Top 10 Best Moroccan Rap Albums
of All Time
Voted for by over 300 rappers, Industry professionals, music producers and critics.
TOP 10
Moroccan Rap Albums of All Time
Voted for by over 300 rappers,
industry professionals, music producers and critics.
Published on 06/Jan/2025
To establish a new standard of credibility for ranking Morocco’s Top 10 Rappers, Rap Albums and Rap Beefs from the 1990s up to the close of 2024, we moved beyond traditional critic-driven lists. Instead, we directly consulted the heart of the scene: over 300 active rappers, producers, industry experts, and critics. Crucially, voters were not informed of the survey's ranking purpose during outreach, ensuring genuine, unbiased opinions. Yes, a blind survey!
Our panel embodies the full spectrum of Moroccan rap:
To capture the true essence and evolution of Moroccan rap, our voting panel was meticulously curated to represent the genre's full spectrum. We engaged artists spanning every generation – from pioneers who shaped the scene to the most dynamic emerging voices defining its future. The panel intentionally includes key industry roles: lyricists, topliners, beatmakers, critics, and artist managers, ensuring every creative perspective informs the rankings.
Crucially, this diversity extends to identity, expression and geography. Our voters reflect Morocco's rich tapestry, encompassing male and female rappers, artists performing in Arabic, Tamazight, French, English, and linguistic blends, and representing major rap hubs and scenes across the nation, including Casablanca, Sale, Meknes, Tangier, Marrakech, Oujda, and beyond. We are particularly honored to include rappers with disabilities, underscoring our commitment to genuine inclusivity within the community.
Furthermore, the panel represents the vast stylistic range of Moroccan rap – from the conscious lyricism of boom-bap and the gritty narratives of drill to the pulsating beats of trap and innovative sounds of alternative rap – featuring both massively established artists and rising stars gaining significant influence.
This comprehensive representation across generations, roles, identities, languages, regions, and subgenres was fundamental to our goal: delivering rankings that authentically reflect the breadth and depth of the Moroccan rap landscape, free from bias towards any single style, era, or location.
ATMSPR (2022) by Nessyou
Nessyou's "ATMSPR": A Resilient Voice in Moroccan Rap
Mentions
Nessyou's "ATMSPR," released on August 6, 2022, stands as a significant work in Moroccan rap. Nessyou is highly regarded for his creative rhyme schemes and intricate wordplay, which he consistently integrates into his emotionally resonant lyrics. His music frequently delves into significant societal themes, including poverty, inequality, and political upheaval. These themes are presented with a compelling flow and a distinct sense of hope and resilience, making his music a reflection of the struggles and aspirations of his generation. "ATMSPR" has been recognized as one of the best Moroccan rap albums, earning positive critical reviews as a "real experience." The album runs for approximately 40 minutes across 14 tracks. It features notable collaborations with artists such as L'kreen and Iguidr.
Number of Tracks
14
Black Rose (2020) by Madd
Madd's "Black Rose": A Global Fusion and Timeless Moroccan Classic
Mentions
Madd's debut solo album, "Black Rose," released on May 29, 2020, stands as a landmark project in Moroccan rap. Tracks such as "Sacrifice," "Low Life," and "Survive" showcase Madd's distinctive artistic style, which frequently blends English with Moroccan Darija. The overall critical reception suggests a complex and introspective emotional landscape conveyed through his delivery, further solidifying his unique artistic identity.
"Black Rose" is highly acclaimed for Madd's ability to create a paradoxical blend of soulful melodies and hard-hitting beats. The album's production is a collaborative international effort, involving a diverse team of Moroccan, Norwegian, French, and German beatmakers and composers, including Penacho and AriBeatz. This extensive list of international producers highlights a deliberate strategy by Madd to craft a globally competitive sound, effectively pushing Moroccan rap beyond regional confines. This sophisticated, globally-informed production contributed significantly to the album's critical success, earning an impressive 8.3/10 score from DimaTOP and a "timeless classic" designation. The album's striking cover, a 3D simulation of Madd's head emerging from Moroccan desert dunes adorned with black roses, visually reinforces its thematic depth and artistic vision. The album runs for approximately 47 minutes across 14 tracks. It features collaborations with Youv Dee, Laylow, Lacrim, and Xcep.
Number of Tracks
14
Byad ou K7al (2009) by Don Bigg
Don Bigg's "Byad ou K7al": A Defining Voice for Moroccan Society
Mentions
Don Bigg's influential album, "Byad ou K7al," released on December 24, 2009, stands as a powerful testament to his pioneering role in Moroccan rap. The album is characterized by his use of sharp, explicit, and highly colloquial street language, which made his lyrics accessible and deeply resonant across all segments of Moroccan society. His lyrical content is profoundly socially conscious, directly addressing and criticizing harsh realities such as poverty, unemployment, bribery, corruption, and drug abuse prevalent in marginalized communities. Beyond these societal critiques, "Byad ou K7al" also explores more personal and universal themes, including family relationships (with a particular focus on parents and mothers), love, friendship, patience, and masculinity. Don Bigg's signature impeccable flow and direct, confrontational style are central to the album's distinctive sound.
