What is Arab عlt?

My name is Victoria Silva, and I am a freelance journalist. For the past 7 years I have focused on international politics in the Middle East and Africa. But I have a secret passion. I have been a devoted rap listener for the past 20 years. Beyond the risk of not being taken seriously, I need to say that rap has been very important in my life. It helped me personally to overcome many bad times and has strongly shaped my personality and way of thinking. In fact, this project aims to discuss this music beyond the stereotypical image of disenfranchised youth and mental immaturity that is constantly associated to it.

I am a journalist, not a musician. Here you are not going to find detailed descriptions of music styles and discussions about the musical quality of different artists. My interest is to dig on the significance that emergent artists have had on a musical scene from a sociological perspective, on how certain songs or albums were fundamental in shaping particular music scenes, on how some rappers are more than artists and are actual actors in their communities and contribute to raise debates about social issues at the national level, etc. You will find many accounts on the rap scene in France and in my newly found passion for Middle Eastern rap, but I will also pay attention to other countries, scenes, and genres.

If you have curiosity or just want to start your journey towards alternative arab music culture, stay with me!