Arab Hip-Hop Pioneer Freek Drops First Cut from Forthcoming New Album

Alright, listen up! UAE hip-hop artist Freek has released a new track with a hard-hitting message. Freek tackles child abuse and mental health issues on new track Kafi. Out now, it’s the first single from his forthcoming album, 150.

Often called the Godfather of the Arabic drill rap scene, Freek is a pioneer of the sound in the region. But the popular rapper drops the tempo and intensity on Kafi to deliver the track’s deep lyrical message. “Kafi is an emotional track based on real-life events that happen in some families every single day,” said Freek. “It tackles the issue of child abuse and mental health issues and how children usually deal with this situation.” Watch the video for Kafi below.

Champion

Of Somalian descent, Freek, aka Mustafa Ismail, was born and raised in Abu Dhabi. Coming up through the ranks, he deliberately ignored advice to rap in English, preferring instead to champion Arabic hip-hop through his native tongue. Not that it’s held him back. Tracks like Wala Kilma and Mush Fadi helped Freek extend his fanbase beyond the Middle East.

After catching the attention of Adidas, Freek wrote a track for the famous sports brand’s 2019 campaign starring Egyptian footballer Mo Salah. Last year, he composed the official track for London-based clothing brand Qasimi’s SS21 collection. On the live front, Freek has performed alongside The Future, Wu-Tang Clan and Gucci Maybe and closed out his own UK tour with a sold-out show in London. Freek’s appearance on Charlie Sloth’s show ‘Fire in The Booth’ also generated an amazing response.

Fans initially expected Freek’s 150 album to drop in January. Now due in May, it’s a little late out the trap. But you know what they say… the best things come to those who wait.

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