"Byad ou K7al" is widely regarded as one of the five essential albums that narrate the story of Moroccan rap, signifying Don Bigg's "groundbreaking beginnings" in the genre. It profoundly influenced and redefined the landscape of Moroccan rap, solidifying his reputation as both a rap pioneer and a powerful voice for his generation. The album's immediate and significant impact stemmed from Don Bigg's use of colloquial language and direct social commentary, establishing a template for socially relevant rap in Morocco. This highlights how its authentic style was instrumental in shaping the genre's direction and cultural resonance. The album runs for approximately 71 minutes across 18 tracks. It features collaborations with La Fouine and Oum.
Number of Tracks
18
Cameleon (2021) by ElGrandeToto
ElGrandeToto's "Caméléon": A Dynamic Debut and International Statement
Mentions
ElGrandeToto's debut album, "Caméléon," released on March 4, 2021, perfectly embodies the artist's ever-evolving nature. The album is characterized by its colorful, unpredictable, and intense qualities, reflecting the various facets of ElGrandeToto's artistic personality. Lyrically, "Caméléon" highlights his versatility and artistic range, demonstrating his ability to adapt his dark, recognizable voice to various instrumental styles. A key aspect is its linguistic openness, featuring tracks primarily in Moroccan Arabic but also incorporating French and English, signaling his ambition to connect with a global audience. The album showcases his command of different facets of trap music, while maintaining a prevailing darkness that complements the ego-trip themes in his lyrics, focusing on achievements and status.
"Caméléon" was a significant success, propelling ElGrandeToto into the spotlight and achieving global recognition, being ranked among the top six album debuts worldwide by Spotify in March 2021. This cemented his status as one of the biggest rappers in the region. The album features high-level collaborations with prominent figures in Francophone rap like Lefa, Hamza, and Damso, understood as a strategic move to attract a wider audience. This "Chameleon" effect, referring to his artistic adaptability in blending languages and musical styles while maintaining his core identity, is crucial for his international appeal and market expansion, directly contributing to his widespread influence. The album runs for approximately 58 minutes across 17 tracks. It features collaborations with Lefa, Farid Bang, Small X, Damso, 3robi, and Hamza.
Number of Tracks
17
Iceberg (2024) by Stormy
Stormy's "Iceberg": A Powerful Debut with Global Resonance
Mentions
Stormy's "Iceberg," released on Febraury 9, 2024, represents a debut of remarkable energy in Moroccan rap. The album is characterized by introspective lyricism, addressing the daily problems faced by young people, from struggles with addiction to the pressures of social media. A core message conveyed is the desire to inspire Moroccan, North African, and Arab youth to achieve their goals despite humble beginnings, with Stormy himself serving as an example of rising "from nothing." This blend of local narratives with global sounds is a key aspect of its appeal, showcasing a strategic approach for global appeal rooted in authentic local storytelling.
The production of "Iceberg" is highly polished, featuring explosive rhythms and an upbeat tempo, showcasing genre-blending elements like Brazilian funk in the lead single "POPO" and an Egyptian beat in "MARADONA." This high-quality production is particularly noteworthy given the scarcity of producers in Morocco when Stormy began his career. Upon its release, "Iceberg" debuted at No. 6 on Spotify's Global Debut Album chart and quickly accumulated millions of views, solidifying Stormy's position as a standout in the Moroccan rap scene. The album runs for approximately 51 minutes across 16 tracks. It features collaborations with Dizzy DROS, Abduh, Miraa May, and Draganov.
Number of Tracks
16
HOWLS (2023) by Shobee
Shobee's "HOWLS": A Pioneering Solo Debut Redefining Moroccan Rap
Mentions
Shobee's debut solo album, "HOWLS," released on June 23, 2023, marks a significant milestone for the artist. While specific lyrical themes for the entire album aren't extensively detailed, Shobee, known for his work with the duo Shayfeen, typically delivers dynamic flows and lyrics centered on themes of ambition, money, and motivation. The album's standout track, "Power," which premiered on A COLORS SHOW, perfectly showcases his dynamic delivery and effortless switching between Arabic and English. Critical reviews of "HOWLS" highlight "profound songwriting" and "honest" lyrics, indicating a deep level of expression.
