Top 10 Best Moroccan Rappers
of All Time
Data for this top 10 list was meticulously gathered,
analyzed, and curated by L7ma9 Reaction.
TOP 10
Best Moroccan Rappers of All Time
Data for this top 10 list was meticulously gathered,
analyzed, and curated by L7ma9 Reaction.
Published on 30/Dec/2024
Our Methodology:
To establish a new standard of credibility for ranking Morocco’s Top 10 Rappers, Rap Albums and Rap Beefs from the 1990s up to the close of 2024, we moved beyond traditional critic-driven lists. Instead, we directly consulted the heart of the scene: over 300 active rappers, producers, industry experts, and critics. Crucially, voters were not informed of the survey's ranking purpose during outreach, ensuring genuine, unbiased opinions. Yes, a blind survey!
Our panel embodies the full spectrum of Moroccan rap:
To capture the true essence and evolution of Moroccan rap, our voting panel was meticulously curated to represent the genre's full spectrum. We engaged artists spanning every generation – from pioneers who shaped the scene to the most dynamic emerging voices defining its future. The panel intentionally includes key industry roles: lyricists, topliners, beatmakers, critics, and artist managers, ensuring every creative perspective informs the rankings.
Crucially, this diversity extends to identity, expression and geography. Our voters reflect Morocco's rich tapestry, encompassing male and female rappers, artists performing in Arabic, Tamazight, French, English, and linguistic blends, and representing major rap hubs and scenes across the nation, including Casablanca, Sale, Meknes, Tangier, Marrakech, Oujda, and beyond. We are particularly honored to include rappers with disabilities, underscoring our commitment to genuine inclusivity within the community.
Furthermore, the panel represents the vast stylistic range of Moroccan rap – from the conscious lyricism of boom-bap and the gritty narratives of drill to the pulsating beats of trap and innovative sounds of alternative rap – featuring both massively established artists and rising stars gaining significant influence.
This comprehensive representation across generations, roles, identities, languages, regions, and subgenres was fundamental to our goal: delivering rankings that authentically reflect the breadth and depth of the Moroccan rap landscape, free from bias towards any single style, era, or location.
Nab Fake
Mentions
Nab Fake (Tarik, August 12, 1994 – December 21, 2024) embodied the purest essence of hip-hop: unfiltered authenticity in a world of facades. This Rabat legend, whose name defiantly reclaimed "fake" in a scene often preoccupied with "realness," chronicled street life with poetic intensity. As the founder of the influential Fake Gang collective (which included prominent members like Kira7, 3blis, and M3ks), he cultivated a distinct underground identity.
Born from the concrete struggles of Rabat-Salé, Nab Fake transformed street wisdom into lyrical philosophy. Despite minimal formal education, his rare interviews revealed a striking introspection, and peers often noted his light-hearted wisdom amidst darker themes. Tracks like "Orca" and his narratives, drawn directly from lived experiences, established him as "the face of Moroccan underground rap"—a title earned not through streaming numbers, but by giving voice to the unheard. His signature credo, "Koulchi Dyal Allah" (Everything Belongs to God), now serves as his epitaph: a humble mantra from an artist who never compromised his integrity.
As tributes poured in from Moroccan artists like Dizzy DROS and Draganov, and from grieving fans nationwide, the industry mourned more than just a rapper; it lost a guiding compass. Nab Fake's battle with cancer ended in December 2024, but his legacy continues to fuel the underground's eternal flame.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans. May his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
Notable Works:
Nab (As Sean J, 2016)
Poclain (2020)
Orca (2022)
Free Mami (Ft. Furelise, 2023)
Madd
Mentions
Madd (Mehdi Ribati, b. 1995) is a genre-fluid artist who seamlessly weaves trap, R&B, and other influences into his music. He often experiments with alternative beats, effortlessly moving between singing and rapping, showcasing a versatile artistry driven by passion and skill. He burst onto the scene in 2017 with his viral track "3310," which contributed greatly to local trap music by seamlessly blending it with hypnotic Moroccan rhythms. A core member of the influential NAAR collective, Madd has been instrumental in exporting Moroccan soundscapes globally through collaborations like "Money Call" (with Shobee and Laylow) and extensive European tours.
