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)

Video: I Double Dare You To Find A Cuter Duet Than This One

they are a couple that has been matched by a number of random elements. He is a music composer with a dreamy voice. She is a young talent from Syria by the way of the United Arab Emirates. She just finished recording voice over songs for a popular TV drama about the life and death of Syrian icon Asmahan. Then she made this cute music video.

The sweet and super sensitive lyrics aside, the music video is just CUTE. While those two are not actors, they pulled the in love looks so convincingly. It's only natural for the music video to be uploaded by countless users. Waad released a good album where her vocal were put to a great use. Diaa keeps busy making melodies for the finest Arab pop stars.  This song was recorded in 2010, but got a wider release in 2011.

The director did a great job making this music video so cute, it makes you want to be part of the story as you watch ans see the games those in love must play. Filmed inside an upscale villa and you can feel the love from the eyes of those two. Furthermore, the saxophone player who worked on the song is worth his weight gold--thanks to Omran!

Youm We Etnin - Mohamed Diaa يوم واتنين - محمد ضياء ووعد

The Arab Justin Timberlake Strikes Again--Wissam Hilal

"Last Goodbye" is the title of a new single from the super-talented pop sensation Wissam Hilal. The song is already getting a music video with director Robert Cremona and the track has been picked by a number of radios nationally and internationally on some of LA radios that BT entertainment taking care of and African and African-American radios.

The music video for his song was filmed in Beirut, his debut hit "Single" was filmed in Dubai where the artists is based yet he is on the move. What I like about Wissam how he sounds jut line one of the Jackson Five without coming across as he is imitating anyone. This explains the interest in his songs in places beyond the Arab World--try Kenya. It's a tough market, but his good work comes through and hits the mark.

Wissam Hilal is a naturally good looking guy who comes across as a charming person, and that is reflected into his songs allowing him to be a lot more personal and communicate different messages to his fans. To be frank, you listen to one of his songs when you are in a certain mood, then when your mood changes you still find something fresh about the second take.

The latest is Last Goodbye is a little darker than the breakout song, this is a plea from a man who lost something but tries to convince himself that by trying a little bit harder he can have this thing back. This mindset makes better songs, gets the most complicated of emotions to the listener's core. The new single is different a lot wiser than the previous track from Wissam.

The bad news is that the music industry needs a shot in the arm, but with little help Wissam was able to release great songs. I cannot wait to see what kind of hits he will be able to share with the world once the music industry figures itself out.

For the time being, non-Arabs in Dubai and the Arabs who like English songs are slowly embracing this very talented Arab Justin Timberlake! Wissam has the moves, the looks and the music savvy to entertain a global audience 

As for the music video it should air internationally around May.

pilipili fm Exclusive Wissam hilal - Last goodbye 31st March 2013 وسام هلال


Wissam Hilal - Single (official music video) وسام هلال

The Jacksons Hit All The Notes In Their Abu Dhabi Concert

Nobody believes that the Jacobson are mourning the death of their most favorite and legendary brother Michael. But the now troubled family is touring the world sharing the legacy of their beloved brother. The leg of the tour took them to Abu Dhabi, a city where many rich people live and many people who like to be rich dwell.

This meant to be a tribute concert performing Micheal's great songs in sold out venues. Janet has already performed there. Michael is irreplaceable, but the Jackson Five where it all started, so Michael has always done well with his solo act.

This is the first time the Jackson's get seen together performing. Four Jacksons took on the audience by storm. Watch them give an interview talking about his legacy and his spirit. The Gulf a great place to sell any American product, the Jacksons are among this nation's finest export to the world.    

"آل جاكسون" كرَّموا شقيقهم في أبو ظبي

Hala Turk Sets Jalast On FIRE

The Gulf people like to have a good time, they spend loads of money on their parties, the good news those parties are so much fun as the people spare no expense to make them special. But the bad news only dudes dance on camera. Women can sing, but cannot dance.

