- March 14, 2025
- Reading time : 15min
- March 14, 2025
- Reading time : 15min
3azzy 3ando Stylo Review:
American West Coast Meets Moroccan Excellence
- Writer: Moujahid Ben Tarki
- Data Curator: L7ma9 Reaction
Introduction: Influences of Dizzy DROS’s 3azzy 3ando Stylo
In the dynamic realm of Moroccan rap, few albums transcend their era to become cultural landmarks that redefine the genre’s trajectory. Dizzy DROS’s debut album 3azzy 3ando Stylo (33S), released in 2013, stands as one such timeless work—a fusion of artistry and innovation that continues to resonate over a decade later.
What makes 3azzy 3ando Stylo particularly remarkable is its release during a time when the Moroccan music industry was struggling. Dizzy’s inspirations from West Coast rap legends like The Game, Ice Cube and Nate Dogg are evident throughout the album. As Cee-G, a well-grounded music producer, notes, “DROS seems to be inspired by late 90s and early 2000s West Coast rappers.” Adding that Dizzy mastered it to a degree that he “popularized the sound of the West Coast in Morocco.”
While other artists laid the groundwork like M-Doc, a pioneer of the style, and Mr. Danger, who contributed to its rise, Dizzy DROS was the defining figure who brought the sound to the mainstream, cementing its place in Moroccan hip-hop history.
In 2024, DimaTOP Magazine undertook an exhaustive survey, polling over 300 Moroccan rappers, producers, and critics to rank the nation’s most influential artists and albums. The results were unequivocal: 3azzy 3ando Stylo claimed the #2 spot, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of Moroccan hip-hop.
Panel & Methodology: How We Rate the Album
To dissect the album’s enduring appeal, we assembled a panel of 34 music experts, spanning rappers of diverse styles and generations, producers, critics and industry professionals. With ages ranging from 18 to over 40 (the majority between 20–39).
Their verdict?
A 8.2/10 Earning the album our prestigious “TOP” rating for Artistic Excellence & Cultural Impact.
To maintain objectivity and prevent deeply-rooted biases, our panel undergoes a monthly rotation, bringing in fresh perspectives with each cycle. For this particular review, the panel consisted of:
- Rappers & Artists: 777atim, Amir L9wafi, Aymane Haqqi, Damost, Danny East, Diib, Libre Man, Lkaryanist, Ketamina, Young Loun, YP, Zeronin.
- Producers & Engineers: 88Young, Acherkiy, Al Amin, Aya, Cee-G, Dj Sim-H, Ghosty, Hackler, Idrissi, Khazzi, Jonah, Masta Dn, Nauk, Teaslax, Teekay, Zuher.
- Music Critics: Bennou16, El Moussa, Mehdi Scoot, Mobedek.
- Industry Professionals: Mr. Shadow, Youssef Iraqi (Artist Manager of 21Tach).
The Verdict: Breaking Down the Album’s Strengths
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradise
Lyricism : 3.85/5
Flow and Delivery : 4.32/5
Production : 4/5
Coherence :4.12/5
Impact and Influence : 4.26/5
Overal Score
NOTE: About 59% of participants revisited the album specifically for this review, reaffirming its magnetic pull, while the remaining 41% evaluated the album based on their existing knowledge and long-term impressions with the work.
1. Lyricism: Raw Storytelling Meets Cultural Resonance
With a lyrical score of 3.85/5, Dizzy DROS’s 3azzy 3ando Stylo delivers a potent mix of personal reflection and social commentary. The album’s themes range from street life and ambition to generational divides and societal critiques. Al Amin, a renowed music producer, notes that DROS “used complex techniques that gave the lyrics more depth, style, and meaning. Some songs were catchy and clear, while others did a great job of illustrating deep, real emotions.” Tracks like Ta7ad Ma3arf and Sa3tk Salat stand out for their storytelling, with Dizzy painting vivid pictures of his experiences and struggles.
In Ta7ad Ma3arf, DROS reflects on the challenges of rapping and pushing the West Coast sound in Morocco, rapping:
“What’s wrong with ‘em? Bringing this garbage from over there when it’s not theirs?” (referring to critics questioning his adoption of an American sound).
He continues,
“No one knows how deep we sank in this struggle.”
The verse takes a poignant turn as he addresses himself:
“Wake up, 3azzy, you’ve been daydreaming at the Up In Smoke Tour.” (a nod to the iconic West Coast hip-hop tour).
He concludes with a powerful reflection on his journey:
“No one was with us when we paved the way, 3azzy.
No one gave us water when our throats were dry, 3azzy.”
