When Hip-Hop meets the Middle-East: r(E)volution!

Jewish rappers have significantly influenced hip-hop culture over the past five decades, with notable artists like Drake, Doja Cat, Mac Miller, and Nissim Black. Religiously-observant artists like Y-Love and Matisyahu created a niche for rap infused with Jewish wisdom and spirituality in the early 2000s. Today, several rappers make Judaism a prominent part of their stage personas. Jewish artists have also contributed to the business side of hip-hop, as managers and record label executives. Hip-hop’s origins date back to 1973 when Jamaican Americans Cindy Campbell and her brother Kool Herc hosted a back-to-school dance party.

Hadag Nahash is an Israeli hip-hop and funk band, founded in 1996 in Jerusalem. The band, consisting of musicians like Sha’anan Streett, Guy Mar, David Klimes, Moshe Asraf, Yair Coheri, Amir Ben Ami, Shlomi Alon, and Stephen Hyde, is known for their unique blend of hip-hop with Middle Eastern sounds and funk influences. Their debut album, Hamechona Shel Hagroove, featured hits like “Lo Mevater” and “Af Ejad.” Their energetic rhythms, clever lyrics, and socially conscious themes often address political and social issues, making them a significant voice in the Israeli music scene.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Hadagnahash/videos
Snake Fish: https://youtu.be/AVm5vY5dKSw
One More Brother + Everything Will Work Out: https://youtu.be/wk3DNUC0_bs
No one: https://youtu.be/YcMBiB7bxpo

Shabak Samech, an Israeli hip-hop group, was formed in 1992 in Yavne. They blend hip-hop with punk rock, rap metal, dancehall, and funk, drawing comparisons to influential acts like the Beastie Boys and Rage Against the Machine. The group gained attention for their innovative approach to Hebrew-language hip-hop, focusing on party themes rather than political or social messages. Their first major album, Shabak S, established their presence in the Israeli music scene. Their most recognized songs include “Chai,” “Kmo Nesharim,” “Tzafon,” “Matzav,” “Erev Tov,” “Hatzlacha,” and “Yom Yom.”

YouTube Official: https://www.youtube.com/@ShabakSamech
You will get stuck in the trumpet: https://youtu.be/fQug2Rw7i7M
Ganja Song: https://youtu.be/JCN4w6kUJWU
You Can’t Lie to Your Heart: https://youtu.be/6VkDlNN_YGQ

Sagol 59, born Khen Rotem in 1968, has made significant contributions to the music scene. He began his career in the early 1990s, exploring genres like blues, funk, and rock before transitioning to hip-hop in the mid-1990s. Sagol has released five albums and collaborated with artists, addressing social and political themes reflecting Israeli society’s complexities. His collaboration “Summit Meeting” in 2001 marked a significant moment in Israeli music. Sagol is actively involved in cultural initiatives, hosting the Corner Prophets series to unite diverse cultural groups in Jerusalem through hip-hop. Popular songs include “The Blue Period,” “Hip Hop Einstein,” “Westerns,” “Fight Rebel Sun,” “Another Passenger,” “Asking for Forgiveness,” “Hogeg Ta’ahava,” “Zman Bidood,” “Malachim,” and “Squares in the Cemetery.”

YouTube Official: https://www.youtube.com/@sagol59
West Coast – Sagol59 (feat. Hila Zohar): https://youtu.be/lzSDN0QL6jQ
Place the sword – Sagol59 (feat. Dana Berger): https://youtu.be/IIRovBZuYas
What I Learned (feat. Roisha and Maor Ashkenazi): https://youtu.be/1WkzllTSUXc

Ness & Stilla, an Israeli duo, gained fame with their hip-hop war anthem “Harbu Darbu,” which reached number one in Israel. Their music reflects the current socio-political climate and resonates with many listeners. Their debut single, “Tik Katan,” was released in April 2023, blending Israeli hip hop, drill, and trap. Their breakthrough single, “Harbu Darbu,” reached number one on streaming platforms in Israel, expressing strong patriotic sentiment and supporting the Israel Defense Forces. Critics argue the song promotes violence and incitement, but Ness & Stilla aimed to raise morale among Israelis during a difficult period. Their songs include “Harbu Darbu,” “Tik Katan,” “Bamperim,” “Migdalim,” and “Princip.” Their growing discography includes “Princip,” contributing to their fame.

