The Mandatory "Egypt, I Love" Song By ZeeZee Adel

I love Egypt and I want nothing in return  I love its people, their stories and their big hearts and their unmatched sense of humor. I want nothing back for my unconditional love for this land that's dear to each Arab and Muslim out there.

I want nothing but the best and I want to see Egypt rule the world, I want to see their work celebrated and their products all over. It's with that love, I wish they would just chill and let democracy work. Give your president a chance, you voted him in for four years. You cannot take that back form him. I am certain he now hears you. there is no reason for violence and clashes. please

For that, here's a song by ZeeZee Adel, the Egyptian girl that many swoon over her when she appeared on Star Academy. She sings for Egypt, and about her love for it, not her love for a single party or faction.

ZeeZee Adel YA Masr

The Odd Ball Track By Grandpa Crunk

I am confused by this track, I do not loath it, but since I am not too big on clubbing, I might be missing something. 'Grandpa Crunk' returns with an original banger with long-time emcee DJ Fulo. Fulo from Spanish speaking Panama delivers a chant style sing-songly delivery of the Arabic/English phrases he heard frequently as he lived and taught English and Spanish in Dubai.

Backed with production and direction from Grandpa Crunk, Fulo rides a solid mixture mish-mash-up of Jazz, Soca, Merengue, Bass Hip-Hop, Dub House, and Urban House with a splash of the Afro-Orient giving the track an interesting Eastern yet Western feel - re-creating Fulo's description of the music in Dubai clubs such as Copacabana, Boudoir, Zinc, Kasbar, Vu's Bar, African Star, Bollywood, and Garage Club. In doing so Grandpa Crunk created a flava' distinct enough for play from taste making Mad Decent "citizen of the world" DJs such as Uproot Andy, DJ Vamanos, and Chief Boima.

Alhamdulillah literally means 'Glory to God' and is used by Arabic speakers of all faiths. Fulo created the chant used in the song after the experience of hearing folks in Dubai state "Alhamdulillah" commonly as well as in religiously. The chant also incorporates other commonly used phrases heard in Dubai.


Alhamdulillah Dubai - Grandpa Crunk featuring DJ Fulo (radio rip)

I'm Digging This Algerian Yasmine Song ياسمين - خدني وروح

I have no idea who this songstress, but I know she has it, whatever it is. I am liking this beat and her vocals to this freshly upbeat rack. You get your dance music, the dreamy tone and I am good to go, the song comes in the beloved and romantic Lebanese dialect.

She is Algerian,  a student of business who loved to sing and was influenced her her uncle who is a famous Algerian singer in France. She released her debut song in 2011, and it's the song below. I call is a fun song with the word catchy written all over it. I like the Spanish bulls sequence.

She had Randa Qideeh the well known Lebanese director shot her music video. Also to cement her skill,s Yasmine has gone to school to study music. I say give me more please. I like this song and people seem to have nothing but nice things to say about this single.

Yasmine - Khodny W Rooh / ياسمين - خدني وروح

Mohammad Assaf Tonight On Arab Idol Brings The Sizzle محمد عساف يا طير الطاير

I am in Gaza right now and happy to report that the Palestinians in there are talking so much about the Arab Idol participant Mohamed Assaf, the folks love this young Palestinian artist who has a rare talent for performing real music live--the guy is a blast, his voice is a riot and even though he is young he has a unique way if making people happy. Tonight is the night he is supposed to make everyone fall in love with him. He has already secured the love of people watching the show...there are other talented people on the show. But Assaf is the whole package.

He is the old school and cool all at once.He is young, but he knows the stories and the songs of those people who came before us. He is smart, sharp, and energizing.  I would have said  he is ok. But to be frank he is a rock star whether or not he wins the title. He brings so much joy in the room. The young love his charm, and the older love his grace and his energy.

He has already had to defend his patriotism (wearing the scarf from Palestine and talking about the prisoners , his faith (reading the Koran and talking about prayer) and his art. He has survived it all. He is classy and we know it.