Idrissi, an established music producer, echoes this sentiment, stating, “Writing-wise, 3azzy 3ando Stylo is going to remain one of the top albums in Moroccan history.” Aymane Haqqi, a lyricist rapper, lauds the “catchy hooks” and “good storytelling” that anchored its appeal. Ultimately, the panel agreed: 3azzy 3ando Stylo succeeded through its unfiltered portrayal of Moroccan life—struggles, ambitions, and street culture rendered vivid through DROS’s lens.
However, not all experts were fully convinced. Bennou16, an insightful music critic, argues, “The album had few punchlines, and the writing techniques were limited, except for the frequent use of anaphora. The rhyme scheme was basic, lacking complex or internal rhymes.”
Another panelist* observes, “Dizzy tackles a number of complex themes and topics and doesn’t shy away from being critical of the environment he’s been raised in. There’s plenty of moments in the album where it feels like he’s speaking for a generation.”
The use of Moroccan Darija further elevated the album’s appeal. Jonah, an acclamied music producer and FL Studio Trainer, highlights how “the use of Moroccan slang and cultural references made it a classic and a legacy for the Moroccan rap scene.” This linguistic authenticity allowed Dizzy to connect deeply with his audience. Young Loun, a notable rapper, adds, “Omar with his distinctive language and slang, successfully blended underground and commercial elements in his music and lyrics.” This blend of accessibility and authenticity is a key factor in the album’s enduring popularity.
2. Flow & Delivery: Dynamic, Aggressive, and Smooth
Earning a flow score of 4.32/5, Dizzy’s delivery on 3azzy 3ando Stylo is a masterclass in versatility, effortlessly transitioning between aggressive and smooth cadences, showcasing his rhythmic precision and dynamic energy. Dj Sim-H, a seasoned DJ and a collaborator on the album, states, “The album blends technical flow and writing, and adapts well to various types of beats.” This adaptability is a testament to Dizzy’s versatility as an artist.
Cee-G adds, “DROS mastered the West Coast sound in his toplines, delivery, voice, and pretty much everything.” This mastery is evident in how Dizzy adapts his flow to the album’s diverse beats, from G-Funk-inspired melodies to boom-bap rhythms. However, some critics* felt the flow lacked complexity, “the delivery and flows are good, but they’re not groundbreaking.”
Despite these critiques, Dizzy’s flow remains a defining feature of the album. As Aya, a prominent female music producer, observes, “The energy and flow, combined with Dros’s raw voice, sometimes sound aggressive [as in the track] Kat3raf T3oum and sometimes smooth [as in the] Outro. This contrast makes you feel what Dros was feeling while recording the songs.”
This emotional depth, paired with technical skill, solidifies Dizzy’s flow as one of the album’s strongest elements.
In Kat3raf T3oum, DROS raps aggressively:
“You wonder why people ain’t vibing,
When you’re dry inside the CD and on stage like a clown?”
Then in Outro, he raps, in a more introspective tone:
I don’t know what to do, I’m still a young kid,
I threw studying behind me
rap made me big, and my family is scared for me.”
As El Moussa, a famed music critic, sums it up, “The album 3azzy 3ando Stylo is one of the best albums in the history of Moroccan rap. The production, flow, energy, delivery, punchlines, and features were all excellent and high quality.” This sentiment is echoed by many. Another expert* reflects on Dizzy’s artistic growth, noting, “In my opinion, this album was like a discovery journey for Dros to explore his talent.” This journey is evident in the album’s bold experimentation and confident execution.
3. Production: West Coast Vibes Meet Moroccan Identity
Scoring 4.00/5 in production, 3azzy 3ando Stylo stands out with its West Coast-inspired beats and Moroccan flair. Al Amin, who produced several tracks on the album, explains, “I used G-Funk and California-inspired vibes, giving each track an exciting touch.” This fusion is particularly evident in tracks like Bouzebbal and Ta7ed Ma Ghay 7bassni, where synths, pianos, and hard-hitting drums create a rich sonic landscape. Aya elaborates on this, stating, “the drums hit both hard and smoothly, striking a balance between rhythm and BPM—from slow to fast—and key choices, alternating between minor and major scales. These elements keep the album far from boring.”
However, not all experts were entirely satisfied. Idrissi critiques the production, stating, “The beats kinda fall flat, like there’s no real depth to them, and everything sounds kinda squashed together.” he adds, “The mixing’s not great either—the drums feel super compressed, which makes the whole thing sound kinda thin. the low end is almost not there at all.”
