My Playlist: Discover the Tracks Inspiring Saudi Hip-Hop Artist Alshaikh
Abdullah Alshaikh, known professionally by his family name, is one of Saudi Arabia’s most exciting new voices in hip-hop. The Jeddah-born artist just released his debut EP, “Karma — The Rise of the Ascent,” on MDLBEAST Records, marking a significant milestone in his emerging career.
What sets Alshaikh apart is his commitment to authenticity. His music draws directly from his lived experience in Jeddah, a sprawling city of roughly 6 million people from countless different cultures and backgrounds. That diversity, he says, informs everything he creates.
“My music is actually a reflection of Jeddah’s people, and their stories,” Alshaikh tells Arab News. “I was raised with many people from different cultures, and that gives you a lot, you know?”
The Songs That Made Him
Every artist is shaped by influences, and Alshaikh is no exception. His musical journey spans Saudi hip-hop legends, regional superstars, and international chart-toppers—each contributing to his artistic identity in different ways.
A childhood memory tied to Al-Ittihad, Saudi Arabia’s biggest football club, connects him to Saleh Al-Garni’s “Ya Maneyati.” His older brother, whom he describes as his superhero, introduced him to Klash’s “Hawari Jeddah,” the pioneering Saudi hip-hop track that first showed him rap could exist in Arabic.
International artists feature prominently too. Drake’s “Nokia” reminds him of a Formula One after-race celebration, while Travis Scott’s “Stargazing” takes him back to carefree high school days. Kendrick Lamar’s meticulous lyricism commands his respect—particularly “Money Trees,” which he credits as the song he wishes he’d written.
Personal and Regional Roots
Alshaikh also draws inspiration from the Khaleeji region’s greatest artists. Rabeh Saqer’s emotional depth and Abadi Al-Johar’s road-trip anthems feature in his rotation. He even confesses a love for Iraqi artist Sabah Mahmoud’s work—music that moves him regardless of genre boundaries.
Most tellingly, Alshaikh’s own song “Al-Jawhara Freestyle” represents what drives him: real storytelling about his city, his people, and his journey. The track name-checks his Sudanese twin managers, their neighborhoods in both Jeddah and Sudan, and his breakout performance at South by Southwest in London.
What’s Next
With “Karma — The Rise of the Ascent” now available, Alshaikh stands at an exciting inflection point in his career. His music represents a new generation of Saudi hip-hop artists who blend local pride with global influences, creating something distinctly their own.
For listeners wanting to understand the emerging Saudi hip-hop scene, Alshaikh’s playlist—and his new EP—offer the perfect entry point.
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