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Bahraini Ali Khamis, who goes by the musical moniker ‘Aldamar’, which means destruction in Arabic, is on a mission to spread the gospel of G-Funk across the kingdom and the region with the launch of his first album.
The 37-year-old has been a devout fan of hip-hop, gangsta rap and G-Funk (short for gangsta funk) since he was nine and his inspirational influences included Tupac Shakur, Dr Dre and Ice Cube.
He never dreamed he would someday be penning his own music and pursuing his passion for his favourite genre.
“I decided to step out from the terraces to pursue a career in the industry after watching Rhythm+Flow on Netflix which features Chance the Rapper, Cardi B and TI,” said the former marketing manager living in Amwaj Islands, who is now a full-time gangsta rap and hip-hop artist aiming to break into the music industry. “After a jest-filled back and forth with my wife, I took on the challenge to walk the talk and become an artist in my own right. I sat down and penned 16 tracks and I haven’t looked back since.”
After working non-stop for three consecutive months since January, he put together a nine-track debut album that he is extremely proud of, called GFUNK Middle East.
“GFUNK Middle East is an album that will form an anthem for the lovers of hip-hop and G-Funk,”
“The album is filled with upbeat sounds and groovy bumps. It is music that is relatable to the era of unfiltered, fearless rap, when people weren’t afraid to say how they truly felt. The hard-hitting bars are infused with energy to allow for an immersive experience that draws the listener in an engaging and interactive way.”
Since the album’s launch on Spotify, it has hit more than 15,000 streams, shining a bright light on the future of the rap star.
“Over the years, I have been a huge fan of the culture, absorbing all of its ethos like a sponge,” Aldamar shared. “I can do different styles of hip-hop from a cappella to gangsta rap as well as conscious rap, Crunk (aka southern hip hop) and G-Funk. This album is just the tip of the iceberg as I am just getting started.”
His musical prowess continues to flow as he is already working on his second project— an Extended Play (EP) consisting of four to six tracks.
“I will be putting some spotlight on our beloved country Bahrain as I am representing where I come from,” he added. “The project will have a mixture of the vocal synthesizer which I used on my first album. Verses would be laid down raw as all the listeners and fans are still wondering how I sound without the synthesizer, which I used in my previous project.”
He will be collaborating with American rapper and music producer Daz Dillinger. In the 1990s at Death Row Records, Daz Dillinger was credited with aiding the catapult of West Coast rap and gangsta rap into the mainstream. He was one half of the rap duo Tha Dogg Pound, along with Kurupt.
As Daz produces the EP, American rapper NHale, son of the legendary rapper Nate Dogg also known as ‘King of Hooks’, will be included.
“He will be bringing that flavour to the hooks on the tracks as he has got the same vocal as his old man, may he rest in peace,” added Aldamar. “And yours truly, myself, will be on the tracks. A big shout out to Daz and Nhale!
“I am hoping to keep the train running until I build enough hype for my music brand, where I would be invited to next year’s F1 event and perform on the main stage during the final ceremony.
“I am also here to let you all know that there is a new sheriff in town. I am here to win it all and I won’t stop until I am signed to a well reputed label, move to California LA or Hollywood hills, where I will retire early in a peaceful and quiet 5,000 hectare mansion.
“So watch me!”
For details, visit aldamarmusic.com or Aldamar on Spotify of follow
@aldamarmusic on Instagram.
