DJ Sotusura Releases Beat Tape inspired by Arabic Samples

Sotusura is a Jordanian Dj/Producer/Radio Host and someone who has been supporting Arabic Hip-Hop for a while. I've always been a fan of his use of "Arabic Samples" and finally the day came where he dropped his OWN BEAT TAPE entitled "SALEH AL ALHAN" inspired all by Arabic Sampling... 

I caught up with him for a one-one-one chat, check out his album LIVE now on Soundcloud

RE-VOLT: Saleh Alalhan, your latest album that consists of Arab Sampling, How did the title come around? 

Sotusura: At first i thought its "Sane3 Al Alhan" . :) hahaha I actually thought of calling it Sane3 Al Al7an but that didn't sound right in many ways, I always found it interesting how Arabic names unlike in other languages have actual meanings to them, names such as Steve or Frank don't have meanings, Saleh has multiple meanings in Arabic, righteous but also good or valid... and Alhanan means melodies. 


RE-VOLT:.How long did it take you to put this together? and what was the process of gathering out the Samples?

Sotusura: I learned to DJ on vinyl in 2001, so my record collecting and sample gathering started then, when it comes to Arabic records, i started collecting them slowly since 2006-2007. The album itself from scratch took a bit less than a year of madness to finish, from the music to the artwork, mastering, getting it on all platforms online.

RE-VOLT: You've always been heavy on playing samples, is that what made you get into production? 

Sotusura: Yea of course, that and the fact that i've always been heavily into hiphop as well so i started producing on and off a long time ago on fruity loops but didn't like it much and always wanted to mess with it, never got the chance to get an MPC or to even be around one to learn on it which was a dream, but when NI dropped the Machine, it was exactly what i needed.

RE-VOLT: How is the feedback on the album so far? 

Sotusura: So far the feedback is great,I have a few people that approached me to rap to those beats so i also want to take this time to make it clear, other than for people who enjoy just listening to the music, there are rappers and singers out there who would like to write to those tracks, be my guest.

RE-VOLT: What were the challenges that faced you putting this album together? I know you had a crowd funding campaign, which I salute you for, its an album for the people by the people. 

Sotusura: Yes, the crowdfunding was going on during the month of December and I want to take this opportunity here to thank everyone that has funded this project, Im glad you guys made this happen and hope you enjoy the outcome as well. The main challenges is trying to meet deadlines, but its only by giving myself deadlines that i was able to make it happen, even if things got postponed a bit, thats things I learner from this release and will help me better in the future when I plan releases as far a challenges since the album dropped spreading the music outside of my direct circle is what I find the harder, making it and releasing it is one thing, pushing it once it is out is another game of its own... 

RE-VOLT: Very hard question i know, but what are your fav tracks on this?

Sotusura: Hahaha, yea thats not an easy one, i think i like different tracks at different times, the 1st 2tracks Sahi Al Nayem & Bel Fai,and the last 2 tracks Down and Wallz are more chilled and like them at the right times, I like Belbalad and Riding but think they will be even better if i got some mc's on them. Other than those i would say Darkning is one of my favorite, but if i just had to name one i think i would go with Gasdara. 

RE-VOLT:  Whats next for you? what are you planning for the rest of the year? 

Sotusura: Well before the year ends, I'm trying to finish and drop 2 more Ep's, instrumentals as well, on a vibe close to Saleh Alalhan... And hopefully doing more shows in and out the region...

BU KOLTHOUM DROPS A NEW SONG "OMEGA"

Syrian Rapper Bu Kolthoum dropped a new song couple of days ago entitled "OMEGA" and he seems to be also attaching the name "Bo'Bo" - Looking forward to what the future holds for this incredible talent - Check out the song below 

THE BEAT DXB Interviews Narcy // VIDEO

Narcy performing in THE BEAT DXB - Dubai - Mar 13 - Pic by Waleed Shah 

Just before his show in Dubai, we sat down with the man himself, Iraqi/Canadian Artist "Narcy" and get to know the artist behind the amazing music, we dive into his beginnings , his passion for Hip-Hop, his latest album "SpaceTime" and whats next for him.

The show also featured Dj Lethal Skillz, Layla Kardan and Moh Flow. 

THE BEAT DXB PRESENTS: NARCY LIVE IN DUBAI !!