His debut album Black Rose (2020) is a standout example of cross-continental artistry, and is ranked among our Top 10 Moroccan Albums in history. It bravely fuses R&B vulnerability with trap grit, mirroring a "tumultuous love affair" in sonic form. Tracks like "Karma," "Ey Ey Ey," and "40 Degrees" showcase his signature alchemy: raw lyricism dissecting social injustice, wrapped in addictive, culture-forward production of exceptionally high quality, something few in Morocco can match. His ColorsxStudios performance and introspective 2022 singles like "Dexter" and "N" prove why he's one of the prominent voices of Moroccan hip hop.
Notable Projects:
Studio Albums
Black Rose (2020)
Sensus (2024)
EPs/Mixtapes with Tange
EXTASE (as Xacto, 2016)
Popular Songs/Music Videos
Ey Ey Ey (2018)
Karma (2019)
Expensive (2024)
Stormy
Mentions
Stormy (Yasser El Malih, b. 1997) is a Rabat-born artist who consistently redefines musical trends. Starting as a fan of metal bands like Slipknot and Slayer, he transitioned to follow in the footsteps of hip-hop giants such as Nas and Jay-Z. While his early career from 2016 to 2020 saw limited recognition, Stormy has been on a steady rise since 2020. That year marked a turning point with seven hit songs—"777," "RRR3D," "Bellar," "ATM," "Si tu Savais" (with Anys), "Africain," and "OU TT" (with Draganov), followed by his collaborative album the Jackpot with Tagne (2021) significantly boosted his profile.
Beyond his catchy hooks and melodic verses, Stormy is a dedicated wordsmith. He believes that "Lyrics give music longevity," a philosophy evident in his quotable bars that have seeped into everyday Moroccan slang, often masked under auto-tune. His debut solo studio album, Iceberg (2024), ignited a cultural phenomenon and is ranked among Morocco's 10 Best Rap Albums by our industry panel. The album features the Brazilian funk-infused megahit "Popo," which garnered over 50 million YouTube views. "Popo" became a national summer anthem and was featured in a Moroccan telecom campaign (Inwi) starring Achraf Hakimi, solidifying Stormy's position as a major commercial force in rap.
Notable Projects:
Studio Albums
Jackpot (with Tagne, 2021)
ICEBERG (2023)
Popular Songs/Music Videos
Africain (2020)
Omri Ana (Ft. Tagne, 2021)
Badi 7efyan (2022)
Popo (2024)
Shobee
Mentions
Shobee (Chouaib Ribati, b. 1991), originally from Safi, has been a significant force in shaping Moroccan music for over a decade. He first gained prominence as one half of Shayfeen, a pivotal duo whose mixtapes like Energie (2012) and anthems such as "Would Asfi Boss" and "Ghayb9aw Jouj" helped launch Moroccan rap onto the international stage. After Shayfeen, and following his involvement with the impactful NAAR collective for their Safar album (2019), Shobee transitioned into a solo artist in 2021, co-founding the record label War Entertainment with his manager and long-time collaborator, Mohamed Sqalli.
His solo career effectively merges local influences with global aspirations. Collaborations with French artists like Lomepal ("Ciel") and with Madd x Laylow ("Money Call") have accumulated millions of streams. His debut solo album, HOWLS (2023), has been ranked among Morocco's 10 Greatest Rap Albums by our industry panel, marking a critical peak in his career. Tracks such as "Power" (making him the first Moroccan rapper featured on ColorsxStudios) and "Tcha Ra" exemplify his distinctive style of introspective lyricism combined with atmospheric production.
