Muhab’s New Album ‘Intifada’ is a Fragmented Hip-hop Memoir

In the span of four years, Muhab has carved his own space within the Egyptian hip-hop scene. His steady progression and impressive growth have allowed him to develop artistic and expressive maturity. Since his breakthrough, Muhab has introduced himself as a dreamer, a tortured poet of sorts, translating raw emotions into his raps. His music is infused with philosophical reflections on personal experiences, resulting in deeply relatable songwriting. This vulnerability is a rarity in the hip-hop landscape.

In his latest album, 'Intifada', Muhab emphasises honesty and authenticity as his defining traits. From the opening title track, he shifts between asserting his presence in hip-hop and revealing his vulnerability with a keen sense of self-awareness. His lyrics are delivered with a raw, relatable ease complemented by Saif's production, which uses a looping humming sample to create a serene backdrop that amplifies Muhab's reflective tone.

After the opening track, ‘Ma'lab’ stands out with its distinct personality and impressive performance. Muhab delivers his verses in a laid-back manner, reflecting on his surroundings with keen insight while flexing his flow and vocal variations. The subtle beat shifts midway into a dreamy soundscape, where Muhab's vocals fade in and out, low-pitched and drenched in effects, creating one of the album’s best moments.

In other tracks, like ‘Ma Vie’, Muhab further experiments with his vocal delivery, performing a deep falsetto that marks a pivotal transition in the album’s mid-section, while in  'Il Mond', Muhab taps into boom bap beats, flexing his braggadocio and taking aim at peers and industry dynamics. Although these themes are executed with precision, the repetition in lyrical content becomes apparent. While certain tracks dive deep into Muhab’s emotions and self-assuredness, others seem to lose their impact.

The album features only one collaboration, with Mousv appearing on 'Seeb Nafsak'. Although the pairing had potential, Mousv's ambiguous style feels out of sync with Muhab’s straightforward and personal approach, preventing the track from reaching its full potential.

Muhab collaborates exclusively with Saif on the album’s production, and their synergy is palpable. Saif understands Muhab’s artistic needs, providing understated compositions that enhance, rather than overshadow, the rapper’s vocal presence. The production remains simple, serving primarily as a foundation for Muhab’s introspective delivery.

The album closes on a reflective note, highlighting Muhab’s evolving artistry. 'Intifada' marks his third full-length release, a remarkable feat for the 22-year-old, especially in a scene that often prioritises style over substance. The album stands as a testament to Muhab’s commitment to honesty, setting him apart with an individuality rooted in his personal experiences. While some may interpret his approach as self-centred, the sincerity in his raw writing and delivery dispels this notion. 'Intifada' feels like a fragmented memoir, yet the pieces come together when viewed as part of the broader narrative of his life.