YouTube Official: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyBvXUc-TZvaXXta1igICg
Towers (Migdalim): https://youtu.be/bWz97rgzxLE
Bampers (Bamperim) : https://youtu.be/_I56eDHwQr8
Small Bag (Tik Katan): https://youtu.be/pVaeEK1WC2M
Princip: https://youtu.be/Zqfce6RExzs

Dudu Faruk, an Israeli rapper, singer, and actor, is known for his unique blend of trap music with Mizrahi influences and provocative lyrics. Born Ori Comay in Tel Aviv, he created the character “Dudu Faruk” as a parody on Instagram in 2013. Despite facing criticism for explicit lyrics and his ethnically offensive “ars” trope, Faruk remains a significant figure in the Israeli entertainment scene. His songs, including “Kacha Kacha”, “Mitzad Zeh”, “Ya Habibi”, “Hine Ani Ba”, “Yalla Yalla”, “Tzafuf”, and his personal anthem, Shalom Aleichem, showcase his ability to convey emotions through music.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Dudufaruk555/videos
Boys don’t like cry: https://youtu.be/4glr9j_yVUg
Sex Relations: https://youtu.be/8379QwXiu7s
Summer King: https://youtu.be/Zf2HcBt_FW4

Subliminal, also known as Kobi Shimoni, is an Israeli rapper, singer, and record producer. Born in 1979, he began performing at 12 and met Yoav Eliasi at 15. Their collaboration led to their debut album, “The Light From Zion,” in 2000. Subliminal’s music often features patriotic themes, promoting military service and a drug-free lifestyle. His collaborations with Palestinian rapper Tamer Nafar ended due to political disagreements. Subliminal’s contributions to Israeli hip-hop have left an indelible mark on the genre, addressing complex social issues through his lyrics. His most popular songs include “So Many Times,” “The Last Man Standing,” “Zman,” “Hafuch,” “Subliminal,” “Shalom Le’Yisrael,” “Yom Yom,” and “Kama Tov.”

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SubliminalOfficial
Baba comes: https://youtu.be/ffib9ccz8mw
It came to hear: https://youtu.be/K7OIoBHK750
Everyone Still Together: https://youtu.be/ovtVpg4tjCw
Betrayed: https://youtu.be/M8hJGieiZpI

Nechi Nech, born Ravid Plotnik in 1988, is an Israeli rapper and singer known for his introspective lyrics and innovative hip-hop style. Born to an Ashkenazi Jewish family, Nechi’s mother passed away from cancer at 12, affecting his artistic expression. After moving to Sha’arei Tikva, Nechi developed an interest in African-American music, influenced by his older sister. His fourth studio album, Shefel ve’Ge’eut (Ebb and Tide), released in 2017, received critical acclaim for its lyrical depth and musicality. Nechi Nech maintains a grounded lifestyle, living with his father and childhood friends. His most popular songs include “Lif’amim,” “Cafe Vesigariot,” and “Yom Hadash.”

YouTube Official: www.youtube.com/@NechiOfficial
Yom Hadash: https://youtu.be/Jg7YL6N5bOs
Kapara Sheli: https://youtu.be/jP4XtOEs-1s

Omer Adam is known for his unique blend of Middle Eastern melodies and contemporary pop and R&B elements, gained recognition through his participation in the seventh season of Kokhav Nolad. Born in North Carolina, Adam moved to Israel at the age of three and released his debut album, “Namess Mimekh,” in 2019. His hit song “Two Crazy People” was one of the best-selling songs in Israel during the 2017-18 period. In 2020, Adam recorded “Katan Aleinu,” a charity single for hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, he was named “Israel’s most famous singer” by Ynetnews. Adam has released several successful albums and EPs, including “Good Boy Bad Boy,” “Music and Silence,” “Modeh Ani,” “After All These Years,” “OMER,” “The Eight,” and “The End Of The World” and “Namess Mimekh”.

YouTube Official: https://www.youtube.com/@OmerAdamOfficial
Namess Mimekh: https://youtu.be/OLyy0LTLL9o
Two Crazy People: https://youtu.be/WLMmX17D2uw
Tel Aviv: https://youtu.be/nMQw29nfzpg
Modeh Ani: https://youtu.be/YQ5f1OMFFL0
After all the years: https://youtu.be/m5HXWKvKN5Y
*Temperatura: https://youtu.be/OMnbT-o_zQ4
*Tsamud Tsamud: https://youtu.be/dFqAtitDNvs
Ya’asu Lanu Kavod: https://youtu.be/8krJL1tuRVI

Jasmine Moallem is a renowned singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer from Israel. Born into a Mizrahi Jewish family in Jerusalem in 1995, she moved to Portugal and returned to Israel at four. After completing her military service in 2015, she studied at various music schools in London and the US, including the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music in Israel. Moallem released her debut album, “Arye,” in 2020, featuring the hit single “Mesiba.” Her second studio album, “Ein Olam,” released in 2023, also achieved success. Jasmin Moallem’s most popular songs include “Mesiba”, “Or Hayare’ach”, “Ze Ba’dam Sheli”, “Arie”, “Kacha Adif Li”, “Tel Aviv”, “Zman Ledikaon”, “Katan Aleynu”, “Mehila”, and “Yoter Miday”. These songs showcase her catchy beat, vocal talent, and lyrical depth.

