keyboard Amir Eid-Vocal & Acoustic Guitar Music By Cairokee Lyrics By Amir Eid

Are You Ready For Elissa 2012? سيمبلات البوم اليسا اسعد واحده

Romance has an Arab songstress like no other and the name is Elissa. While she has a strain of bad news recently, all is forgiven as the samples of her new album have been published on the web. There is only good stuff on the album. Th usually ultimate dream boat romance love story as told by Elissa whose voice can dliver both good news and bad ones and make you feel bad. So do not wrong her, ok?

You will soon get the album of 14 tracks, Rotana might own this summer with top of the line albums being released from their company. Now comes what once was one of their most popular singers Elissa! She is still a big deal mind you! There's a cover song for Salwa Katrib too, the rest if original songs and music done by composers of the likes of Mohamed Rahim and Tamer Ashour.

I had doubts about Elissa stardom, this sample tell ms she still makes the best choices for her voice. She sings with emotions straight out of the heart. More often than not, she comes across as that girl that got fooled. Her fans want to know she is truly happy. Hence, comes the album title, "The Happiest One!" Now, next thing, can Elissa connect with the fans and be a little warmer? She comes across as a wooden ice cold personality. I think she is not like that, but that's what listeners are stuck with.

I adore the album cover, it's a clever choice, there is the red rose, that best seller Elissa gaze with her dreamy eyes. Then comes the head gear.  This is going on my Buy list, just like every album she has ever made. I believe she has already made seven now.  

1. Fi Ouyounak
2. As3Ad Wa7Da
3. Moutafa2La
4. Faker
5. Te3Ebt Minnak
6. Law Aoullak
7. Kerehtak Ana
8. Rohtelo
9. Eghmerni
10. Haylif Wiylif
11. Alouli El Eid
12. Albi Hasis Fik
13. Sa3At
14. Lola El Malama

Are You Ready For Elissa 2012? سيمبلات البوم اليسا اسعد واحده
elissa new album samples 2012

Ahmed Batshan And How The Blues Found Their Match

To his Credit Ahmed Batshan is a new comer, but for a new comer he is well positioned to grab a huge slice of the fame pie. He is a C list singer from Egypt that has scattered fellowship in Egypt. I have seen his songs before, but this time, I have found a song hos his that helps distinguish him form the million singer doing the same old songs over and over.

Ahmed sounds like a fine cross between Bahaa Sultan and Mostafa Kamel, they are both strong male singers who have done the same style of songs before. Ahmed does the same style so well, and his music sounds coming form the deep. I can almost touch his soul and see his heart cry about his failed relationship. He does sound so good at being the guy who has been screwed over by following his heart.

The music video tells the story very well and Ahmed looks the part. I like how the song makes reference to God on a number of occasions. The song has very strong lyrics that often tend to help channel the anger and allow one to vent a she bounces back. Again, Ahmed is a fine talent who should be on the lead.
  
Kan Alby Hases - Ahmed Batshan كان قلبى حاسس - احمد بتشان

Renee Sleiman A Rocking Lebanese Songstress

Good girls are hard to find is what the average guy will say. I would say good girls of pop are difficult are rare to find. But I just found another one...she is Lebanese and has a French name Renee Sleiman. She is ready to party and dance Debka. That's what her new single does, get you to move.

These kind of songs can only be made awesome if the singer's voice is strong, enjoys a great deal of confidence and comfortable with a loud beat. Renee does it so well here, and for a first song of hers, she promises to be one fine young pop star. This is light song that gives us a glimpse of Renee's talent. She reminded me of a young Diana Hadad in Ahel El Eshiq But Roa thinks and I now agree she sounds like a Najwa Karam.

I first wasn't sure if this song would be as cool as the title makes it out to be, but then when I gave it a listen, I was hooked, I played the song once again. The dialect used is the oldest Arab one, the white dialect as known in Lebanon. I am sure some other Lebanese diva is regretting not having bought the rights for this song. Handsome devil Ziad Bourji composed the music and the creative dude Walid Al Massih did the arrangement.
 
 Renee Sleiman - Leish 2012

Haitham Nabil And The New Egyptian Citizen

I know I have called Egyptian singer Haitham Nabil the first mainstream singer to release a song for the January 25th revolution. He did is before it was hip and certainly it was not all that safe to sing. I salute Haitham Nabil for doing one of the hardest things for a celebrity to do...to stay silent.

