TUL8TE Compromises Character for Mass Appeal on 'Cocktail Ghena'y'

I was first introduced to TUL8TE in 2022 when he released his debut EP, ‘Anonymous,’ which featured Lege-Cy on the title track. The track ‘Anonymous’ was a lush trap cut that immediately showcased a distinctive personality, with aggressive, angsty rapping, catchy one-liners, and punchlines that even overshadowed his collaborator. Whether on the production front, managed by TUL8TE himself, or through his charismatic delivery on the verses and chorus, his style was bold, refreshing and enigmatic without being too gimmicky. I was hooked immediately and delved into the then-rapper’s limited discography, finding an artist who had already developed and perhaps mastered a unique sound.

Now, the rapper-turned-singer is perhaps the most popular pop star for the alt kids on X (formerly Twitter), a masked man singing love songs over 90s Egyptian pop instrumentation - a mix that will definitely catch your attention, even if you don’t particularly like it. The release of TUL8TE’s debut album ‘Tesh Shabab’ took me by surprise. While his earlier music hinted at an intimate songwriting style, a full-blown transition to pop was unexpected. However, the album turned out to be a solid alt-pop record, borrowing elements from hip-hop, pop and indie, and offering intimate storytelling of a fractured relationship.

TUL8TE’s latest album, ‘Cocktail Ghena’y’, marks an even deeper dive into pop. However, unlike its predecessor, this album doesn't bring anything new to the sound he explored on ‘Tesh Shabab’ and feels like an overly polished version of early Amr Diab’s works. From the album’s intro, which basically mimics ‘Amarain’, to the music video for ‘Habeby Leh’, which draws inspiration from the classic ‘Ice Cream Fe Gleem’, the influence is clear. While TUL8TE proudly admits that Amr Diab is an influence, the album sacrifices his original character and style.

The first half of the record doesn't stand out; the production feels generic and overly inspired to the point of pure mimicry, raising the question of whether we really need a 90s pop album in 2024. The songwriting in the first half delves into overused Egyptian pop themes, lacking depth comes across a little cheesy and uninspired.

However, the album has its highlights. ‘Loon 3eneky Fel Sama’ stands out for its lush, dreamy production, beautifully composed synth work, and TUL8TE’s new slowed, effects-drenched vocals. Another highlight is ‘3ezbet El Haganna Feen’, an immersive, slowed-out indie cut featuring a drenched-in-effects falsetto that complements the dreamy instrumentation. The track explores themes of loss, uncertainty and delusion, with a stellar guitar solo that closes it beautifully.

‘Lessa Bare2’ is another standout and the most personal track on the record, featuring mature songwriting as the artist reflects heavily on his inner struggles, dealing with his rapid rise to stardom and his inner child. He contemplates ambitions and success, exploring his conflicts.

The album asserts TUL8TE’s position as a new face in the alt-pop landscape and a fan favorite among the younger generation. His decision to delve deep into pop is a smart one in terms of broader commercial appeal, but it trades personality and sacrifices the original sound he introduced in his earlier works. Nonetheless, TUL8TE has found a market gap and filled it, presenting himself as a pop star with an edge.