The production of "HOWLS" is characterized by atmospheric, bass-heavy instrumentation, as heard in "Power," and features a team of producers including Keight, Oscar Emch, and Schumi1. "HOWLS" was a highly anticipated debut and has been widely lauded as a "masterpiece." Shobee has consistently pushed the boundaries of Moroccan rap over the past decade, and this album further solidifies his role as a pioneer in the reinvention and modernization of the country's rap codes. His work has contributed to the empowerment of young Moroccans and, following his success with Shayfeen and the NAAR collective, this solo project actively contributes to the international export and recognition of Moroccan rap, highlighting his role as an innovator and ambassador for the genre. The album runs for approximately 46 minutes across 18 tracks. It features collaborations with Madd, Snor, Lala &ce, and Laylow.
Number of Tracks
18
27 (2023) by ElGrandeToto
ElGrandeToto's "27": A Resilient Comeback and Global Breakthrough
Mentions
ElGrandeToto's sophomore album, "27," released on November 24, 2023, is a deeply personal and resilient work. The album features intimate and vulnerable tracks that delve into the struggles ElGrandeToto has encountered throughout his life, with a particular focus on the challenges of the past year. Its themes reflect his ability to transform adversity into powerful art, akin to a phoenix rising from the ashes, a symbolism visually emphasized by the scorching imagery on his album cover. Musically, "27" is a harmonious blend of energetic tracks and melancholic ballads, showcasing the breadth of ElGrandeToto's artistic dynamism.
The production of "27" is described as "quite elevated," evident through strategic collaborations with prominent artists and producers, supported by Sony's partnership. "27" achieved significant critical and commercial success, celebrating a grand launch and climbing to the 3rd spot on Spotify's Top Album Debut Global Chart, amassing 10 million streams in just three days. This success marks a significant evolution in ElGrandeToto's artistic journey, paving the way for other artists from the region to gain international recognition. The album is redefining the standards of Moroccan rap and is expected to mark a turning point in the genre's history, with ElGrandeToto preparing for an international tour. The album runs for approximately 62 minutes across 19 tracks. It features collaborations with Hamza, Morad, Oxlade, Beny Jr., Unknown T, and Rondodasosa.
Number of Tracks
19
Arabi (2020) by Inkonnu
Inkonnu's "Arabi": A New Wave of Unfiltered Perspectives
Mentions
Inkonnu's debut album, "Arabi," released on January 20, 2021, introduces a complex and somewhat cynical lyrical landscape. The narrator frequently expresses a desire for casual amusement over serious romantic commitment, explicitly prioritizing physical attraction and dismissing notions of long-term relationships and marriage. He conveys a perception of women seeking commitment without effort and openly admits to being involved with them for purely physical reasons. Another prominent theme in "Arabi" is the pursuit of wealth and a hedonistic, carefree lifestyle, with the narrator anticipating financial gain and describing his life as a "weekend," even alluding to illicit activities and drug use. Despite these themes, he acknowledges personal boundaries and expresses a desire to "earn my living doing what I love," hinting at a drive for personal fulfillment and an apprehension about the future.
The album's instrumentation is notably "quite minimal but very impactful," featuring a captivating "Arabian Nights" sound that blends Moroccan and Algerian rhythms. "Arabi" was quickly described as a "new wave in Rap Marocain" due to its explicit and cynical lyrical themes, which, though potentially controversial, offer a raw, unfiltered perspective. This thematic boldness significantly contributes to its "new wave" impact, resonating with an audience seeking authenticity beyond conventional rap narratives and highlighting how such artistic influence can drive artistic change. The album received positive reception, particularly on platforms like TikTok. "Arabi" spans approximately 43 minutes across 14 tracks. It features collaborations with Hindi Zahra, Small X, Asmae, Iguidr, and Nouvo.
Number of Tracks
14
3azzy 3ando Stylo (2013) by Dizzy DROS
Dizzy DROS's "3azzy 3ando Stylo": A Defining Moment in Moroccan Hip-Hop
Mentions
Dizzy DROS's "3azzy 3ando Stylo," released on November 22, 2013, is widely regarded as a "100% classic album" with a clear and lasting influence on subsequent music. Lyrically, the album delivers a potent mix of raw storytelling and cultural resonance, exploring themes from street life and ambition to generational divides and societal critiques. Tracks like "Ta7ad Ma3arf" and "Sa3tk Salat" are particularly noted for their vivid storytelling, where Dizzy portrays personal experiences and struggles, reflecting on the challenges of rapping and introducing the West Coast sound in Morocco. The extensive use of Moroccan Darija, slang, and cultural references significantly elevated the album's appeal, cementing its status as a classic for the Moroccan rap scene.
Dizzy's delivery on "3azzy 3ando Stylo" is a masterclass in versatility, effortlessly transitioning between aggressive and smooth cadences, showcasing rhythmic precision and dynamic energy. The album's production, scoring 4.00/5, stands out with its West Coast-inspired beats infused with Moroccan flair, utilizing G-Funk and California-inspired vibes to create rich sonic landscapes. "3azzy 3ando Stylo" played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Moroccan rap scene, inspiring new artists, and setting new standards for quality albums and professional music video production. The album runs for approximately 65 minutes across 21 tracks. It features collaborations with artists including M Doc, Slim R.W, Shayfeen, Would Chaab, and Muslim.
