Issam (rapper)
Issam | |
|---|---|
| Born | Issam Harris May 22, 1993 |
| Occupation | Rapper |
| Years active | 2016–present[1] |
| Musical career | |
| Instrument | Vocals |
Issam Harris (Arabic: عصام حريص, born 22 May 1993), known mononymously as Issam, is a Moroccan rapper, songwriter and photographer.[2] He was born in Derb Sultan, Casablanca and became known in 2018 with his song and music video, "Trap Beldi".[3][4] This track allowed him to gain popularity being one of the first Moroccan trap songs to get millions on YouTube[5][6][7] and it was included in BBC's list of the "Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time," being the only Moroccan rapper on the list.[8]
In May 2019, Issam signed a contract with Universal Music France, in what was considered the biggest ever deal for North African hip-hop.[9][10] His debut album "Crystal" was officially released on May 6, 2021.[11]
Artistic style
[edit]What is particular of Issam's music is the blending of autotuned vocals delivered in Darija, and classic TR 808-generated beats with elements from traditional North African music. Many of Issam's works are influenced by raï—specifically by Cheb Hasni.[12][13][14]
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]- Crystal (2021)
Singles
[edit]- 2016: "Taba Taba"
- 2017: "Rolex"
- 2017: "Hasni"
- 2018: "Bavra"
- 2018: "Caviar"
- 2018: "Trap Beldi"
- 2019: "Makinch Zhar"
- 2020: "Nike"
- 2020: "Power Rangers"
- 2021: "Wra Tabi3a"
- 2021: "Hendrix"
- 2022: "Phantom"
- 2022: "YA HASRA"
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Issam ⋆ Musique Urbaine ⋆ Le portail Hip Hop Rap RnB". Musique Urbaine.
- ^ Vinti, Mike. "Issam is leading a new movement in Morocco". Crack Magazine. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
- ^ "Moroccan Issam Harris signs the biggest deal ever for any Arab artist with Universal France". The Arab Edition. 26 May 2019. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
- ^ Tapponi, Roisin (1 August 2019). "Issam Harris: the Moroccan Rapper You Need to Know - MILLE WORLD". Retrieved 4 September 2025.
- ^ ISSAM – Trap Beldi, 8 July 2019, retrieved 8 July 2019
- ^ "The Gritty Rise Of Issam". Gentlemen's Quarterly. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
- ^ "Meet ISSAM, the Moroccan rapper making globalized 'trap'". The FADER.
- ^ "The greatest hip-hop songs of all time – who voted". www.bbc.com. 8 October 2019. Retrieved 31 October 2025.
- ^ "Issam, le nouveau prince de la trap marocaine – Jeune Afrique". JeuneAfrique.com (in French). Retrieved 17 January 2022.
- ^ "ISSAM - Universal Music France". universalmusic.fr (in French). Retrieved 17 January 2022.
- ^ Saeed, Saeed. "Rapper Issam Harris wants to showcase Moroccan youth culture to the world with debut album 'Crystal'". The National. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
- ^ "Reclaiming Culture & Aestheticising Nostalgia: Issam Harris & Moroccan Rap's New Frontier". SecneNow. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
- ^ Dazed (13 September 2019). "Meet the Moroccan trap artists reclaiming the Arab aesthetic". Dazed. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
- ^ "Issam - NAAR". naar.fr.
| Authority control databases: Artists |
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