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Bahraini rapper Hussam Aseem, better known as Flipperachi, and Kuwaiti singer and producer Nawaf Al Khashman, who goes by the name of Daffy, will be launching their first collaborative album in Bahrain tonight, writes Mai Al Khatib-Camille.
9arat will be unveiled with a live performance at Amwaj Island’s Malja and fans will be able to take home a copy of the release before it goes on general sale. The digital version is already a massive hit reaching Number One on Bahrain’s iTunes charts.
Flipperachi, 29, from Hamad Town, said: “I’m super excited to finally get to share what we’ve been working on after keeping it under wraps for almost a year!”
The Hip Hop and Khaleeji/Arabic fusion album was recorded, mixed and produced by Mohammed Ali Hasan (aka DJ Outlaw), the founder of the locally-based independent record label Outlaw Productions, which both artists fall under.
It was mastered by mastering engineer Mazen Murad from Metropolis Studios, London, who is best known for his work with global stars such as Sade, M.I.A, Björk, Muse and The Rolling Stones.
The joint compilation also features the work of regional and international producers/song writers, adding diversity to its overall sound. DJ Outlaw, said: “What ‘9arat’ basically means is something within the lines of ‘it’s about to go down’.
“It is a fusion of hip hop and Khaleeji/Arabic sounds and lyrics which makes it relatable to the local audience, but at the same time it stands out to the international audience, in my opinion.
“Putting a local spin on hip hop and rhythm and blues music is our way of bringing a fresh sound to the table.”
The content is varied including lyrical rap songs, humorous hip hop tracks, a couple of RnB songs and a few party/club bangers like Daffy’s hit single Samboosa.
Three songs will be released as singles off the album and are being released as music videos, supported by KIA Motors. The first entitled EE LAA (which means yes / no) was launched on YouTube on the first day of Eid.
Flipp originally rapped the song at the recent Imran Al Aradi’s stand-up comedy show. DJ Outlaw said: “We usually do that with new music; we test it on a crowd. The feedback we got was incredible, and people have been asking about the song ever since and know the lyrics to it already. That’s how we knew we had a hit on our hands!
“We’ve already started planning for the next music video release, but we’re not revealing yet which song. I guess you’ll have to stay tuned to find out!”
The launch will start at 7pm. For further details, call Outlaw Productions communication specialist, Sarah Nabil, on 36829292 or 33101061, or visit www.djoutlaw.com
