Issam

Issam Harris (Arabic: عصام born 22 May 1993^[2]), known by his stage name Issam, is a Moroccan rapper and songwriter specialized in trap music. He was born in Casablanca and became known in 2018 with his song and music video, "Trap Beldi". This track allowed him to gain popularity being one of the first Moroccan trap songs to reach over 10 million views on YouTube.^[3][4]

What is particular of Issam's music is the blending of Auto-Tuned vocals delivered in Darija, or Moroccan vernacular Arabic, and classic TR 808-generated beats with elements from traditional North African music. Many of Issam's works are influenced by raï—specifically by Cheb Hasni.^[5]

In May 2019, Issam signed a contract with Universal Music France, in what was considered the biggest ever deal for Arab hip-hop.^[6] His debut album "Crystal" has officially been released on May 6 2021.

Singles discography[]

• "Taba Taba" (September 2016)
• "Rolex" (February 2017)
• "Hasni" (August 2017)
• "Bavra" (January 2018)
• "Caviar" (September 2018)

  The “Caviar” video was originally planned to be partially shot in Paris, but Issam's visa application was denied by the French government. The track and its video showcase an increasingly globalized scene in which Arab artists nonetheless remain peripheral participants, due in part to the significant political difficulties in bypassing borders and enjoying the freedom of movement granted to Western performers.^[7]

• "Trap Beldi" (November 2018)
• "Makinch Zhar" (April 2019)
• "Nike" (March 2020)
• "wra tabi3a" (February 2021)

Albums[]

"Crystal"(Released May 2021)

References[]