Among all the singers of his class, Haitham has yet to comment on the days after the revolution--something he cleared supported. Unlike dozens of other entertainers, Haitham Nabil has not taken sides. He has always played himself in the side of the common man in the streets. He is not a politicians like many singers seem to forget nowadays.

Haitham released a song about the new Egyptian, the new bread of people who really want unity, but are not willing to settle for less. Nabil's voice has always gotten better, he picks all the right sons that suit his vocal ability. I love the fact that he doe snot super impose his image on his music videos when he is singing for Egypt. The lyrics of his songs are hard to beat, they offer poetic justice. This is what all activists should be like, dreamy yet know the reality--knowing does not mean accepting.

 هيثم نبيل - ليل الخير نهار ( المصرى الجديد )

Awakening Records - Faith Inspired Music Plus Money

A London based music label manged to do what many have tried to do before, make profit form faith inspired music. This has been done in the west for years, but not any in the Muslim world have manged to do it in more than one local market. Every Muslim country has stores that sell Muslim music, Anasheed and spiritually uplifting music. YouTube was a huge help as one song can be viewed millions of times form all over the world and at the same time.

In London Awakening Record took local artists who can sing in English, but do not have to, and build a brand around them. They even had those artists do local song sin local languages---Arabic, Hindi, Turkish seems to be the songs of choice.  And that worked well. Their first success story was with Sami Yusuf....but then the business has gotten bigger with Maher Zain and company who have manged to become global stars only singing stuff they feel true. Hamza Namira has joined the label and he has not sang in English, he made powerful album from Egypt with world class production. Then Turkish Mesut Kurtis and Raef from America joined the line.

Awaekning Record kept singing new news and business is beautiful. It turn out that one can make Muslim Rock Stars without having to give up on values or teaching of Islam. Sure, some might not approve of star making as they might cal it Idol making....but these guys always credit God and the teaching of Islam for their success so there you have it.

Awakening Records - Faith Inspired Music

Mado "مادو": Part Activist Part Singer Full Egyptian

Mado might have the coolest Egyptian hair on TV. This activist turned entertainers of the masses. I have written a lot about Mado's song in the past, but none of them even come close to how impressed I am with his latest music video. In his song he sounds a lot different, like he has never sounded this sweet before. He has sounded angry and funny in the past. But this time he sounds serious and heart broken, which brings his sweet side out. The music for his song sounds a lot more Eastern than he has used in the past. Nothing beats an impressive turnaround for a singer who had all the potential all along. Mado came to age as many other bands in Egypt does the same songs over and over again. Mado outfoxed many of them and channeled himself. His song is about losing freedom to express his thoughts. And being silenced by those with power an authority. If you really wanted to understand what activists on the ground feel at the moment, then tune in to Mado. Keep in mind, the revolution is not done with, it's still brewing. Enjoy the production and mixing of this delightfully crafted song and music video. Azure media - مادو - كمموني

مقدمة مسلسل اول الصبح - صلاح الزدجالي Salah Al Zadjali Delivres Them Hot!

Salah Zadjali has a hot single last year, his song was the number one dance son in the Gulf for months, and then it hit a bigger market , and to his credit it was a song that he had to make. Lovely song indeed it's titled 'Ayyar. But now he is doubling down and doing songs in the open credit for movies.

His next song is bluesy. That's always a safe choice, but keep on mind, Salah comes form a place not well known for star making. He is Omani! And he makes the switch from happy and pop songs that makes you want to move, into a darker genera. I happen to see his earlier song come to play in one party where a lot of young Gulfie men were present. Not one of them was left away from the dance floor....and they make it rain with money and energy.

So if you wanted a darker song but still see a guy who can bring in the sunshine, tune in.
مقدمة مسلسل اول الصبح - صلاح الزدجالي  Salah Al Zadjali Delivres Them Hot!

Nay Soliman - Enta Amary Gorgeous and Dazzling Music Video

If you ever wanted a lively music video that bursts with colors, crisp images and scenic views, I have the music video for you. I am serious, this music video might have cost a fortune to make, the affects and the cinematography are nothing short of amazing.  The music video for Nay Soliman is feat for the eye and those who seek visual appeal.