Nauk, a music producer and audio engineer, offers a balanced perspective: “The album 33S stands out with its excellent production quality, from the instrumentals to the mixing and mastering. The dynamic range is well-controlled” he goes on stating that the album “remains a strong project, especially due to its superior level of polish compared to many current albums, which often struggle with mixing and mastering quality.”
However, he believes 33S “lacks originality, drawing heavily on American rap, with the language and themes being the main differences.” Teekay, an acclaimed music producer and collaborator on the album, provides some context, “West Coast beats in Darija were unheard of, giving the album an American sound.”
Acherkiy, a rapper and audio engineer, comments, “As a sound engineer, I rate the production quality of this album a 10/10 for its time, with a few exceptions.” He explains, “Tracks like 3andak Cha3la had excessively harsh bass, and track 3azzy 3ndo Stylo had a lead synth issue that was too harsh and made it difficult to listen comfortably.” These minor flaws, however, do not detract from the album’s overall sonic excellence, as Acherkiy adds “most tracks had a well-balanced mix, where the vocals and production complemented each other.”
Zuher, a music producer, contrasts that by praising the album’s sound design, stating, “The mix was very well done, you can hear everything in its place, especially the bass, which was given its due.” While Masta Dn, a music producer, along with others like Teaslax, praise the beat selection, noting how it elevated the album’s overall quality. A Panelist* emphasizes the role of producers in shaping the album’s sound, stating, “Without forgetting the great job that Al Amin did on that album, as his production was the core of it.”
4. Coherence: A Unified Vision Across Themes
With a coherence score of 4.12/5, 3azzy 3ando Stylo excels in its seamless flow, as 21 tracks come together to form a cohesive narrative that balances personal storytelling with broader societal themes. Amir L9wafi, a veteran rapper, highlights the second half of the album as particularly strong, stating, “Starting with Sa3tk Salat, the writing, flows, themes, and iconic features come together perfectly.” This sense of unity is further enhanced by the album’s thematic consistency, with Dizzy exploring personal and societal issues throughout.
However, some experts* felt the album’s length was a drawback, “20 tracks are too many; some songs feel like fillers. It would have been better with 14 tracks.” Despite this, the album’s ability to maintain its energy and focus across its runtime is impressive. As others* observe, “The album has homogeneity and quality of sound. It was clear that Dros studied the West Coast sound thoroughly.”
The album’s coherence shines through its recurring themes of street life and personal struggle, vividly illustrated in Dizzy DROS’s lyrics.
In Omar Smity, he reflects on his roots and resilience:
“Casa in my blood, the old city,
5 years of struggle after high school ,
280 months I lived to write this track.”
In 10 Millions, he delves deeper into his connection to the streets:
“I am a product of them streets,
even if my parents never let me walk barefoot.”
And in the title track 3azzy 3ando Stylo, he paints a raw picture of his world:
“Don’t believe me? Come down to Bine Lmdoun,
3azzy doesn’t get along with the police or the beggars,
they’re the same—when they fall, they become crybabies.”
These verses not only tie the album together but also offer a window into Dizzy’s world, blending personal storytelling with broader social commentary.
The features on the album also contribute to its coherence. Zuher praises the selection of guest artists, stating, “The choice of features was well thought out, selecting people who added a touch to the album, like Muslim, who is one of the early pillars of rap.” These collaborations enhance the album’s narrative, making it a well-rounded and immersive experience.
Khazzi, an etablished music producer, adds, “The featured artists were perfectly chosen, creating a cohesive and well-placed sound, particularly the powerful track Lbenj with Shayfeen.” This careful curation of features adds depth and variety to the album.
5. Impact: Shaping Moroccan Hip-Hop
Boasting an impact score of 4.26/5, 3azzy 3ando Stylo not only revitalized the Moroccan rap scene upon its release but also continues to inspire a new generation of artists. Mehdi Scoot, a notable music critic, reflects on the album’s profound impact, stating, “Because of the 33S, I became a real fan of Moroccan rap. I consider the album extraordinary.”
He goes on to emphasize the depth and richness of the project, noting that its complexity is so vast that it would require more than just words to fully capture its essence—perhaps even a video to do it justice
Khazzi highlights the album’s role in energizing the scene, stating, “Moroccan rap at that time needed a project like this to energize the scene and push artists to elevate their sound and visuals.” This sentiment is echoed by Amir L9wafi who notes, “This album arrived when Moroccan rap was craving fresh energy, bridging the gap between the older and newer generations.” The album’s arrival marked a turning point, as it introduced a new wave of creativity and ambition to the scene.