محمد عساف يا طير الطاير - Arab Idol

Listen: To Ameer Salah 2013 Single امير صلاح شو في ما في 2013

Most people who are young and living in Jordan will greet you with this phrase, "Shu Fi Ma Fi" it's a combination of what's up and what's happening. But for one young Jordanian singer trying to make it in the world of pop music, he took that phrase and turned into a song. a song that was written by Mohamed Bouchnaq.

The young voice is Ameer Salah, he recorded his song in a local studio and released for the public. Ameer has been doing local concerts in Amman with old covers, this is his debut song. It's a happy dance song that will fire up the crowd, a good career starter.

 امير صلاح شو في ما في 2013

Listen: مكس تيب - أسلوب مقدسي | Osloob Maqdsi - Mixtape

Palestine won't be liberated because you made a rap song for it, but the rap song will liberate you. Free people can bring about change. This is why I try to promore good rappers, not the attitude and the swag, but the art itself helps some people tell their stories.

The group is called Osloob Maqdsi or Jerusalem Style. A rapper tells his story of growing up in the city of Jerusalem. It's very telling the rapper is for resistance and he speaks volumes about both the Israeli and the Palestinian politicians.

I really learned new stuff about Jerusalem--like young Palestinian growing up listening to music in Hebrew. The song drums the beat of Arab nationalism and unity. Listen to their mixtape below and tell me you are not moved.

 مكس تيب - أسلوب مقدسي | Osloob Maqdsi - Mixtape

That's Cute! Hamaki Gets A Squad Of Cheerleaders

Fans are crazy, and they would do almost anything to get the attention of their favorite star. But some Egyotain stars form some kind of an ultras, or cheerleaders who would follow them everywhere, cheer them on and praise them. Some call it an entourage, others call it a lame attempt to be the center of attention.

The fans I am talking about here, are an organized group that wears matching t-shirts, get in for free and always drum up the event for any entertainer. Tamer Hosny may have invented this tactic, but others have copied him soon.

No doube, there are loads of fans of Hamaki, he is a cool star, but he is no prophet and he is a pop star whose sole act is to bring joy. He should not form a gang of young and confused souls who want to look cool. Just see the young man shouting and making Hamaki feel like a million dollar.

تحية الترس حماقى للفنان محمد حماقى

A Good Song, Jury Is Out On The Music Video Wassim El Naggar - Fokek / وسيم النجار - فوكك

He has a good voice, nice dance moves, he is animated and dresses well. He is a young Egyptian pop sensation that goes by the name Wassim El Naggar. He is out with a new single made for dance. I like the beat. It's exciting for young talents to see their first music videos, always has been this way.

He has a style and she held his own ground in the music video--he did not make it into a nude show which is refreshing. I just feel the music video could use some better lighting and a better story perhaps. I know the teen girls and young women will find the music video to be fun. This is a clip about a guy telling the girl she is driving him mad.

I feel good about Wassim who is unafraid to come across as a goof ball, he is just out to have some fun and being himself. He has two outfits, the one he wears at the club and the sport outfit from a guy who likes cars. So this is the balance. the soft and the rugged looks are all in one place. The lyrcis are light hearted and seem to have been written by a relative of Wassim. The music is the work of the singer himself.

Wassim El Naggar - Fokek / وسيم النجار - فوكك

WATCH: Arwa - Marhaba (NEW 2012) / اروى - مرحبا

Arwa have had a slow 2012, most stars have but the Yemeni starlet took time off to have a baby girl--Nora. The star of the Gulf--Khalij is ready to reclaim her spot on top of the charts. I feel we kinda of missed her sweet pop songs with a catch dance beat.

Below, you will fine her latest single, she released it prior to her taking time off before her pregnancy started to show. "Hello" is the name of that single. Well, Hello back Arwa.