Dudes, do not mind those Jalasat they mix with ladies within reason. But the guys are the only ones who can show off their dance moves--just like they do in Dupont Circle here. I have always wanted to be there for one of those sessions. The clip below from the biggest produced Jalasat assembly. Watch Hala Turk and Mashael sing their song in both Arabic and English.

Something tell me those ladies are not your typical Gulf ladies, they duo have a chemistry where they play mother daughter. You do not get many songs in languages other than Arabic, but it took this very cute and clearly spoiled girl to break the mold

#جلسات_وناسة_2013 - مشاعل وحلا الترك "بنيتى الحبوبة"

The Hypocritical People Of Khalij نفاق أهل الخليج

The Khalij or the Gulf is where millions of Arabs live, and those people happen to be the most affluent Arabs around the world. They tend to be generous people, hospitable and loving people. No one will ever take that away form them. But today I want to talk about something different. The perceptions of Khalij men and women of local female entertainers.

But first few observations--and please correct me if I am wrong.

1. Khaliji men would pay top dollars to see an Arab star sing a song of their writing and of their music.
2. Khaliji men entertainers can pretty much do whatever they want, they travel the world, they perform locally and abroad, no one puts restrictions on them.  
3. When Khaliji women sing, a number of things will happen:
1. Critics will say she is not really local--she came from some other country.
2. Haters will attack her family and cal them names.
3. Pigs will insult the female entertainer by calling her things like "ugly", "Tomboy", and such.
4. The people who usually wage those attacks are the same people who take vacation trips in pursuit of bodily pleasures to Thailand and other fun tourism   

So it's OK for the Lebanese/Moroccan/Iraqi to sing a song for those men, but when a home girl does it, it's the end of their world as we know it. What does this say about the Lebanese songstress? While most of the hate comes form men, some women also jump on the wagon and speak ill of female performers.

It's like being a singer has become another name for being a prostitute. When in reality most of those performers take their music seriously. Women can be trusted to make the right call in life, they have been raised well and for starter, God gave them the free will.  

But despite all that hate and attacks, some female voices mange to survive and make a career. There are many very gifted home grown singers who do wonders for the Gulf music scene  I shall name few from the new generation, 

1. Aseel Omran (Saudi Arabia), she acts and sings pop songs. Her voice offers planet of warmth. 
2. Shams (Kuwait), makes fresh music videos, and tells people I am form Mars--leave me alone.
3. Hala Al Turk, (Bahrain), a little girl that has sold millions of records doing kid songs.  
4. Shamma Hamdan (UAE) surfed the most attacks when she appeared on Arabs Got Talent, for change a real musician. 
5. There are always Ahlam (UAE), Hind (Bahrain), Nawal (Kuwait) Rowaida Mahrouqi (UAE) and Waad (Saudi Arabia)

I do realize that there are enlighten people everywhere, but this should not be an issue, here's another fact for you. When you allow the fans to listen to music made by the ladies of the Gulf, they have loved them every time--just see the video below. So that might scare off some dudes. 

#ArabsGotTalent - S2 - Ep6 - شما حمدان

@Shamma_Hamdan The UAE Lady That Rocks

Some people might not be ready Shamma Hamdan, the jeans wearing and guitar playing lady. Taking part of Arabs Got Talent and rocking the airwaves with her style and her confidence. Not to forget her t-shirts have also been a subject of debate by some. At just 18, the schoolgirl from Dubai founds herself in the full glare of the celebrity spotlight after becoming the first Emirati woman to make it through to the finals of the hit reality TV show.

During her stint on Arabs Got Talent, the pigs dressed like men came to attack her, her clothes and her look, they really got to her and according to one interview--she cried at night. This is just because she is trying to do something different, she is not posing or copying anyone, this is her style. So back off people, those are the same people who go on pleasure trips to places like Thailand and Eastern Europe.

Shamma had to face many delusional critics:

"It was like fire, rumours spread about my origin, that I am not 'originally' Emirati, that I am from Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, even Afghanistan, cause, hey, I don't look like the typical Emirati," she said. In fact the family is from Al Raisi tribe. "I am not a tomboy, not a boyat, not anything. I am just a musician who is a bit sporty," she says. "I like to surf when I am not playing music." "Imagine I performed in an abaya and shayla while playing on a guitar? What would they say? I would be called the biggest sinner in the world." 