THE BEAT is a series of events curated by Saudi radio host and blogger Big Hass, all in the aim to support local and regional rising music artists by creating opportunities for them to perform live. What started as an underground event in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) in 2013 has now been marked by the DXB stamp, as Big Hass tries to nourish the independent music scene through private live events. 

In less than a year, two Dubai editions of THE BEAT have already been successfully accomplished, bringing a new flair to the local music scene. 

It is time to crank up the volume for a third edition and bring in a prominent talent from the indie international hip-hop scene, alongside some artists from Dubai, who will be opening for the main act. 

For The BEAT DXB vol iii lineup, Big Hass is inviting one of his heroes, Canadian-Iraqi artist Narcy to showcase exclusively his new album "Space Time" LIVE in Dubai. Multimedia and merging East and West are trademarks in Narcy’s way of presenting his art; in this performance, he will be giving his audience a visual and auditory glimpse on what “Space Time” means to him on personal, cultural and philosophical level. 

Joining him will be Lebanese Dj/Turntablist Dj Lethal Skillz, a music pioneer and the undisputed champion in the genre of Turntablism, fusing hip-hop and oriental Arabian streams. 

Opening acts will also include soulful voice and fashion enthusiast Layla Kardan, and Moh Flow, who is one of the first artists who supported The Beat from its humble beginnings in Saudi Arabia. 


The event will occur on Wednesday March 13, 2019 
Event is powered by G-Shock Middle-East 
Doors will open at 7:00 PM and the show will start at 8:00 PM. Venue: The Fridge, Alserkal Avenue Tickets are available online and the door at 20 AED/Person #TheBeatDXB

20 Arab Female Artists To Look Out For !!

I've always been vocal about showing love and support to Arab Female Artists, so I just wanted to compile few artists that I believe you need to look out for, below is the list:-
** feel free to share with me few names @ thebeatdxb@gmail.com

Shébani, Reem Ekay, Fafa & Ghaliaa

• Shébani: This Iraqi Dubai Based Singer/Songwriter is a hard worker. Her song-writing skills is something that I totally respect. In Aug '16, she released her first EP entitled "Alter Ego" produced by RAYAN, and then she started releasing singles & collaborations with few artists in the UAE. She's truly unique and has a great vibe about her.

• Reem Ekay: Architect, Singer/Songwriter based in Dubai. R&B vibes with some incredible songwriting. She released her first EP in Dec 2018 produced by AY. She mainly performs in English and I hope someday I see her on a "Sudanese themed" beat because she will kill that..

 

• FAFA: Emirati Singer/Songwriter. Soul/R&B are her vibes. Her strongest qualities are her powerful voice and stage presence. Fafa will pull you in her world. Her live performance is something you wouldn't want to miss. She just dropped her first original song entitled "Running (Can't Stope Me)" and one can see that she's born to do this! We need more singles from this one this year!

• GHALIAA: The first time I heard Ghaliaa, I had goosebumps.. Syrian Singer/Songwriter. What I love about her is that she was able to fight stereotypes by using the fact that she's veiled as a source of inspiration for other women. She has released few singles and is on a mission to release an EP very soon. She plays the Guitar, The Oud, Keyboard and performs in English, French & Arabic. 

Mougleta, TamTam, Dounia, ROTANA

• MOUGLETA: Lebanese Singer/Songwriter and simply incredible performer. Her voice is truly unique and at a very young age, she was able to capture the hearts of so many that have heard her. She's currently in Germany pursuing music professionally and I expect big things from her in 2019!

• TAMTAM: Saudi Singer, based in LA (USA). She has one EP & one full album under her belt. She uses her music to also discuss few social topics which I totally respect. 

• DOUNIA: Moroccan - American artist. She's signed to EMPIRE which is an American distribution company and record label founded in 2010 by Ghazi Shami. Catch a vibe with Dounia, I personally would love to hear more "Moroccan Themed" instrumentals with her voice on those records! She Dope!

• ROTANA: Saudi Artist based in the USA. She's vocal about women empowerment and always fighting stereotypes through her music because of perceptions some people might have about Saudi women. Would love to see more work from ROTANA this year and also a collaboration with an Arab Hip-Hop Artist!  

Tina Yamout, MANAL, ABIR & Dina El Wedidi 

• TINA YAMOUT: Lebanese Singer/Songwriter. Tina has succeeded in paving her own way through the Lebanese Music scene and finding her own voice without confirming to your typical "mainstream" melodies. She's bilingual (English & Arabic), but currently she's focusing on Arabic lyrics. I vibe with Tina and I wish her the best, she's humble and has a vision to reach high places. 