Arwa - Marhaba (NEW 2012) / اروى - مرحبا

The Brightest Star Among Them All Is Balqees Fathi

Being a Yemeni woman, a gorgeous one too but waiting to sing is not a very conventional path. It's certainly not the path of least resistance. The daughter of a beloved composer did her first singing in her school, then a radio executive asked her to do a radio show Tarab style songs. She did and then things started to come her way when she met contemporary composer Fayez Al Said.

Her voice might be the most colorful among so many stars, she feels authentic, and her emotions seem sincere. You really cannot bluff your way through the songs she chooses to perform  she has the artistic chops to bring complex musical experiences.

She is a refined soul who doe snot fake her personality, if she has something to add, she does it. If not she doesn't try to be something she is really not. Now she she is a beloved star in the Gulf region, she has set sight on Lebanon--where she shoots music videos and has few friends.

Her youth and lean figure do wonders, but her first asset is her voice and her temperament  In few short years, she has organically claimed her spot in the pop scene. I love the poetic songs she gets to perform  And she is engaged and soon to be married Nayef Hazazy to one of the Saudi Arabia' finest soccer stars. She does confess to rotting for the UAE soccer team though.       

Balqees Fathi - Ya Hawa بلقيس احمد فتحي يا هوى

Video: Rola Saad Sabah Tribute Song رولا سعد في كليب ساعات ساعات

Sabah has moved mountains to entertain the masses across the Arab world. This time Sabah gets a tribute song done by one of her young friends and protegee Rola Saad. A classy cover for a classy song about a women who feels lonely or abandoned.

I did not think this is the best cover for the song, but I know one thing Rola is loyal to Sabah and her legacy. A walk on the beach is all what the Lebanese golden girl wanted to do. I love the mixing of the Rola Saad footage with that of Sabah from the original song.  

The song closes with Rola Saad sitting along on empty theater house watching a Sabah picture, and then a quote about the life of the living legend Sabah. I think the song will bring some joy unto the lives of those fans. As for Rola, I think the song could have been a little better production. But the low production value make you think you are hearing the original recording.

My general  rule is don't mess with the classics, you may get burned in the face by the purists and the loyalists. Unless you know you can add something, do not even think about it.

رولا سعد في كليب ساعات ساعات

Watch: Cairokee Ft. Zap Tharwat Bring Down The House

Appearing as guests on the popular and provocative news satire show with Bassem Yousef, those artists brought down the house. Cairokee is the firm believer in the power of the people of Egypt and what they can do. Zap knows how to entertain one's senses and deliver some of the finest raps. Their latest collaboration offers an entire platform for alternative music, the Arab world has never met before.

Together they have put forth a song about holing one's ground, a call to the activists and the idealists to hold their ground. You call for justice, they call you a lowlife. Amir Eid (Vocals, Guitar) did a very fine job with Cairokee, he has taken it from a small garage band into the headline making band. Activist through music is nothing new, but Cairokee has a lot of stories to tell.

Not only does the band make great music that is capable of impressing even Western audience, they also find heart-filled lyrics. Zap brings his A game, he is Egypt's biggest rapper--and perhaps biggest household name. Zap keeps his eyes on Egypt, but he has never forget about Palestine. They want you to be an alternative person...he raps. Zap has also tackled issues of drugs with another singer, he seems to be opne to working with any star whom he shares a message with.

Cairokee Ft. Zap Tharwat Esbat Maknak From Basem Youssef Show - كايروكى و زاب ثروت

Karim Mohsen, The Egyptian Pop Kingmaker

Funny how life works, Kareim Mohsen had a boy crush on then hot record artist Tamer Hosny, he  chased him down and hoped to work with him one day. Tamer gave Karim a shot and listed to his amazing melodies. Tamer would become one of closest friends in the business. Tamer would work with Kareim Mohsen and get his best and finest melodies. Karim would even appear in a number of films for Tamer Hosny.

Karim becomes one of Tamer Hosny's entourage member. Karim branches out and gives some of his melodies to other names in the pop business. Karim would go on and make his own album, months before Egypt starts a historic revolt. Tamer Hosny's stocks drop, and he is no longer the mega star he once was.