Shamma, is from the UAE, a place known for many contradiction and global appeal. Her sister singed her up for the show's audition and she only fond out two days prior to the day of audition. She worked hard to persuade her family who have eventually given her their approval. Not only does Shamma have a great and lovely voice, she writes some of her songs and composes music as well. This talent alone puts Shamma light years ahead of your favorite pop star. Not just that, she can also compose songs in Spanish, giving her guitar an extra flavor.

I have enjoyed her most recent single (Wish Aby Aqool) where the artists heart and pride collide and give us a great performance by this dazzling young voice from the Gulf who have manged to thrive despite all the hate. Talents like Shamma should be supported not buried  because she is putting the attention back on music and good lyrics not on all other distractions.

 شمه حمدان - ويش كنت باقول | Shamma Hamdan


#ArabsGotTalent - S2 - Final - شما حمدان

Dubai Shopping Festival 2013 Concert With Omar Khairat

Egypt's most seasoned and better known classical music composer and pianist Omar Khairat will be standing in the city of Dubai early 2013 for a concert. Omar Khairat  is the type of composer and pianist  you would love in any language and in any country. He makes original and inspiring music.

Omar has been part of the Egyptian music scene since 1959 when he joined the music conservatory. His music has graced dozens of films and TV shows. He is a guy that means business and never repeats himself. So for him to hold a concert in the city of Dubai where a global audience will await him is a big deal.
Omar Khairat in Dubai on 4 Jan 2013.

Omar is the pure the sound of the East made in away that Westerners can appreciate. He also teaches courses around the world including in England. He regularly performed at the Cairo Opera House and all the Egyptian and Arab ceremonies. Omar Khairat is a gift to Arabic music, and he has manged to make a career with a commercial success and without insulting his audience.

Omar Khairat in Dubai on 4 Jan 2013


عمر خيرت Omar Khairat - ''Slovenia'' - 2008

WATCH: The Arabic X Factor Airs الحلقة الأولى كاملة - تجارب الأداء

Pepis is dancing as the latest singing competition show airs in Arabia, the X Factor brings together four of the true biggest pop stars in Arabia are set to judge the show. Three Lebanese and one guy from the United Arab Emirates. Egypt is missing, but at least three of those singers are a huge draw in Egypt.

The first episode aired with an introductory tone by talking up the stars who will judge the upcoming singers. It's an education too. 25 thousand young voices from all over the Arab world wanted to join in, only few will make the cut. The good news, the winner will get a contract for a music label  and will be touring around as the Pepsi star. That means good voice won't cut it, you need to have that personality and sexy attraction to be the worthy winner.

We are months away from that time, but the four stars will make sure we are entertained. I hope this show does not turn them from greats to goats. You have to be in the age range of 16 to 80 years old. Four different groups based on age and gender. Not sure how different this will be from the Voice, it sounds similar to me. Note how the voice over is in Egyptian.

I will follow it when I sense there is a reason to do so. I give it to the production company for singing the four best and most relevant voices in today's pop scene. I love the exchanges between the judges, Hussein Al Jassmi, Elissa, Carol Samahe, and Wael Kfoury are making sure we are tuning in.


 الحلقة الأولى كاملة - تجارب الأداء - The X Factor 2013

Nawal Loves Children But HATES Sandy

Lebanese pop songstress Nawal Al Zogby in the city of Dubai where she was doing a charity function. But her good deed went punished as reports of Nawal interfering to deny pop star Sandy an appearance at the same charity function. Nawal did not comment on this matter, but Sandy took issue and made a press conference about the ordeal.

Sandy wrote half a dozen press releases about the incident and is making a headache to the Lebanese pop star. Now Egyptian stars want answers as this has become an issue of national pride. Nawal flew first class from Beirut to sing in a posh hotel to benefit the little ones. If charity was her goal, why would she stopped another songstress from doing a good deed? 