Notable Projects:
Studio Albums
HOWLS (2023)
EPs/Mixtapes with Small X
L’Energie (As Shayfeen, 2012)
07 (As Shayfeen, 2016)
Popular Songs/Music Videos
Ghayb9aw Jouj (as Shayfeen, 2014)
7it 3arfini (as Shayfeen, 2016)
Money Call (ft. Madd x Laylow, 2018)
Power (2023)
Don Bigg
Mentions
Don Bigg (Taoufiq Hazeb, b. 1983) is a cultural institution in Moroccan hip-hop. Emerging from Casablanca in the early 2000s, Bigg pioneered socially conscious rap in Darija, a strategic shift from English on the advice of collaborator Masta Flow to ensure his message connected with all Moroccans. His sharp lyricism fearlessly addresses corruption, inequality, and national identity, earning him the moniker "L’khaser" (The Provoker). He stands out as one of the very few from the second generation of Moroccan rappers (early 2000s) who remains highly relevant today, consistently matching the new generation in flows, beats, and contemporary themes.
With four influential studio albums—a rare achievement in Morocco’s music scene—Bigg’s discography is foundational. Two of these albums are widely regarded as all-time classics, including "Mgharba Tal Moute" (Moroccans Until Death, 2006), which topped our industry-voted ranking of Morocco’s 10 Greatest Rap Albums. Tracks like "170 Kg" (2016) spark a generational debate with 7liwa, Dizzy DROS and others. Beyond his music, Don Bigg actively supports new talent and mobilizes prominent figures for social causes, such as Renault Maroc’s road safety campaign "Kafana Soukout." Don Bigg embodies rap’s power to provoke, challenge, and unify.
Notable Projects:
Studio Albums
Mgharba Tal Moute (2006)
Byad Ou K7al (2009)
Talet (2015)
4in (2023)
EPs/Mixtapes
Byad Ou K7al Mixtape (2013)
Popular Songs/Music Videos
Al Khouf (2006)
Itoub (2009)
Mabghitch (2012)
170KG (2016)
Fat Mizzo
Mentions
Fat Mizzo (Hamza, b. 1991), originally from Rabat, maintains a private profile, yet his influence is substantial in Moroccan rap. His dedication to raw lyricism began at an early age, inspired by U.S. legends like Mobb Deep and Biggie, and was honed in Rabat's underground scene. His independent approach led to the creation of impactful tracks like "Dunk" (2012), which expertly combined “Americanized” boom-bap grit with perfect Darija delivery. Mizzo's unique approach involves a calculated absence from the public eye, with no interviews or livestreams, often releasing just one meticulously crafted song per year.
Tracks such as "Kan Drik" (2019), "Raiden" (2020), and "Kurt" (2021) showcase his ability to transcend eras, layering intricate flows over minimalist beats to explore themes of braggadocio, loss, and societal issues. His music is known for its heavy punchlines, clever wordplay, and frequent references to American culture, demonstrating a deep understanding and mastery of his craft. Though he has never released a full project (album, EP, or mixtape), his consistent delivery of high-quality, authentic hip-hop has earned him immense respect within the rap community, leading to his ranking as 5th on this list.
Notable Projects:
Popular Songs/Music Videos
Dunk (2012)
L’Bzeem (2015)
Kan Drik (2019)
MTV Cribs (2024)
7Liwa
Mentions
7liwa (Ihab Ikbal, b. 1996) is a transformative figure who significantly reshaped the landscape of Moroccan rap. Emerging from Casablanca in 2012, 7liwa's intense flow, direct lyricism exploring societal issues and personal struggles, and innovative use of auto-tune broke existing conventions. Early tracks like the horror-inspired "Mosi9t Chitan" (2012) and the ten-minute, chorus-less lyrical marathon "Batal L3alam" (2013) demonstrated that Moroccan rap could be both sonically adventurous and deeply poetic. His raw energy and provocative visuals in classics such as "NIK DT" and "Mimi" (each accumulating over 20 million views) brought him national recognition.
