March 2025 offered a more contemplative atmosphere, yet creativity still found its voice within the Moroccan rap landscape. Your selections from our @L7ma9reaction survey have highlighted the standout contributions of the month – Levy, your artistry shines as our Artist of the Month; K-Thug takes home the Track of the Month for ‘Toxico’; the captivating visuals of ‘Phénomène’ by X7kira claim Music Video of the Month. We revisited the introspective journey of ElGrandeToto’s ‘27‘ and the raw energy of Shobee’s ‘HOWLS,’ offering our expert panel’s insights. This month, we connect with Japanese DJ Jam, gaining his perspective on the unique sounds of Morap. In our ‘Top Talk’ feature, we delve into the craft of producer Oldygotthesound. We also break down the significance of the ‘Mixtape’ in hip-hop culture, and our editor reflects on the enduring strength of Moroccan excellence.
Recognition
Artist of the Month:
Levy earns our Artist of the Month spotlight with his thought-provoking single, ‘3o9dat Lkhawaja’ (Cultural Cringe). Released on March 2nd, 2025, this self-mixed track, mastered by Xick, delves into the complex issue of cultural inferiority, particularly within the Moroccan rap scene. Levy’s lyrical critique targets the tendency of some local artists to imitate their French and American counterparts in a bid for recognition, showcasing his insightful perspective on authenticity within the genre.
Track of the Month:
K-Thug’s ‘Toxico‘, released on March 25th, 2025, and expertly mixed and mastered by Herculybeats. This braggadocious single sees K-Thug flexing his lyrical prowess and distinctive flow, painting vivid pictures of street life. Notable lines like “the beat told me take it easy” and the assertive “we from Casa negra, not Casa Blanca” underscore his gloomy perspective on daily life in his hometown. The track also features a striking audio interlude from Pablo Escobar’s iconic ‘Plata o Plomo’ speech, adding a layer of raw intensity to this powerful display of skill.
MV of the Month:
X7kira’s ‘Phénomène‘, released on March 1st, 2025, and brought to life by directors Saad Himi & Haitam Arif with stunning VFX by Nerd. This video is a true visual spectacle, boasting impressive effects, vibrant colors, and the raw energy of X7kira’s performance, creating a captivating experience for viewers.
Album Rating
Following up on the buzz surrounding his extensive discography, we turned our expert lens to ElGrandeToto’s 2023 album, ’27.’ This project has been a significant talking point within the Moroccan rap landscape, and we aimed to provide a thorough evaluation of its artistic merits and technical execution. To achieve this, we convened a panel of 24 experienced music professionals, including rappers, producers, audio engineers, and discerning critics. Their diverse perspectives allowed for a nuanced assessment across five crucial categories: Lyricism, Flow, Production, Coherence, and Impact.
The collective analysis yielded the following scores for ’27’: Lyricism (3.13/5), Flow and Delivery (4.08/5), Production (4.33/5), Coherence (3.71/5), and Impact and Influence (3.58/5). These individual scores culminate in an overall rating of 7.5/10, positioning ’27’ as a ‘GEM’, signifying a Standout Work with Strong Artistic Merit.
Shobee, a distinctive voice within the Moroccan rap landscape, released his album ‘HOWLS’ in 2023, a project that has resonated with listeners through its compelling sound and artistic vision. Recognizing its significant contribution to the contemporary scene, we dedicated our review process to a thorough analysis of its key components. To ensure a well-rounded and objective evaluation, we assembled a panel of 24 knowledgeable music experts, encompassing rappers, producers, audio engineers, and insightful critics. Their collective expertise allowed us to assess ‘HOWLS’ based on five fundamental criteria: Lyricism, Flow, Production, Coherence, and Impact.
The panel’s detailed assessment yielded the following scores for ‘HOWLS’: Lyricism (3.75/5), Flow and Delivery (4.42/5), Production (4.54/5), Coherence (4.21/5), and Impact and Influence (3.38/5). These impressive individual scores culminate in an overall rating of 8.1/10, rightfully earning ‘HOWLS’ our prestigious ‘TOP’ rating for Artistic Excellence & Impact.
Morocco x The World – DJ JAM: Japan’s Trap Visionary
This month, DimaTOP Magazine takes a sonic journey to Japan, spotlighting DJ JAM, a visionary force in the country’s hip-hop evolution. As a co-founder of BRAVURA RECORDS and a key member of the influential YENTOWN collective, DJ JAM is a driving figure in Japan’s trap and hip-hop scene, recognized for his signature 808BASS-driven sound.
DJ JAM’s musical foundation lies in raw, bass-heavy hip-hop and trap, characterized by earth-shaking 808 rhythms and cutting-edge sonic textures. He uniquely blends the timbres of traditional Japanese instruments with contemporary trap elements, forging a sound he aptly describes as ‘haunting yet hyper-modern.’ His ambition extends beyond Japan’s borders, aiming to spark a musical buzz across Asia and elevate Japanese hip-hop onto the global stage.
His impact is undeniable, with tracks like ‘Betty Boop’ (featuring OZworld) amassing over 10 million combined streams and 5 million YouTube views, even charting on Spotify’s Viral 50 Japan and reaching the top 3 of Japan’s iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap music video charts. DJ JAM’s production credits boast collaborations with Japanese rap icons such as Awich & kZm (‘バグり’), ANARCHY (‘緑のモンテカルロ’ & ‘Hooligan’ with Jin Dogg), LEX (‘JIYU’), and OZworld (‘Betty Boop’), as well as American rapper MadeinTYO (‘T.O.K.Y.O’). His active involvement in the iconic Japanese hip-hop collective YENTOWN further solidifies his pivotal role in the genre’s landscape.