نوال الزغبي تحيي حفل مركز راشد رغم الإرهاق

Impress Your Mother-In-Law By Telling Her You Love Nadia Mostafa

Your mother-in-law does not have to be a foe, you just need to show her a side of you that shows her that you respect her. Their greatest fear- that you will be taking them for granted or that you think they do not understand your emotions. They do, you only need to remind them to those moment when they listened to voices like Nadia Mostafa.

Nadia Mostafa is one of the most underrated divas in Arabic music, the living legend who rocked the 80s and 90s does not get much air time anymore--she did release a new song this year. She came from the most beautiful era where when with big hearts have ruled the scene of Arabic TV. She did not some innovative manger, she only had her dazzling voice and the folks have fallen in line for her.

I recall as a little boy in Dubai, she performed on some TV celebration and I recall seeing her live. Nadia is best known for her romantic sensual songs, she has also sang for musical comedic plays, popular, national, religious and social. Throughout her career, Nadia Mostafa, released a number of albums, among them is cited 'Wala Kan Ala Baly', 'El Solh Kheer', 'Ya Maya'.

She is married to a Syrian artists Arkan Fouad and has two daughters. I love this lady's voice, she only gives heartfelt songs and her lives shows are something you enjoy sitting on your seat and your eyes closed. She is considred among those people women adore very much. Her tracks helped shape the dreams and asiprations of every little girl at a given time.


نادية مصطفى - كل دقة في قلبي - حفلة اضواء المدينة

WATCH: The X Factor Arabia Judges Promo 2013 اكس فاكتور ٢٠١٣,

The British are coming to invade the Arab world once more time, this time they are doing it through shows like the X Factor. Yes, I know this is the hundredth singing competition program, but it seems they have truly scored some of the biggest names in Arabia pop to judge the show.

Three Lebanese (Wael Kfoury, Elissa and Carol Samahe), and one hit maker form the United Arab Emirates Hussein Al Jassmi. The panel of four judges will be providing their skills, personalities and celebrity status to bring rating to the program, which will air on Lebanese network MTV.

Such shows are advertiser's wet dream, Pepsi seems to have a lot of control over the X Factor and its various editions around the globe. I am sure people will watch this show for few reasons I can think of. For starter, those are all hot names and active in making pop music. Second. those names do not particularly give many interviews, so people are hungry to get a peak at those celebrities when they are being themselves.

The first episode will air on February 8th, and the promos are already dazzling us with what to come.
  
The X Factor Arabia Judges Promo


The X Factor Arabia - إكس فاكتور فى الوطن العربى

LISTEN: حسين الجسمي و راشد الماجد - اسأل مجرب جديد Khaliji Duet

Some artists do not sing for the love of money, they sing because it's they only way they know. Most seasoned and celebrated stars in the Gulf are affluent  they do not sing out of hunger for materialistic goods.  Instead they sing out of hunger for fame and higher stature.

The new duet from the two richest stars in the Gulf-Khalij region does just that. A song that made for the fun of it. Hussein Al Jassmi, the pride of the UAE and Rashid Al Majid, the pride of Saudi Arabia meet once again. Those are the biggest names who are still working.  The song is an original poem written by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoom, from the prominent family that has been ruling Dubai. Fazza'a also contributed to the writing.

The music is the work of Fayez Al Said,  this is a new single from those two fixtures of Khaliji pop song. Hussein has been releasing many singles, and no word on his upcoming album. Rashid has released his album just few days ago. I know people of the Gulf love nothing more to see their favorite stars collaborate. I have to give credit to Fayiz Al Said who seems to bring more stars together than any production company cares for.

This is a romantic song from two lovers having a long due talk, about one being selfish and the other feels to be taken for granted. I like to hear both artists voices, they are grown men who wear their emotions on their sleeves. They have shown once for all, they are worthy of each title they have been granted. I love poetry, just like every Arab...we like imagery and dazzling tales. I like the collective wisdom the song parades.