I do not know who Nay is, but I know she has the most awesome music video I have seen in Arabia for at least three years. I know she is young and full of life, as for the song it's impressive. It's not about great vocal performance, it's catchy love / pop song with solid lyrics and beautiful music. 

Nay Soliman is going places, I think she should try hosting a Fawazeer show--game shows with riddles and dances. She does have a pleasant voice and good look to go with that. Nay Sleiman produced her own music video, and it was a surprise to learn that Nay is Algerian--Lebanese was my first thought.

I must give a shoutout to director of the music video, Rindala Kodeih, she should get more gigs. 

Nay Soliman - Enta Amary / ناي سليمان - إنت قمري

Rowad Sa'b - Lamma Bettoly / رواد صعب - لما بتطلي

I love this track, and I love it more since it comes from a little known singer. I love when a new comer has a hit. Seriously, this guy took a risk and his risk paid off. Rowad Sa'b is that young man. I miss that kind of songs, it seems that most Arab singers would rather be heartbroken and sing the blues than a happy song that radiates energy

His all Lebanese looks offer a full package of passionate Lebanese lyrics, and that unmistakable dance beat. This is party song that offers a rich and complicated flavor easy on the ear and catch on for the soul. The music video comes and has some cool affects and a storyboard for a well scripted love story. Make no mistake, if we had rock stars, Rowad would be on top of the list    

Rowad Sa'b - Lamma Bettoly / رواد صعب - لما بتطلي 

Kareem Salama And His Smooth Fusion

It takes an American country singer from Egyptian heritage to record such a song that brings together two strange bedfellows. The charismatic singer who is always hungry some something fresh, and something good to release. I am extremely pleased with his latest single "I Am You"  

Kareem describes his song with this quote:

"The one who cannot look beyond race, ethnicity, religion, tribe, political affiliation or otherwise and see his or her sacred connection to others remains shallow in spiritual development." - Kareem Salama

This is a universal call for love, the kind the defies expectations and defies borders and stereotypes. I am enjoying the Arabic lyrics that are written to mirror the English ones. Kareem keeps recording good songs and I am pleased he has found his comfort zone somewhere in between two worlds, something that allows him to sample from whichever he likes.

The song is about his wife, about him and about all of us. This is the big picture song, the mixing and production value are obvious. I have come to know Kareem as a performer who is serious about his music. I think the time has come when we see Kareem's songs go mainstream, I know the moment has to come sooner or later.    

 Kareem Salama - I Am You

Haifa Wahbe 2012 album Is Here البوم هيفاء وهبى - MJK ملكة جمال الكون

Haifa Wahbe's album is out, MJK, the album that we have been talking about for two months, is available now, a review is coming up soon with details and all that jazz. But this is one solid album, that other artists will be chopping up in the hopes that can replicate it. This is the kind of album you play at the gym, in the car, at the club. It's like fuel for your brain and body at the same time.

This is a flirty album from singer that can make every all things cute. Haifa has always manged to keep things fresh and reinvent herself without making any dramatic change that can alienate some of her biggest fans. Thus, Haifa has manged to evolve incrementally from the girl next door to the girl that can rock and be a mega star. Some of the tracks can be seen as uplifting, but most are head bopping which makes Haifa a delight. The albums's mode is happy and catchy.

Rotana is a lucky company to have Haifa working under their able, she has done with Amr Diab has not one in a long time, appeal across borders, cultures and languages.

 01 - Ezzay Ansak 02 - Maliket Jamal El Kon 03 - Bayza 04 - Yalla Ma' Ba'ad 05 - Sama'ani 06 - Bahrab Men Einai 07 - A'aref 08 - Baheb Feik Hagat 09 - Kobba 10 - Bokra Bfarjik 11 - Kont Ha'oulak Eh 12 - Ba'oulak Eh Ya Am 13 - Baddi Chouf B'ainak Hobb 14 - Harami Gloub

Haifa - MJK Album - May 8 / هيفا وهبي - ألبوم ملكة جمال الكون


 These are old footage, but the songs are new:

 Haifa Wehbe MJK NEW ALBUM 2012 All The Tracks ملكة جمال العالم