Best Moroccan Rapper of April 2026
This month’s top artist was democratically chosen through an interactive survey on our Instagram account @dimatopmagazine.
Yassine Saddok, better known as Figoshin, often shortened to Figo, and formerly known as YaShin, was born in Taza and moved to Ifrane at the age of three. He proudly represents Ifrane and is often credited with “putting the city on the map” of Moroccan hip hop, as he remains its most notable rapper to date.
In an interview with LaBase, he explained that his nicknames have no connection to the famous footballers Lev Yashin or Luís Figo. Instead, “Figo” comes from a word he learned from an Italian friend, who told him it means “dope” or “cool.” He adopted it as the name for his alter ego, representing the rebellious, “bad side” of Yassine.
Figo began rapping during his middle school years. He first discovered Moroccan rap through artists such as Shayfeen and Dizzy DROS, whom he described as “the stars” he grew up listening to. Among his international inspirations, he cites Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, JID, A$AP Rocky, and Kanye West. His dream is to earn both respect and money from the music he loves, following in the footsteps of Lamar and Cole, though he openly admits how difficult that path is.
Due to the lack of professional recording studios in Ifrane, Figo taught himself how to produce beats, mix music, and handle every aspect of his songs independently. His debut project was a six-track EP titled D.A.F., released in 2019 and entirely recorded in his home studio. The project explores his two personalities – Yashin and Figo – and how they eventually come to realize they need each other.
Figo’s style is characterized by melancholic themes, a slow-paced delivery, and deeply introspective, reflective lyrics. He has been open about his struggles with depression both in his music and in interviews. His songs also frequently address the pressures of education, society, and expectations from his own fans. Outside of music, he is a football enthusiast and a supporter of Wydad AC from Casablanca.
Discography of Figoshin and the Rap Fued with Pause Flow
He first gained wider attention through his strong performances in various rap challenges. He won the #DDD challenge hosted by Don Bigg and the #BNJCity contest organized by ElGrandeToto. His breakthrough moment came in November 2020 at the Visa For Music festival, where he delivered a 13-minute freestyle that became the most-watched video on the festival’s YouTube channel, amassing over 3 million views. These early wins sparked initial buzz around his name, with many beginning to recognize his potential as the next big talent in Moroccan rap.
Figo achieved nationwide virality in early 2021 through his rap beef with the much more established rapper Pause Flow. Despite being the underdog, Figo held his own against one of the most skilled and ferocious battle rappers in the realm. The feud began when Pause Flow took a shot at Figo on his track “Megalomania” for participating in the #DDD challenge to win an iPhone – a move Pause considered unworthy of a “real rapper.” He rapped: “Madaro rap ta tem3o fel iPhone d Don Bigg” (They only started rapping when they started coveting Don Bigg’s iPhone).
Figo responded with “Bouzbita,” a clever diss track that showcased his sharp humor, versatile flow, and strong writing skills. The song went viral, pushing his YouTube channel past 100K subscribers. Pause replied with the brutal “B.T.K.,” a diss most artists wouldn’t recover from. However, Figo fired back with “MenoPause,” another tough diss track that further proved his potential. Pause closed the beef with “Peek a Boo.” While some felt Pause won due to his experience and technical precision, most agreed that Figo emerged victorious in spirit; by making a name for himself, standing strong against a “superior opponent”, and landing several memorable lines that are still quoted today. Years later, the two squashed the beef, expressed mutual respect, and now occasionally exchange friendly shots when the occasion calls for it.
Figo is primarily known for his solo work, though he has collaborated with several prominent Moroccan artists. Notable collaborations include “Salina” with ElGrandeToto (alongside Stormy, Tagne, Khtek, Abduh, 7liwa, Vargas, Ouenza, Dollypran, Small X, and Draganov). In 2024, he contributed “Machi Lkhatri” to the NORF Tape, which became the most streamed and viewed song from the project, surpassing 10 million streams and views combined. Other collaborations include “Mrta7” with Yvzid, “Vendetta” with Azed, “Cassetete” with Hassa1 and Zakloow, “Shooka” with Hackler, and “All the Animals Come Out at Night” with Tchubi.
The Comeback: Zone de Confort
His latest single, “Zone de Confort,” was released on April 25, 2026. The music video quickly surpassed one million views on YouTube in less than a week. The track explores Figo’s struggles with fame, his comfort zone, and social pressure. In the video, Figo is shown tied with a rope that transforms into a Cuban chain attached to a goat, symbolizing the “GOAT” status he claims and the heavy burden that comes with it. Throughout the video, the goat remains constantly by his side, even while he sleeps, spends time with friends, or rides the bus. His neck appears injured from the constant strain of the rope.
In the final scene, after a long struggle, Figo leads the goat into a forest, removes the rope from his own neck, and they walk away in opposite directions. The goat, still carrying the rope, moves toward the camera, while Figo, free from the burden, turns his back and walks away. The ending is open to interpretation: Figo may be choosing to distance himself from fame and fan pressure as Yassine, while the goat, possibly representing his music, his past, or the public image of “Figo”, continues to approach the audience. The video is widely praised for its high production quality, impressive direction, originality, and creative artistic vision.
Cover photograph by Anas Weaky & MRT
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