 حسين الجسمي و راشد الماجد - اسأل مجرب 2012 جديد

Majid Dethrones Nancy Ajram

Iraqi pop and romance singer Majid El Mohandis has another achievement on his record, his album is outselling that of Nancy Ajram--something major in Arabic music industry. The romance gem album "Ana Weyak" has manged to capture the number one spot on record sales and placing "Super Nancy" album second. According to Virgin Mega-store Dubai.

Majid's album is four weeks old and Nancy's is about the same. Wael Kfoury has taken the third spot with his well received album. Wael's album has been on top of the charts for weeks now. Elissa's four month old album is on the fourth spot, and Egyptian pop dude Hamaki is resting on the fifth place. Those are all good albums, and the stars vary in appeal in various different Arab countries.


Majed Al Mohandes Ana Wayak فيديو كليب ماجد المهندس انا وياك

Oreeb, The Native Dubai Gal That Rocks!

Some singers taken their pictures when they are not ready on the inside. But looking the picture for pop songstress Oreeb, I will confirm this is the picture of someone who is life loving. Her latest and hottest song is the product of the United Arab Emirates top talents--Fayez Al Said composed the music and the local and sentimental pope Al Jomoo'h crafted the lyrics.

The title translates to "Exclusive Statement" and the single follows Oreeb's breakout album. This young and dazzling Emirati pop songstress is just getting warmed up and the Arab world is just getting to know her. Her business manger is music producer who cares to see her succeed on all fronts. This is her third single in her seven year long music career.

Oreeb sings to accomplish her dreams and haters are not going to stop, she is an artists and she has shown a much, I think she has a genuine talent that will shape her career and influence the music scene locally.
أغنية تصريح حصري - عريب

The Shirtless Wissam Hilal Celebrates Being Single

There are many Arab voices who think they have what it takes to record and release pop songs in English. The latest to join the club is Syrian up and coming Wissam Hilal. He made the move to Lebanon and it seems to have a great impact on his career and his choices.


While in Lebanon, most music exes thought he has the ability to change the landscape of commercial English pop music in the Middle East. He now lives in Dubai  a city so hungry for fresh and new ideas  among them is no doubt Wissam Hilal. His debut came in 2008 with the release of his 'You Belong To Me' album. The album contained 8 original tracks (pop/rock) and was released locally in Syria and Lebanon and was well received.

Upon graduating from college with a degree in English literature, Wissam made the move to Dubai where he began recording tracks for the album, working with acclaimed Lebanese talents and Hollywood bound entertainers. While the album is being recorded, 6 tracks are not ready, among them the song you will see below "Single" that continues to draw success even before its official release. The music video for "Single" was filmed in Dubai.
And if that's not enough, Wissam has already collaborated with  "Miss Intercontinental" pop singer Nancy Afyouni to record the new smash hit "Got Them Dancing". Here's what I think about Single, I think it has great production, Wissam has the look and persona. He is certainly has a sense of style even with his shades. Like most pop songs, it's hard to tell the quality of the vocal performance. If you hate this track, it;s because you are really not a big fan of pop music not because Wissam is missing something .

I like how Wissam has turned a negative term--single into something hot again. I think Wissam has a skill he is already putting to a good use. What comes next is really important. Focus on the Middle East (clubs, colleges and concerts), and once you build the fan base, look abroad.

Wissam Hilal - Single

Listen: Latifa New Single اغنية لطيفة - أسمر | جديد 2013

Rookies are not the only ones making songs in Khaliji songs, but other more seasoned entertainers are joining the ranks. Tunisian songstress and icon is out with a radio version of her new single. A song where she is singing to the tanned colored boy toy.

Latifa's heart is in the right place. I know for sure Palestine, Iraq, Syria and Egypt are on her mind. She has always been a proud Tunisian, but it seems she has no plans to go home anytime soon. I know she continues to make media appearances and interviews. She is an icon who has many hits throughout her career. Trouble is, the last good song she recorded was about five years ago.