Top Talk – OldyGotTheSound: The Art of Authentic Production
OldyGotTheSound has become a cornerstone of the Moroccan music scene, crafting beats for chart-topping artists like ElGrandeToto, Dizzy DROS, and Stormy, and collaborating with international talents such as Ego and Nayra. His dedication to authentic sound and consistent quality has made him a sought-after producer. We sat down with Oldy to discuss his creative process and the keys to his success.
DimaTOP: Oldy, your sound is instantly recognizable. What’s the core of your creative approach?
OldyGotTheSound: For me, it’s all about finding that authentic sound. It’s not just about making a beat; it’s about creating something that stands out and feels genuine. I’m constantly experimenting, trying new things, but the focus is always on delivering high quality.
DimaTOP: You’ve built a strong reputation for consistent work. How important is that in this industry?
OldyGotTheSound: Consistency is everything. It’s easy to drop a few tracks here and there, but to really build a legacy, you have to keep going. I’ve always looked at this as a long-term journey. Whether it’s producing, doing sound design, or even creating tools for other producers, I’m always thinking about how to add real value consistently.
DimaTOP: Being a successful producer today seems to involve more than just music. What’s your take on the business side?
OldyGotTheSound: Absolutely. Being a producer now is like running a business. You have to think about branding, marketing, and connecting with people. It’s not just about the art; you have to be smart about the business side of things. Engaging with the community and building relationships is also crucial.
DimaTOP: The music industry is constantly changing. How do you stay ahead of the curve?
OldyGotTheSound: You have to be a constant learner. The best producers are the ones who never stop evolving. I’m always experimenting with new sounds, techniques, and ways to push the boundaries. Music production is always moving forward, so staying open to growth is essential to stay relevant.
Word of the Month – Mixtape
This month, we delve into the significance of the mixtape within hip-hop culture. A mixtape serves a vital dual purpose for artists: it can be an invaluable testing ground for new sounds and styles, or a strategic promotional tool building anticipation for an upcoming official album. Traditionally, the creation of a mixtape is a collaborative effort, bringing together a rapper and a DJ to weave together a cohesive project featuring a blend of original tracks, raw freestyles, and inventive remixes.
In the United States, the mixtape format has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of hip-hop. Landmark projects like Lil Wayne’s ‘Da Drought 3’, Chance the Rapper’s ‘Acid Rap’, J. Cole’s ‘Friday Night Lights’, and Future’s ‘Monster’ have all left an indelible mark on the industry, often launching careers and setting new creative benchmarks. Similarly, in France, mixtapes from influential artists such as Vald and Booba have garnered significant traction and critical acclaim, while the pioneering work of DJ Cut Killer in the 1990s remains a legendary chapter in French hip-hop history.
Morocco’s own hip-hop landscape has also been significantly influenced by the mixtape format. Nessyou stands out for his meticulous and artistic approach, particularly evident in his impactful ‘Rap Khatr’ mixtape, a collaborative effort with DJ SIM-H. Other notable Moroccan mixtapes that have resonated with fans and artists alike include Lmoutchou’s ‘Lmada lkham’, a project brimming with enduring classics, and 7liwa’s ‘Weld Fatima’, a groundbreaking release that played a pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of trap music within Morocco.
Ultimately, the essence of a mixtape lies in its function as a space for unbridled artistic experimentation. Unlike a formal album, where originality in beat selection and overall production is often a key expectation, a mixtape provides artists with the freedom to explore their creative impulses without constraints. This liberty extends to the number of tracks included and the utilization of sampled beats, making the mixtape a unique and dynamic form of hip-hop expression.”
Letter from the Editor
As we present this March issue of DimaTOP Magazine, coinciding with the reflective month of Ramadan, we turn our focus to a fundamental principle that underpins enduring achievement: Moroccan Excellence, or as we proudly call it, MoExcellence.
At DimaTOP Magazine, we shine a spotlight on those who put their nation on the map. This month, we proudly celebrate Moroccan Excellence (MoExcellence). From the pioneering spirits who first defined our name to today’s goats in music, dance, fashion, film, visual arts, sports, science, and beyond, Morocco has always been home to remarkable achievements. From the legendary journeys of Ibn Battuta, through the impactful reigns of Moulay Ismail and Ahmed al-Mansur, to the inspiring victories of Hicham El Guerrouj and Nawal El Moutawakel, a single thread unites them all: Excellence – MoExcellence. Moroccan musical excellence echoes through generations, from the timeless artistry of Nass El Ghied the captivating voices of Oum and Samira Said, to the vibrant energy of today’s Moroccan rap that we highlight every month.
To every Moroccan pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, we salute your dedication. Continue to strive for greatness! Keep pushing! As you explore this issue, we hope the spirit of MoExcellence inspires you to pursue your own creative vision with passion and unwavering commitment.
Sincerely,
Acknowledgments
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.
Producers & Engineers (album review):
Dr. Jay, Glitcci, MTC, Mynex, Nexeronthetrack, Produzz, S13, Saad Sound, Steff3Beatz
Rappers & Artists (album review):
6win, 7tipola, Abde Music, Browny, Kartman, Le.S777, Tisaoriginal, Yorpen, Wire
Music Critics (album review):
3ab9or, Beebop, Simohamed F’Rap, Wvly
Industry Professionals (album review):
Drywich, Havana
Photographs/Designs:
Frankie
Special Contributors:
Bennou16, OldyGotTheSound, Issam Bentarki, Dj Jam
