Rapper, Track and Music Video of the Month
This month’s top picks were democratically chosen through an interactive survey on our Instagram account @dimatopmagazine. Here are the winners of June 2025:
Rapper of the Month: Shaw
Shaw has been making major waves on Spotify, with three of his songs dominating the Spotify Morocco charts for weeks in June! He previously topped the charts in May with “Amnesie” (featuring Tagne & Zakloow), released on April 24, 2024. His other chart-toppers include “Wallahi,” released on August 22, 2024, and “Taf Taf” (with Anys & Oldy), which dropped on May 30, 2024. Shaw has consistently ranked among the most streamed 10 artist in the country. This month, Shaw also featured on Yazid’s project “L8.CALL,” lending his talent to the track “Dem3a,” which was released on June 15, 2025.
Produced by Hackler and MoBench.
Track (Solo) of the Month: Blacklist by Vargas
Vargas dropped his new single, “Blacklist,” on June 27. Fans also got a treat with the release of its music video on June 28. This marks Vargas’s first and only music release of 2025, following his hit song “6 STARS” which came out ten months ago. The new track sees Vargas in full braggadocio mode, asserting his dominance over his rivals. He makes it clear he’s better in every aspect, both in his rap skills and in the street life.
Produced by FVHD. Mixed & Mastered by INSANE.
Track (Featuring) of the Month: أفشتني by Shinigami Ft. Furelise
This month’s standout featuring is “أفشتني” by Shinigami and Furelise, released on June 6. This track immediately catches the ear with its distinct Egyptian dialect, a unique choice that even extends to its title. Adding to its captivating sound, the beat masterfully incorporates Tarab-influenced samples and instruments, creating a truly immersive listening experience.
Produced by ProdbyHunter. Mixed & Mastered by Teekaymadethis.
Music Video of the Month: Yo Asel, Vira, Gello Ft. Nada Azhari - “Red”
This month’s top music video goes to “Red,” a collaboration released on June 21, 2025, featuring Yo Asel, Vira, Gello, and Nada Azhari. The track opens with Nada Azhari’s tender vocals, setting a compelling tone. Gello follows, seemingly taking shots at fellow rapper Raid, while Vira unleashes an impressive display of rhyme schemes, dissing those who “close” his style. Throughout the track, Yo Asel showcases his expertise as the song’s producer, doing his thing on the beat.
Directed by: Black Anouar & Yo Asel; VFX: SENKU; Production: YALLA PROD
Project, Producer, and Designer of the Month
Project of the Month: Dollypran - Alha9i9a (Album)
This month’s top project goes to Dollypran for his second album, “Alha9i9a” (meaning “The Truth”), released on June 5, 2025. This 14-track album follows his 2021 debut, “Traitement,” and features an impressive array of international collaborations. Dollypran brings together a diverse group of artists, including Tunisian rapper A.L.A, Moroccan rapper Lferda, Algerian rapper Ashe 22, French rapper Larry, Italian rapper Sacky, and Spanish rapper Delarue, creating a truly global sound. To celebrate the album’s release, Dollypran also dropped the music video for the lead single, the album’s self-titled first track, “Alha9i9a,” on June 7.
Producer of the Month: Yo Asel
This month, our Producer of the Month spotlight shines on Yo Asel, who has been consistently delivering bangers over the past few months. His recent work includes co-producing the hit song “Psycho” by Draganov, released on April 25, 2025. After that, Yo Asel was behind the boards for “Reform” by Anys & Valerieblud, released on May 16, 2025. This month, he continued his hot streak by producing “Red” by Vira, Gello, and Nada Azhari, released on June 21, 2025. Notably, both “Red” and “Reform” were released under his own name as the primary artist, a move seen recently by some producers, marking a powerful and strategic move by leading Moroccan producers.
Designer of the Month: OZEE
This month, we celebrate OZEE as our Designer of the Month for the striking artwork of Anys’ project, “A ZERO,” released on June 26. OZEE’s design for “A ZERO” is a powerful and mysterious close-up portrait. It immediately draws the viewer in with a bright eye that stands out against a backdrop of deep shadows. The artwork makes masterful use of texture and chiaroscuro, highlighting rugged details like weathered leather and rough fabric, while much of the face remains obscured in darkness. This creates a compelling sense of mystery and introspection, effectively conveying a mood of brooding intensity and resilience.
Music Critic of the Month: Bennou16
This month, our Music Critic of the Month is Bennou16, a dedicated voice in the rap scene known for his insightful and in-depth analyses. On his YouTube channel, he released three video critiques:
- Raid’s EP: on June 25.
- Lquinze’s EP: on June 11.
- Jntyyy ft. Lmorphine’s track: on June 6.
Beyond his longer-form videos, Bennou16 also consistently shares his analyses through several reels on his Instagram account. He is highly regarded for his deep dives into rap projects, covering writing techniques, cover art analysis, and music video direction. Despite perhaps not always garnering massive view counts, Bennou16 embodies his personal motto: “Everything we do is for the culture,” proving his commitment to the true artistry of hip-hop.
Top Talk - Spouu: Blueprint for Aspiring Fashion Designers
Spouuu has rapidly established himself as a prominent independent fashion designer, renowned for his unique approach to denim customization. With a natural talent for drawing since he can remember, he hand-draws intricate designs on jeans, transforming them into wearable art. His distinctive style features figures from anime (One Piece, Baki Hanma, Berserk, HxH) and nature, with each design a singular, never-replicated piece. This dedication to unique craftsmanship has earned him recognition, with his bespoke pants worn by celebrities like Moroccan megastar Saad Lamjarred and Argentinian star Paulo Londra. We delve into Spouuu’s mindsets:
DimaTOP: Your unique hand-drawn denim pieces are instantly recognizable. How important are relationships in building such a distinctive brand?