Latifa has her fans, I was once, I am waiting for her to dazzle me once again. Her new single did not have people like me on her mind when she recorded this random mediocre song.    

اغنية لطيفة - اسمر | نسخة راديو


اغنية لطيفة - أسمر | جديد 2013

Amjad Rahhal, The Voice's Star

A Syrian living in Dubai who can rock! Amjad Rahhal is appearing on the voice right now and as a Syrian and a singer, he has all the right equipment for classic Arabic songs. He is a family man and he sounds like a guy you would want to give him a shot, to sing not to have a fashion show.

Checkout the audio clip below for one of his fine songs,, the guy got soul. And the female "Fatin Sidawy" voice with him can carry her high notes and stand toe to toe with this talented wholesome entertainer. If you like the song, you will also be pleased to know Amjad has composed it as a master Oud player not only does he sing but he also comes up with some fascinating compositions.

Amjad rahhalأمجد رحال خبرني يا طير .flv

Mehad Hamad, The Traditional Arabic Music Purist

If you want a purist singer who does Gulf style Arabic songs, then you have landed in the right place. His name is Mehad Hamad, a local singer from the United Arab Emirates who does nothing new or invented. He just works with melodies and instruments that has been available for decades.

While most new singers and composers in the region rush to incorporate Latin and Indian melodies unto the local Gulf music scene. Mehad goes back in time and brings back some of the old themes with a fresh twist.

Mehad is not an A list outside the local music scene  but those who know him, love and cherish his songs. I have come to like his voice and old Bedouin style, I love the old Arabic he uses, it makes me think I am living in another time. His chorus keeps the song relevant and exciting while he preserves the traditional both musically stylishly.

This is his Eid song where he states he is in need for the Eid--time of celebration. You will appreciate the lute   
أغنية محتاج للعيد - ميحد حمد

Download: Fayez Al Said 2013 Colorful Album البوم فايز السعيد - صاروخ

The most popular and the busiest composer in the Arab World--Fayez Al Saeed is out with a new album--the one with 17 tracks. He has his own studio, lots of money from all those high rolling singers in the Gulf who ask him for music.He comes from a good family and he seems to be popular with Arab stars in the East and the West. While most stars are holding back from releasing new material, Fayez goes full speed with a full album that gives each and every one in Arabia something to cherish.

As a singer though he is somewhere between dance go lucky songs and funny lines commenting on everyday life like  being stock in the traffic. His music is always loud and clear, but it does not feel fresh every time. He does songs for the young men and women of the Gulf. I feel he is not trying to be another Mohammed Al Mazzim. He wants people to tune in to his local music.

I respect that, but I have a feeling some might not approve of his cool antics. I find them refreshing and keep the Gulf music interesting. However,I know some might find the bests dated or stereotypical for Khaliji music. The interesting thing fact, Fayez writs music for poetic and romantic songs, but when it comes to his own songs they are less romantic and more dancey. Look at the title of his album "The Rocket", which is a slang for a gorgeous woman I am guessing. In 60 Geneh he is teasing the Egyptians listeners to see how it goes--he is going Egyptian dialect in a song about bad habits and making the right call.

At least on this album Fayez tries his luck with Iraqi style songs and think he is no different performing this style that the local Iraqi artists. I do have to confess, his track "Maqamat" makes me feel interested in that serious musical side of Fayez--he is capable of so much. He makes his music like he is still living in the old desert with falcons and horses running around.

I give this album an A for variety, excitement and volume not to forget the top notch production value. I hope you enjoy Fayez'a hard work.

01 - Al3emara
02 - Bent El Lazina
03 - ElSara7a
04 - Sarokh
05 - Hallo 3eny
06 - Sama3ny Soutak
07 - Fas Mal7
08 - Regly 3la Reglak
09 - Barra Barra
10 - Heeh
11 - Lam Lam
12 - Daq Hewa
13 - Maqamat
14 - La Barek
15 - Many Fady
16 - 60 Geneh
17 - Mafeny Ella Elkher

‫اغنية فايز السعيد - صاروخ | النسخة الاصلية | 2013‬