7liwa's influence extends to his role in fostering a new generation of artists. As the founder of the Zawa City collective, he directly supported and launched the careers of prominent rappers like ElGrandeToto, Inkonnu, 7ari and Ily, echoing Lil Wayne's impact on global hip-hop, for which we label him “Morocco’s Wayne”. His firm belief in cultural authenticity, encapsulated by his motto "Create in Darija first," helped solidify the dialect's prominence in Moroccan rap. Signing with Sony Music Middle East (2019) and PopArabia/Reservoir (2022) further validated his industry influence. With millions of listeners, 7liwa remains an influential figure upon whom much of modern Moroccan rap is built.
Notable Projects:
Studio Albums
La Street (2019)
Weld Fatima II (2021)
Champion (2024)
EPs/Mixtapes
#WF (2017)
Popular Songs/Music Videos
Batal L3alam (2013)
Nik DT (2016)
Marfoud (2021)
Douwi Douwi (2024)
ElGrandeToto
Mentions
ElGrandeToto (Taha Fahssi, b. 1996) is the most decorated Moroccan hip-hop artist in history, a dominant force in streaming, and a leading global ambassador for the genre. The Casablanca native rose to prominence with his multilingual blend of Darija, French, and English, becoming the most-streamed artist in the MENA region in 2021, 2022, and 2023. His accolades are extensive, including Best Hip-Hop/Rap Artist at the 2020 African Entertainment Awards USA, Most Promising African Artist (2021), and a historic sweep at the 2024 Billboard Arabia Awards, where he received 3 awards: Artist of the Year – Arabic Hip-Hop, Top Male Artist, and Top Song ("Blue Love"). His debut album, Caméléon (2021), was a groundbreaking achievement, landing among Spotify's Top 6 global album debuts—a first for an Arab/Amazigh artist—and earning him a spot on Forbes' list of the Arab world's top music stars. His second album, 27 (2023), replicated this global impact, reaching #3 worldwide, with nearly every track charting in Spotify’s Top 50.
Beyond his streaming success, ElGrandeToto has broken significant barriers. His collaboration on CKay's "Love Nwantiti (Remix)" earned him a diamond certification in France, making him the first Moroccan rapper performing primarily in Darija to achieve this. His sold-out "Twenty-Seven Tour" captivated audiences in major European and Canadian venues, with his album launch featured in Times Square and Toronto's Eaton Center, symbolizing his international reach. While commanding global stages and holding an exclusive deal with Sony Music France's RCA Records, ElGrandeToto maintains his connection to his roots through his music and collaborations with local artists. In May 2024, he further championed new talent as a judge on Morocco's major televised rap competition, JamShow, alongside Dizzy DROS. ElGrandeToto represents the explosive potential and global ambition of modern Moroccan rap.
Notable Projects:
Studio Albums
Cameleon (2021)
27 (2023)
EPs/Mixtapes
Illicit (2018)
SALGOAT (2024)
Popular Songs/Music Videos
Pablo (2017)
Mghayer (2021)
Dellali (2023)
Inkonnu
Mentions
Inkonnu (Ahmed Allali, b. 1990) is a rapper from Casablanca who has become a notable cultural figure, largely shrouded in mystery. Developed within the influential Zawa City collective, as one half of the duo A6 Gang, this self-proclaimed "Alien" is known for his distinctive flows and a captivating fusion of trap futurism with traditional Maghreb soul. His debut album, Arabi (2023), is considered his significant achievement and is ranked among Morocco's 10 Greatest Rap Albums by our industry panel. This album features 12 tracks that blend Darija poetics with guest appearances from Small-X, Hindi Zahra, Iguidr, and Nouvo, combining introspective R&B with sharp lyricism.
