Youss45: The Moroccan Rap King Who Refused the Crown
Youss45, whose birth name is Youssef El Meliani El Idrissi, is a Moroccan rapper hailing from the ancient city of Fez. His stage name is grounded in his roots; he was born and raised in a poor neighborhood within the Bendebbab district, locally known simply as “45”. Starting his musical journey incredibly young, reportedly rapping at just 12 years old, Youss45 quickly developed into a formidable force in the Moroccan rap scene.
Yet, his path has been defined by his independence and an almost willful refusal of commercial crowns. Celebrated as the “fastest rapper in Morocco,” Youss45 commands a flow often deemed supreme and highly compared only to Inkonnu. This technical mastery is matched by his prolific output, with a discography of nearly 300 tracks, YOUSS45 stands as one of, if not, the most prolific rapper in Moroccan history, including projects like “Despite Your Mother” (2014) and “9rib b3id” (2017). His journey embodies uncompromised talent, having never signed to a label and famously rejecting opportunities that required him to change his lifestyle and associates.
VIDEO: Youss45 – Lminchar (Music Video) | Even without understanding Moroccan Arabic, the wide range of flow switches and catchiness are insane in this track. The video is raw and simple, letting the crazy talent speak for itself.
The Uncrowned King: Understanding the Enigma of YOUSS45
There’s the idea of football stars Messi and Ronaldo, whom many call the Kings of the Game. But if I ask you who the ‘Prince who didn’t want to be crowned King’ is in football, you’d say Neymar. And if you ask me the same question about Moroccan Rap, I’ll tell you YOUSS45.
Perhaps the reason people feel Neymar deserves this title in football is his immense talent. Even the circumstances were with him at one point: he played for powerhouses like FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, and he was at his peak. If you showed someone who didn’t know Neymar his playing back then and told them, ‘This man will end his career without even one Ballon d’Or,’ they wouldn’t believe you. But that’s the reality.
This is also the case for Youss45 in rap. There is no one who listens to rap in Morocco who wouldn’t attest to that man’s exceptional talent. Honestly, I don’t classify him as an ‘underrated’ rapper, because for me, he gained enough visibility to be placed at the top of the hierarchy. But perhaps, just as many say that the curse of injuries was an influential factor in Neymar’s career, I believe that the game of location and environment was an influential factor in the career of Youss45.
And if human blood is composed of four basic elements, then Youss45’s blood is made up of five elements: plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and Rap.
VIDEO: Youss45 – Ana Lfenan | From the B3id 9rib mixtape. “Ana Lfenan” (I Am the Artist) offers a deep, emotional dive into the artist’s psyche. The track requires a good understanding of Moroccan Arabic to truly appreciate its raw honesty, as YOUSS45 explores his inner struggles, drug abuse, and the pain of feeling like a highly talented but undervalued artist.
Conclusion: The Uncompromised Genius of YOUSS45
Youss45’s story is the epitome of the uncompromised artistic spirit, a path chosen over stardom that defines him as a truly one-in-a-generation rapper. His legacy is measured not by commercial accolades, but by undeniable technical brilliance.
His lyrical depth is striking: despite dropping out before high school, his tracks showcase high sensitivity and introspection, coupled with sharp, authentic metaphors detailing street realities. This honesty extends to his career choices. Even his public image is raw and unfiltered; he showed little concern for conventional artistry, often collaborating with “no-name” artists even at his peak (c. 2015-2017).
Ultimately, YOUSS45’s story serves as a mirror reflecting the inherent conflict between pure artistic integrity and the demands of the modern music business. He is a rapper who is among the most talented and prolific in the region, yet his choice to remain “real” and independent comes at a cost in the digital age. Artists like him, who refuse to court algorithms, invest in digital promotion, or engage in calculated personal branding, often find their talent and impact undervalued in terms of recognition and financial reward.
