Felukah Locks Into Off-Kilter Flows on New Album ‘Hibiskiss’

On her latest full-length album 'Hibiskiss', Egyptian artist Felukah grounds her ever-changing sound in her cultural identity and comprehensive worldview across a dynamic collection of tracks. The project operates on constant contrast: esoteric rap meets breezy pop melodies, while traditional Middle Eastern sonics lock into classic Western hip-hop backdrops.

The record kicks off with ‘Green Calyx’, defined by off-kilter, rapid-fire cadences and vintage hip-hop arrangements that channel the raw energy of her earliest era. That unyielding stance carries into ‘Rules’, which shifts the tempo into a warm, R&B-leaning groove centered on throwing out external metrics and honoring internal guidance.

As the album progresses, its global lineage takes center stage. On ‘Azúcar’, Felukah joins Xiuhtezcatl for an easygoing trilingual crossover, effortlessly drifting between English, Arabic, and Spanish. The album’s most direct commentary arrives on ‘Shut Up Your Mouse’, where the infamous viral soundbite becomes a launching pad for a subversive critique of male ego and patriarchy, as well as a celebration of divine feminine power and Egyptian women.

‘Cleopatra’ delivers a high-octane exploration of identity, contrasting aggressive, rapid rap flows about the push-and-pull between Egypt and Masr against an anthemic chorus. ‘Goodbye’ pairs piano-led Afro rhythms with reflections on leaving the US, building toward a climax where West Coast synthesizer leads clash with traditional Egyptian percussion.

The project’s collaborative tracks add further depth to the LP. ‘Sahara’ brings Lana Lubany and TÄRA into a spellbinding rotation of traded verses over an Arabic scale and crisp hip-hop drums. On ‘Beige’, Felukah pairs up with Lord Sko, matching lo-fi textures and colorful synths with a relaxed, mood-focused delivery. By the time the tracklist arrives at ‘Kalimni BB’, the tone softens into nostalgia, wrapping the butterflies of early romance in an infectious Egyptian pop bounce.

'Hibiskiss' marks an agile, unpretentious chapter in Felukah’s discography, where she revisits her early hip-hop roots while pushing her unapologetic Egyptian pop trajectory forward. By balancing heavy-hitting commentary with lighthearted, danceable hooks, she delivers a project that feels firmly aligned with her heritage while remaining unbound by genre expectations.