Tracks like "Zahri," which has garnered over 50 million views, making it one of the most-watched songs in Moroccan hip-hop, along with "7ali Ya 7ali" and "Hilun," highlight his versatility. He shifts seamlessly between melancholic introspection and confident bravado, all while grounding his music in North African rhythms. Fellow artists like 7liwa describe him as a "phenomenon," and producers like West praise his "revolutionary flows." Despite his impact, Inkonnu avoids the spotlight, shunning interviews and media engagement in favor of artistic focus. This approach has fostered an entire subculture of "Aliens"—young people who identify with his unique and authentic style. From the streets of Casa to global platforms like Safar ("Mardi à Casablanca" with Jok’air), Inkonnu demonstrates that significant artistry can thrive without extensive public explanation.
Notable Projects:
Studio Albums
Arabi (2021)
EPs/Mixtapes
Real Alien (2019)
Popular Songs/Music Videos
Tab3ini V2 (2018)
Zahri (2020)
Chill (2021)
L'Morphine
Mentions
L'Morphine (Mehdi Mouhib, b. 1984) is widely recognized as Moroccan hip-hop's foremost wordsmith. For over two decades, the Salé-born artist has built an extensive catalog of over 200 singles, demonstrating a consistent ability to deliver clever and impactful punchlines. His style is characterized by complex literary arrangements, including extended metaphors, alliteration, and rich symbolism. He's often called the "King of Metaphors" and "L3ami9" (the Deep), referencing the intricate layers of his lyrics that often require careful analysis to fully grasp. His 34-chapter LMorphiniya series stands as a testament to his narrative complexity.
Though active in the underground scene since 2006 as M-Psy, he gained significant mainstream attention around 2020. His discography includes five mixtapes/EPs: Paprika (2011), Total (2013), Ink (2019), Gala (2022), and Yakine (2024). The latter two, Gala and Yakine, notably propelled him from a dedicated niche fanbase to broader recognition, significantly expanding his audience across the country. A respected figure in battle rap, his notable beefs produced iconic diss tracks like "STAN" and "ROUND 3!," showcasing his lyrical prowess. Despite having yet to release a full album—a long-awaited event for fans since 2012—L'Morphine has inspired a whole wave of lyricists, including influential figures like Pause Flow.
Notable Projects:
EPs/Mixtapes
Total (2013)
Ink (2019)
Gala (2022)
Yakine (2024)
Popular Songs/Music Videos
Passe Simple (2012)
Lmorphiniya 34 (2020)
We9tna (2024)
Honorable Mentions
The Architects Who Defined Eras
Mobydick
Mobydick aka Lmoutchou (Younes Taleb, b. 1978) is a foundational figure in Moroccan hip-hop, recognized for his rebellious spirit and unique style often characterized by comedic elements. Since winning Le Boulevard Festival’s Tremplin competition in 2006, the Rabat native has used Darija to articulate the struggles of marginalized communities, creating his iconic "L'Moutchou" persona—a tribute to those "forced to accept society’s hardest tasks." His influential album L'Moutchou Family (2010) became a cultural manifesto, notable for its blend of social realism, detailed storytelling, and a wide range of characters with distinct voices, accents, and personalities. This blend of narrative depth with comedic tones and effects was rarely heard in the scene.
Mobydick is also a pioneering figure in Moroccan hip-hop for his inclusion of anime references, often seen wearing merchandise featuring characters like Luffy from One Piece in his music videos and on stage, showcasing his passion for the series. He founded Adghal Records in 2011, establishing one of the first independent labels in the country to support underground talent, and consistently resisted co-option by mainstream power structures. Tracks such as "Toc Toc," "Mou3ella9ate," and his pointed 7liwa diss track "L'EX D'Fatema" demonstrate his enduring lyrical precision across different eras.