YouTube Official: https://www.youtube.com/@JasminMoallem
Mesiba: https://youtu.be/RsErNvzEQ5I
Yehefim: https://youtu.be/Dcvm3PpOuiA
Tsunami: https://youtu.be/qvdQ4mGMVkg
Yehihe Tov: https://youtu.be/s_T-nSonyKk
Ein Olam: https://youtu.be/307BH-tD9vs

Matisyahu, an American reggae singer, rapper, beatboxer, and musician, gained fame in the mid-2000s with his hit single “King Without a Crown.” Growing up in a Jewish household, Matisyahu was heavily influenced by reggae music and artists like Bob Marley. He dropped out of high school at 17, following Phish to the West Coast, deepening his connection to Judaism. Matisyahu’s music began with his debut album Shake Off the Dust… Arise in 2004 and has since released several successful albums, including Youth (2006). Despite facing controversies, Matisyahu continues to evolve as an artist, blending reggae with spiritual themes and expressing his Jewish identity through art.

YouTube Official: https://www.youtube.com/@matisyahu/videos
Fireproof: https://youtu.be/L0asKoTGGFo
Ascent: https://youtu.be/6jpQvARYDHg
King without a Crown: https://youtu.be/dsFpUW48Tnc
Mama don’t worry: https://youtu.be/zjib4Ryh2Lk

Osher Cohen, born in Kiryat Bialik, is a multifaceted artist known for his blend of contemporary and traditional styles. His music style is characterized by R&B with Middle Eastern influences, reflecting his cultural heritage. Cohen has collaborated with notable Israeli artists, such as Sarit Hadad, Omer Adam, Eyal Golan, and Noa Kirel. His most popular songs include “Ein Oti,” “Plastarim,” “Mangen Ve’Shar,” “Ahava,” “Rak Shelach,” “Kacha Ve’Kacha,” “Baregaim She’at Holechet,” and “Ani So’neh Otach.” His music often blends elements of pop and traditional Jewish themes, making him a beloved figure in the Israeli music scene.

YouTube Official: http://www.youtube.com/@OfficialOsherCohen
Ahava: https://youtu.be/K1nQX_hdop0
Kacha VeKacha: https://youtu.be/KmuH00cOKno
Ein Oti: https://youtu.be/h3iqvIWAfck
Plastarim: https://youtu.be/psKClFBw5S4
Noises (with Noa Kirel): https://youtu.be/dj7eu84gchg
Rak Shelach: https://youtu.be/Jw02uPan7RU
In the Moments You Go: https://youtu.be/ImAUidoRoCs
Accepts for Myself: https://youtu.be/zLUAK_dES1c

Noa Kirel, born in Ra’anana, Israel, is an Israeli singer, actress, and television personality known for her diverse Jewish heritage. She faced a kidney illness at three months old, leading to a name change to Noa. Kirel’s music blends pop, R&B, and electronic genres, featuring catchy melodies and relatable lyrics. She has received multiple accolades, including five MTV Europe Music Awards for Best Israeli Act from 2017 to 2022. In 2023, she represented Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest with her song “Unicorn.” Kirel also made significant strides in acting, serving as a judge on Israel’s Got Talent and participating in various television shows and films. Notable tracks include “Unicorn” (2023), “Please Don’t Suck” (2021), “Bad Little Thing” (2021), “Thought About That” (2022), and “Pantera” (2022). Kirel has also won five MTV Europe Music Awards for Best Israeli Act from 2017 to 2022

YouTube Official: www.youtube.com/@NoaKirelOfficial
Ba ba bing: https://youtu.be/9l4ihhIzH8Q
Medabrim: https://youtu.be/RMwhKx8_X8A
Killer: https://youtu.be/S-TJM2AtsT4
Yesh bi Ahava: https://youtu.be/5eJqPBqkC54
Pouch: https://youtu.be/5TUN30–lUw
Ani: https://youtu.be/jmSuPQu7xNA

Nissim Black, born Damian Jamohl Black on December 9, 1986, American-Israeli rapper and songwriter is known for his unique blend of hip-hop and spiritual themes. Born in Seattle, Washington, he faced challenges like drug abuse and his mother’s death from a drug overdose. Despite these, he found solace in music and began rapping at age 13. His debut album, “The Cause & Effect,” was released in 2006, followed by “Ali’yah” in 2009. In 2012, he returned to music under the name Nissim, releasing mixtape “Miracle Music” in 2013 and a self-titled album in the same year. His subsequent works include albums like “Lemala” (2017) and “Gibor” (2018), reflecting his spiritual journey and commitment to sharing positive messages through his music. His most popular songs include “Mothaland Bounce,” “The Hava Song,” “Scream,” “Hashem Melech 2.0,” and “Inner Peace.”

YouTube Official: https://www.youtube.com/@nissimblackofficial
Change: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NinkEVhCmc4
Love Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIZK42Y54pE
Adored: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw3JHVExpbk
Fly Away: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzzM2CC4iWo
A Million Years: https://youtu.be/b9c2ofjaLwQ

Y-Love
Move on: https://youtu.be/IVK1TI0UGTs
All We Bring: https://youtu.be/uaJD01ZRTI4
This is Unity: https://youtu.be/uvRy8bGSpDU

Israeli hip-hop and R&B continue to evolve, reflecting the complexities of life in Israel and serving as an essential medium for dialogue about identity, culture, and social issues.