• MANAL : Defies misogyny in every aspect. This Moroccan Singer/Songwriter has taken the MENA region by storm with her fierce yet simply lyrics. Her videos showcase the true talent and vibe of where she comes from. She's truly passionate. She's signed to SONY Music. she embodies the future of women in her country by inspiring them and encouraging them to believe in themselves. Her releases so far has been in Arabic & French!

• ABIR : Moroccan Artist based in USA. I feel the two next years will be huge for her. I am looking forward for her to include more Arabic influencers in her music weather its the beats, the vibe, the culture. Check out her vibe!!

• DINA EL-WEDIDI : Egyptian Singer. She is what I call the voice! her vocal chords are incredible. There is this one song of her when she performed on "Bassem Yousef's Show", called "El Haram" - that automatically made me a fan. I feel she blends the Egyptian Authentic culture with the modern vibes 

Gaidaa, Hana Malhas, Yasmine Hamdan & Lolo Zouaï

• GAIDAA : Sudanese Singer. She's based in Holland. You will quickly be drawn to her vibe. I can't wait to see what she has for us in 2019. 

• HANA MALHAS : Singer-songwriter from Jordan. Her vibe is electro-acoustic pop. She is also the founder of a series called "Bala Feesh" which is a series of events aimed to support artists by having them perform LIVE. 

• Yasmine Hamdan : Lebanese singer, songwriter and actress, now based in Paris. She became known with Soapkills, the duo she founded with Zeid Hamdan while she was still living in Beirut, Lebanon. She's an OG of the underground/indie movement in Arabia. She's someone who was able to change misconception about the Arab region because she gets a lot of gigs in Europe and people are always drawn to her music & performance. Her live performance is NOT TO BE MISSED! She performs mainly in Arabic.

• Lolo Zouaï : Algerian-French. I recently discovered her and want to get to know her music but she drew me in with her below song. I believe she uses her music to deliver a message and even though its R&B, I don't think all of it is all about love. I personally want to see her also reflect on her Algerian/Arab background. That would be so cool to see with her kind of talent !

Malak El Husseiny, Rosegold, Emaan Zadjali & Lea Makhoul 

• Malak El Husseiny  : Egyptian Based Singer/Songwriter who is just driven by art. I hope we see more original music from her as I think that her music is untapped and just waiting to be discovered even more. 

• Rosegold  : When I first found out about Palestinian-Canadian producer Rosegold, I was extremely happy to see a female music producer from the region. I then discovered that she also has a great voice which for me is also incredible and its a no-brainer not to feature talent like that on Re-Volt. Check her out here in a collaboration with MVRS. 

• Emaan Zadjali  : Omani/American Singer/Songwriter. Her vibe is a contemporary R&B sound, as well as some new age funk. I look forward to more music in 2019 !

• Lea Makhoul  : Lebanese/French Singer that carries out feel-good pop music, sweet personality. I believe she's still searching for her sound and with the help of Universal MENA, I believe she will be able to accomplish that.

Honorary Mentions:

Jana Diab 

• Jana Diab: She is the daughter of legendary Egyptian Singer Amr Diab. Her voice is truly out of this world and leaves me wondering what the future could hold for this sensation. Below is an original, I hope she drops more very soon. She's so so good! 

RE-VOLT PARTNERS UP WITH STEP 2019 !!

We’re excited to announce that we have partnered with STEP 2019! The tech festival is taking place on February 13-14th at Dubai Internet City and we’d like to invite you to attend and participate.

Startups, entrepreneurs, investors, digital enthusiasts, and our entire community are Coming Home to STEP with 300 startups showcasing across Fintech, Digital Media, AI, Transport, E-commerce and more at 4 conferences: STEP Start, STEP Digital, STEP X, and STEP Money.

All you need to do is apply through this link.

STEP has and will always be:

• Home to the best startup founders and investors in MENA
• Home to creatives, digital enthusiasts, and the wild at heart
• A genuine experience full of energy
• Putting the community first Startups across tech, finance, digital, health and a wide range of industries will be showcasing at the Startup Basecamp and will even get a chance to participate at the STEP Pitch Competition.

ABIR - Young & Rude

Originally from Morocco, ABIR is definitley making waves.. check her out