However, not all feedback was entirely positive. Danny East, a rapper and audio engineer, offers a critical perspective: “The album 33S is a good artistic piece, but it lacks originality and uniqueness. it’s mainly an imitation of West Coast music. However, I really liked the delivery and voice, those are the elements that made this work stand out.” Another panelist* differs, “The scene was missing someone with the whole package at that time because, since Bigg’s Mgharba Tal Moute, nobody was doing that—raising the bar.”
Hackler, a notable music producer, recalls, “Dizzy Dros really shook things up with 3azzy 3ando Stylo in 2013. He brought a new energy that helped shift the whole scene.” This sentiment is echoed by 777atim, an emerging rapper and producer, who states, “Dizzy opened a path that seemed closed and somewhat difficult for many rappers at that time.”
The album’s impact was further amplified by its rollout. Young Loun recalls how the pre-release of the Casafonia music video generated anticipation “for something new and different in Moroccan rap, which DROS delivered in his album, meeting people’s expectations.”
Teekay provides a firsthand account of its evolution: “Being the producer of 9 tracks on this album, I was there from the start and saw its evolution. It showed other rappers that quality albums are achievable despite obstacles. I’m proud to be a part of it, and it’s a constant source of inspiration.” His words underscore the album’s role in setting a new standard for Moroccan rap, proving that ambitious projects could succeed even in challenging circumstances.
The album’s influence extends beyond music, inspiring a new generation of artists. As Ketamina, an upcoming female rapper, puts it, “This album is a milestone in Moroccan rap.” Its success also paved the way for professional music videos and full-length albums, as noted by Ghosty, a sound engineer: “Rappers started producing full albums and professional music videos after 33S.” This fusion of global influences with local storytelling created a blueprint for future Moroccan rappers.
Despite its groundbreaking impact, some critics argue that the album’s influence is overstated including Bennou16 who believes “the album had few punchlines.” However, the consensus remains that 33S played a pivotal role in elevating Moroccan rap to new heights. Mr. Shadow, an artist and event organizer, sums it up: “This is one of the best Moroccan rap albums, even if you listen to it now in 2025, you’ll find its level is very high.”
Conclusion: 3azzy 3ando Stylo is a Timeless Classic
In conclusion, 3azzy 3ando Stylo is a landmark album that continues to resonate with listeners and influence the Moroccan rap scene. Its strengths lie in its innovative production, raw lyricism, and Dizzy’s versatile flow, which together create a cohesive and impactful listening experience. While some critics point to its lack of originality and occasional filler tracks, the album’s cultural significance and artistic merit are undeniable.
As Teekay aptly summarizes, “This is a 100% classic album. Its influence on subsequent music is evident.” Whether revisiting it in 2025 or discovering it for the first time, 33S remains a testament to Dizzy DROS’s talent. Libre Man, a dedicated rapper, adds, “Given the album’s release time and the quality standards of that era, it’s a very good album, and I consider it among the top 5 Moroccan rap albums.” With its blend of West Coast inspiration and Moroccan authenticity, 3azzy 3ando Stylo is a timeless classic that will continue to inspire for generations to come.
*In our commitment to transparency and respect for our panel members, we provide each expert with the option to remain anonymous when sharing their opinions. This approach ensures that all voices are heard while maintaining the privacy and comfort of our contributors.
Editor’s Note: A Blueprint for Music Innovation
What we can learn from the legacy of 3azzy 3ando Stylo is twofold. First, it teaches us not to fear bringing a different style to Morocco. When executed with care and precision, innovation is often met with success, as this album demonstrates. This isn’t about copying, cheap imitation, or mere translation—it’s about reinterpreting a sound and making it uniquely your own.
Second, Dizzy DROS’s deep passion and knowledge of West Coast rap, and American hip-hop at large, shine through in every track. This wasn’t a case of chasing trends; it was a sincere love for the genre, rooted in years of study and admiration. These factors, among others, are why the album continues to resonate and is regarded as both a classic and a trendsetter.
As I always say, be true to your craft and to yourself if you want to make history. 3azzy 3ando Stylo stands as a testament to the power of innovation and passion.
Legacy of Dizzy DROS' album 3azzy 3ando Stylo
Rating: 8.2/10 — TOP (Artistic Excellence & Cultural Impact)
Key Tracks: Ta7ad Ma3arf, Sa3tk Salat, Ghetto Boy, Lbenj, and Outro.
Influence Meter: Bridged the gap between generations; popularized the West Coast sound in Morocco.
Legacy: 3azzy 3ando Stylo is more than an album—it’s a cultural milestone. With its raw lyricism, dynamic flow, and innovative production, it revitalized the Moroccan rap scene and inspired a new wave of artists.
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