Notable Projects:
Studio Albums
Lmoutchou Family (2010)
EPs/Mixtapes
Dars Khas 9abla L’Album (2009)
Fast Food (2014)
Lmadda Lkham (2016)
Pack De 6 (2021)
Popular Songs/Music Videos
Checkmate (2011)
Ddi Ma T3awed (2013)
Mou3alla9at (2014)
Pause Flow
Pause Flow (Jawad Asradi, b. 1995) is a significant cultural force in Moroccan hip-hop, connecting the nation's ancient heritage with its modern urban landscape. Hailing from the remote Atlas village of Imouzzer Kandar, he transformed the Amazigh oral traditions and poetic "beefs" inherited from his father into sharp sociopolitical rap. Unlike many peers who emulated Western styles, Pause Flow created a distinctive Darija-Tamazight fusion that gave a voice to marginalized highland communities. He became the first artist to elevate rural Atlas artistry onto the national stage without relying on traditional studios or industry channels.
His 2023-2024 trilogy—Metamorphose, ZANDA, and the widely popular "112" (inspired by his wife's hospitalization)—combines his background in sociology with raw mountain storytelling. Tracks such as "Cage" directly challenge authority, condemning political detentions (like that of Omar Radi) and state hypocrisy. "Nostalgia 3" sparked a nationwide discussion by critiquing religious dogma. While he has faced controversy, his core mission remains steadfast: to demonstrate that "mountains can birth world-class art." Pause Flow's philosophy resonates with a diverse audience, from Amazigh youth to urban intellectuals, establishing him as a conscious and political rapper, and a key figure in Morap, the subgenre that proudly incorporates local instruments into hip-hop beats. His pride in having a distinct Moroccan hip-hop genre is evident in his music.
Notable Projects:
EPs/Mixtapes
Solaris (2019)
Metamorphose (2023)
Zanda (2023)
112 (2024)
Popular Songs/Music Videos
Pararap (2017)
Ouroboros (2019)
Lyam (2023)
Nessyou
Nessyou (Youness Taârabt, b. 1987), a purist from Marrakech, offers a timeless approach to hip-hop rooted in boom-bap. Rising from street freestyles, crafting intricate verses rich with Moroccan idioms, social commentary, and poetic depth that require cultural understanding. His ANORMAL EP (2015) and Anxiety project (2024) meticulously dissect societal dilemmas, featuring classic samples and turntablism, akin to a hip-hop archivist.
Trained in zajal (traditional poetry), Nessyou wields Darija with precision. Tracks like "DERB", sampling freestyle "Gibe" display impressive wordplay deeply connected to the streets of Marrakech. His collaborations with established artists such as Don Bigg, L'Morphine, and Shayfeen honor hip-hop's golden era. Nessyou actively rejects auto-tune and "designer rap," affirming his belief that authentic hip-hop resides in classic sounds, not fleeting digital trends. As he states, "Rap’s success isn’t trends, it’s when youth AND elders feel its pulse." In a fast-paced era, Nessyou remains a dedicated guardian of the culture's flame.
Notable Projects:
Studio Albums
ATMSPR (2022)
EPs/Mixtapes
Anormal (2015)
Amdra (2018)
Rap Lkhater (2021)
Popular Songs/Music Videos
Taghawssa (2016)
T9iwtate (2017)
Arwass (2018)
This ranking reflects the collective voice of Moroccan rap itself: 300+ artists, producers, critics, and architects of the culture voting without bias. Every name here carved their legacy through undeniable impact, innovation, and influence. But greatness isn't confined to ten spots. The artists on this list, and many others, have reshaped the scene so profoundly, their impact transcends simple numerical order.
To the Community, to the Culture
Celebrate your favorites and respect this truth: Moroccan rap’s golden age thrives because these artists dared to be timeless. Stay tuned, we’re just getting started.
We invite you to click here to view the list of the 301 voters of our top 10 Moroccan Rappers,
Top 10 Moroccan Rap Albums, and Top 10 Moroccan Rap Beefs.
