Egyptian Artist Hady Moamer Releases Trap-Driven Debut LP ‘Ma3koos’

Hady Moamer has made a name for himself as a seasoned hip-hop producer, working with some of the biggest names in the Egyptian music scene, including Marwan Pablo, Mousv, Bayou and many others. He also has production credits on tracks by global rap heavyweights like Drake, J. Cole, and Conway the Machine under the moniker Jean Bleu.

In recent years, Hady has ventured into a rapping career, following in the footsteps of one of his biggest influences, Kanye West. The producer-turned-rapper has released two projects, 'Darbet Bar2' and 'Zekryat Mostakbal', which showcased great potential and provided a distinct take on Egyptian hip-hop.

Hady returns with a full-length album titled 'Ma3koos', his longest project to date, spanning 12 tracks with a stacked feature list including longtime collaborator Marwan Pablo, Ziad Zaza, Lege-Cy, Khaled Rossia, Kartman and Ma-Beyn. On the album, Hady operates within a trap framework while exploring various influences from Egyptian music and cinema, embedding them within the production.

Hady emerges with a more diverse approach to rapping, adopting various vocal inflections and ad-lib techniques atop multi-layered, trap-centered production. On the opener '7AY', Hady creates a noisy, vibrant, and sample-filled soundscape that establishes the overall theme of the record, delivering repetitive, aggressive bars. In the track 'EL3AZAMA LELAH', Ziad Zaza and Khaled Rossia join Hady on one of the album’s standout moments, where the three rappers jump on an eerie trap instrumental driven by a violin sample. Hady emphasizes a braggadocious attitude, elevated by Khaled Rossia’s vocal inserts, while Zaza delivers a relentless performance, closing the track with finesse.

Throughout the record, Hady’s songwriting shows significant growth, with a knack for crafting memorable one-liners. His lyrics focus on Egyptian street culture, eccentric use of slang, and touch on societal and moral topics. Hady Moamer’s personal philosophy is evident throughout, emphasizing authenticity, honesty and a deep connection to his roots. On tracks like 'ARD LNFAQ', Hady explores the moral challenges he observes in his own experience, offering a critical analysis of society. Meanwhile, on 'EL3EEN WEL NAS', Hady taps into his personal conflicts, contemplating his inner turmoil.

The features stand out as the album’s strongest aspect, with Hady proving himself a skilled curator by assembling a roster of rappers and artists who add significant value to the record. On 'Dawalib', Hady teams up with longtime collaborator Marwan Pablo for a trap-driven track where their chemistry is undeniable. Another highlight is the title track, 'Ma3koos', featuring Lege-Cy and Ma-Beyn, which closes the album on a high note. The production on this track breaks from the predominantly trap-heavy sound of the album, with Hady crafting a subtle, minimal beat that relies on a repetitive percussion line and a carefully selected sample, allowing Lege-Cy and Ma-Beyn to flow effortlessly for a reflective outro.

'Ma3koos' marks Hady Moamer's most ambitious project to date, showcasing his potential as both an artist and a producer. He asserts himself within the industry as a rapper with a unique approach, staying true to the genre’s aesthetics. While the album has its shortcomings, Hady compensates with standout moments that highlight his artistry.