Spouuu: Building a brand, especially one as personal as mine, is all about relationships. You can’t afford to be the “bad one” in any interaction. I’ve learned not to expect immediate returns from collaborations or favors. Even if there’s a misunderstanding, I always try to mend ties. The strength and reach of your network can truly dictate how far your artistry goes. It’s about genuine connections, not just transactions.
DimaTOP: Many emerging designers face immense pressure and long hours. What’s your advice for navigating the initial stages of a creative career?
Spouuu: You simply have to embrace the grind, especially when you’re just starting. The beginning is undeniably the hardest part – and that applies to everything in life, not just design. There will be moments when fatigue sets in, but that’s when you take a strategic pause, re-evaluate your progress, learn from any setbacks, and then get right back to the lab. It’s about consistent effort and resilience.
DimaTOP: Your designs are so intricate and precise. Do you believe natural talent is enough, or is there a methodical approach to achieving constant improvement?
Spouuu: Natural talent helps, but it’s definitely not enough. You need a clear strategy for constant improvement. Whether you’re a born artist or not, a methodical approach is essential to continuously elevate your work. Mistakes are inevitable for everyone, myself included. The crucial part is to learn from them, understand what went wrong, and actively foster your growth. That’s how you refine your craft.
DimaTOP: Once success starts to come, it can be tempting to enjoy the fruits of your labor. How do you approach financial management and investment in your craft?
Spouuu: That’s a critical point. Once the money starts coming in, the biggest trap is spending it all on temporary pleasures. My philosophy is to reinvest in your craft, and avoid fleeting pleasures. I prioritize investing wisely in the tools, gear, and equipment I need to elevate my work. If you don’t, you’ll find yourself stagnant and unable to truly scale your artistic vision. It’s about playing the long game for your art.
Hip Hop Word of the Month: Artistic Director
In hip-hop culture, the artistic director is one of the most important unsung heroes working with artists, especially rappers. Their work becomes more apparent with projects like an “album,” where they oversee the coherence between lyrics, flow, and production among songs, the cover art, and even accompanying music videos.
The most prominent example of an artistic director is Rick Rubin. He has contributed immensely to the music industry across all genres. He founded Def Jam, which itself pushed American rap forward by signing artists like DJ Khaled, LL Cool J, and Public Enemy. Artists, from the Beastie Boys and RUN DMC (who released “My Adidas,” the first rapper-clothing brand collaboration) to Johnny Cash (whose career he revived), have consistently trusted his vision.
In Morocco, the first artistic director that comes to mind is Mohamed Sqalli. He’s akin to an alchemist; anything he touches seems to turn to gold. His work with Shobee, and more recently, with MADD on the album SĒNSUS, showcases meticulous attention to detail, especially in music videos, where every element appears thoughtfully conceived rather than coincidental.
Ultimately, the success of an artist’s project is merely the visible tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface lie the unsung soldiers: the beat maker, sound engineer, top liner, and even the creative director, among others. Highlighting these crucial roles is essential.
Written by music critic Hamza Demigod
Letter from the Editor
At DimaTOP Magazine, we believe in the power of conviction and the triumph of talent over established norms. We celebrate those who define their own path and prove that true skill knows no boundaries.
Years ago, when asked if he would accept an invitation to Mawazine, ElGrandeToto famously declared he would only grace the OLM Souissi stage, a venue traditionally reserved exclusively for "international artists." He regarded himself as being at their level. Years later, on June 28, 2025, Toto became the first Moroccan-born-and-raised artist to play that very stage, shattering a two-decade barrier for local superstars. This wasn't just a concert; it was a testament to his belief in his own abilities and a defiant answer to favoritism and inequality.
With over 300,000 people reportedly attending his set, it was arguably one of the biggest, if not the biggest, shows in Morocco's history. This monumental achievement resonates with the spirit of those who challenged norms, like Rosa Parks saying "no" at the bus, or Muhammad Ali's unwavering stance against war. Their legacies are built on standing firm against prevailing expectations.
To every artist, producer, and creative striving for greatness: let Toto's triumph be your inspiration. Stand firm in your skills and abilities. Embrace your identity and your dreams.
Sincerely,
DimaTOP Magazine extends its sincere gratitude to the following individuals for their invaluable contributions to this issue. Their expertise, creativity, and dedication have been instrumental in bringing this publication to life.
Official Contributors: Assim, Ben Pensmith, L5atire, Okawara Namiko
Other Contributors: Issam Bentarki, Spouuu, Hamza Demigod
Photographs/Designs: Alikanane, Baico, Bilal Elmersa, Marouane Beslem, Ozee, Salahdine Hattal
Stay tuned for more from DimaTOP Magazine, the voice of Moroccan hip-hop!
Become a DimaTOP Contributor
Are you passionate about Moroccan rap and eager to share your talents with the world? Whether you're a skilled writer or journalist, a visual storyteller with a camera, a talented graphic designer or illustrator, or an expert in any of the areas mentioned in this issue—we encourage you to get in touch!
Share your unique perspective and contribute to the growth of Moroccan hip hop. Send a sample of your work to contributor@dimatopmagazine.com
We can't wait to hear from you!
Become a DimaTOP Contributor
Are you passionate about Moroccan rap and eager to share your talents with the world? Whether you're a skilled writer or journalist, a visual storyteller with a camera, a talented graphic designer or illustrator, or an expert in any of the areas mentioned in this issue—we encourage you to get in touch!
Share your unique perspective and contribute to the growth of Moroccan hip hop. Send a sample of your work to contributor@dimatopmagazine.com
We can't wait to hear from you!