Karim Mohsen would keep quiet and tried to push his own record, he does many concerts in universities and malls around Egypt, and he would press on as a composer for the young voices striving for something fresh and dancey.

His first hit came in 2006, after the release of his hit single Yalla Maa El Salama with singer Shady. But Karim wanted something more so he began by composing many hit songs for various Arab singers such as: Waeid Aalia for the Egyptian singer Zizi Adel, He also composed Kan Feen Min Bardy for Khaled Selim. Karim became more prominent as a singer, actor and composer after his collaboration with singer Tamer Hosny. In 2008, Karim worked with Tamer on his "Haeesh Hayati Album". Karim composed four songs: Kol Ely Fat, Taaba Kol El Nass, Haeesh Hayati and Beyhsedoni Aaleek. He also composed the English song "Come back to me".

Karim Mohsen - Ehlawet El Donia / كريم محسن - احلوت الدنيا

WATCH: Marwa Ben Sghaier-Je t'aime (studio)مروى بن صغير-

Marwa came from a relatively smaller Arab country, Tunisia and she took part of the Star Academy music reality show. She left with a huge impression as her romantic and dreamy voices truns even the toughest human being into butter. Her Arabic cover of Fayrous and other classics were dazzling to see the least. But her singing in French opened Pandora's box.

 While Marwa has huge following and the name recognition  she is still not a mainstream success  This is not her own fault, but I am award that she is still engaged in the music scene. Marwa is a fragile artist with delicate feelings, she is no business manager.

Check out her latest song in French, as she performs the song in studio. It makes me feel something--even thought I have little idea what her words are saying. I feel she is confessing how much she adores someone, am I right?

Marwa-Je t'aime (studio)مروى بن صغير-

Listen: Mostafa Mezher Is Crying Romantic Man مصطفى مزهر - اشتقت لكل شي فيك

This song is not for me, but Roa loves it so very much. Mostafa has a great voice, and I think ti shows in each of his few songs. I am just not in the habit of enjoying grown men who like to cry for love. I might trying to be tougher than my real self. But this song will move your heart and get you to recall earlier memories.

It's hard to tell the nationality of the man behind the song, but not knowing much, he sounds like a Lebanese lover boy. But Jordanians have been doing similar style songs in the past two years. The young man who a million dollar smile delivers a romantic hit. Plus he has a great hair, so he might be getting the media love.

Keep on mind, he appeared on Star Academy 5th season. He is Lebanese who has grew up in the Saudi Kingdom and educated at the American University in Beirut.

Mostafa Mezher - Shta2et La Kel Shi Fik / مصطفى مزهر - اشتقت لكل شي فيك

Video: Good Looking Make Romance Worthwhile

He is Ahmed Ezz, the most handsome and tallest Arab actor. She is Donya Samir Ghannem, she is an Egyptian beauty and fashionista. They made a move last year and it was supposed to be the ultimate love story where good looking people take a swing at love. And in those movies, the good looking ones seem to have a limitless supply of cash to afford them the upscale life.

To make the movie a better experience, the voice of Wael Jassar wrapped it the movie and its promotional song. Too bad the movie tanked so bad--it was not a bad movie it was just released when we were talking about the Arab Spring.

I love Wael and his style, he is an adult in the room when you need one. He sounds like he is giving you his heart on a platter each time he sings. He is a true believer and a dreamer who caters romance. At this point, I think Wael should abandon his warm style for a minute and do a fun song. He is great at what he does, but diversification is always a great idea...in this volatile world we live in 

Wael Jassar - Nekhaby Leih / وائل جسار - نخبي ليه

Hady Aswad Comes With Surprises اغنية هادى اسود - حبك مات - جديد 2012

As a person who comes from Palestine, I have grew up appreciating the Bedouin dialect--sometimes it's called the white dialect. Its' the mother dialect where Palestinian, Lebanese, Syrian and Jordanian come from. This might explain why I have enjoyed the new single by Hady Aswad.

Hady was the students who appeared on Star Academy first season--he was turned down. He mhad better luck in the second season in Amman Jordan. Like most, he has enjoyed music since he was a little boy--me too! He hails from Damascus, but moves to Lebanon to refine his music education.

He trained with the star Academy coaches and made few friendships along the way. He was dubbed as the singer with surprises, he came third in that competition. He does romantic and warm songs, but his latest single offer a lot more passion and dance music than he had done in the past.

The Slow And Creamy Romance Of muhannad Khalaf

For a pop star starting out, getting good music is tough, so Muhannad Khalaf did not have to work hard, the music for his new single sounds like a demo music with some affects--I like. The guy sounds like he has a pop game, but this is not 2007 anymore. Average voices do not have a fighting chance. Muhannad does have a pop persona and good looks. He just needs to find that one special song that makes him standout

I would like to think that this young singer is a charmer, but the song does not show him as such. He is based in Ramallah Palestine and sounds like he lived somewhere in between Lebanese and Egyptian pop. Muhannad is trying out a career in music, he gets gigs and local concerts often. Many pop stars do not really have much better vocal strength than he does.

He will be seeing ringing in the new year in the West Bank in what's has been promised as a big music event.
اغنية مهند خلف - وانا بين ايديه | النسخة الاصلية

Listen: Best Arab Single From Tamer Ashour تامر عاشور - بنحبها يا قلبي

Not in a million year, I would have imagined the guy behind some of the most serious and mos dark pop songs would be the same guy to also bring a happy song. Tamer Ashour, for those who know him is a doctor of pain, he helps us manged and navigate through the world of pain induced be failed relationships. His level of maturity and the style of his melodies heal the soul and cure the heart.

But this is the time for him to do a happy song, Egypt needs a lovely catchy tune that gives them a break from all those troubling times. Tamer Ashour rose to the occasion and crafted one of his finest songs to date. Ever time I think Tamer has finally reached his highest point, only to be surprised a month or two later with new material. Material that makes the other previous stuff pale in comparison. So now you know I am a fan of this seasons and sure thing hit maker.

I am ready to call him one of the few Arab singers/composers that have a perfect understanding of two things. The first, his fans, he knows what they want. The second, he knows how to translate all his ideas into catchy songs. He does not need to go to another person to translate his ideas. Instead Tamer writes his own music and picks winners. Just look at his new romantic dance single released last week.

Tamer Ashour - Ben7ebaha ya Albi

Listen: PSY - New Song GENTLEMAN Pop, Dance And Viral?

That's South Korea, Dennis Rodman. "Gangnam Style" rapper PSY has released his new song "Gentleman," and while its fast and familiar beat isn't quite as catchy as his mega-hit, be forewarned: He's unveiling the song and a dance affiliated with it live on YouTube Saturday at Seoul World Cup Stadium. So we ain't seen nothin' yet. But here's the song:

The odds are stacked against an artist hoping to achieve success in pop, but if success does come, then building it into a lengthy career rests on recreating the series of happy accidents, coincidences and right-tune-right-time-right factors that secured the initial burst of interest. That is why pop history is strewn with decent but disastrous second albums. But for novelty hits, and internet memes, and collisions of the two like Gangnam Style, the theory is condensed and accelerated. Psy does have a secret weapon, of course. Amazing as it may seem Gangnam Style did not succeed on musical merit alone and was as much a meme as it was a pop hit, helped by a video that was so strong that it even worked without any music.

I could see this song   being picked up around the world just because PSY is the cool thing he has become. DJs and clubs around the world will cheer this hit-maker and wish he would never go away. But the question is will those short-attention span generation stick with PSY. "I can't tell you about the dance but all Koreans will know this dance," the rapper told a local TV station. "But [those in] other countries haven't seen it." The release of a creative and appealing music video by PSY might prompt the fans to fall in line.

PSY - Gentleman [OFFICIAL] + LYRICS!!

PSY - GENTLEMAN(싸이-젠틀맨)