Number of Tracks
21
Mgharba Tal Moute (2006) by Don Bigg
Don Bigg's "Mgharba Tal Moute": A Cornerstone of Moroccan Hip-Hop
Mentions
Don Bigg's debut album, "Mgharba Tal Moute," released on April 1, 2006, is widely celebrated as the quintessential Moroccan rap album and a timeless masterpiece, continuing to resonate deeply even in 2025. The album showcases Don Bigg's masterful storytelling and social commentary, as he fearlessly tackles a diverse range of topics, from corruption and social injustice to personal struggles and relationships. His signature raw and outspoken style, a defining characteristic of his artistry, is prominently featured throughout the album's extensive tracklist.
"Mgharba Tal Moute" is more than just an album; it is widely considered the genesis of modern Moroccan rap. It solidified Don Bigg's status as a pioneer, setting the thematic and lyrical blueprint for socially conscious Moroccan hip-hop. The album laid foundational groundwork that profoundly influenced subsequent artists and cemented the genre's cultural relevance, significantly shaping the identity of Moroccan hip-hop and playing a crucial role in Don Bigg's rise to widespread popularity. Comprising 24 tracks with a total length of around 80 minutes, the album also features notable collaborations with artists such as Fnaire, Masta Flow, 9mm, Caprice, Muslim, Loubna, and Al Faress.
Number of Tracks
24
Honorable Mentions
Crystal (2021) by Issam
Issam's "Crystal": Pioneering "Trai" and Redefining Maghrebi Rap
Issam's "Crystal," released on May 6, 2021, is a significant work that introduces and blends the genres of Trap and Rai, coining a new style called "Trai." This fusion is a prominent feature of a recent wave of Maghrebi rap, seeing rap and trap become highly popular in Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria. Issam's approach to "Trai" involves detaching Maghrebi Trap from its usual themes, opening it up to emotional subjects inspired by Rai, which he likens to "tender music." He incorporates elements from Cheb Mami, such as unique vocal embellishments, and employs ethereal synthesizers to create an experimental Rai sound, particularly in tracks like "Sweet Love." The album also elevates Issam's hometown, Casablanca, to a symbolic capital of "Trai."
The critical reception of "Crystal" has been overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers suggesting it will be a benchmark for future "Trai" releases and a significant contribution to the Moroccan music scene's global journey. Despite some repetition, the album is not monotonous, venturing into Pop ("Mia") and Gnawa ("Hada Rai") while maintaining a strong Trap presence. Issam delivers his Trap verses with a hesitant flow and complex ad-libs. The production, including collaborations with Parisian producer Prince 85, is highlighted for its complexity and nearly perfect execution. Issam's "Trai" fusion is not just a musical blend but a strategic reappropriation of traditional North African sounds and themes, demonstrating how genre innovation and cultural reappropriation can lead to significant artistic and cultural impact. The album runs for approximately 57 minutes across 20 tracks. It features collaborations with CA$HPASSION.
Number of Tracks
20
Al Tamarrod (2010) by Muslim
Muslim's "Al Tamarrod": A Pillar of Socially Conscious Maghreb Rap
Muslim's "Al Tamarrod, Vol. 1: Moutamarrid," released on January 15, 2010, stands as a testament to his role as a prominent and influential figure in Maghreb rap. Muslim's rap style is defined by its socially conscious lyricism and old-school flow, drawing significant inspiration from 90s American rap artists like Tupac Shakur. His verses consistently convey positive messages while directly addressing and condemning prevalent issues in Moroccan society, including emigration, delinquency, the challenges of struggling single mothers, government mismanagement, and the need for improved education and healthcare. He also advocates against drug use and radicalization, notably refraining from using profanity. The message of his subsequent album, Al Rissala (Volume 2 of Al Tamarrod), is defined as a call "to revolt against anything negative in our lives."
The enduring power of social realism is a hallmark of Muslim's work. His consistent focus on raw social issues and his "old school" flow, exemplified in "Al Tamarrod," established him as a critical voice for the marginalized, demonstrating that direct, unvarnished commentary can build a loyal fanbase and achieve widespread influence across generations and regions. Through his music, Muslim aims to break collective indifference and inspire listeners to transform their troubled society. His music has achieved significant success both within and outside Morocco, including in Europe and the Arab world. The album runs for approximately 73 minutes across 20 tracks. It features no collaborations.
Number of Tracks
20
Safar (2019) by Naar
NAAR's "Safar": A Transcontinental Bridge for Moroccan Rap
NAAR's "Safar," released on September 13, 2019, is lauded as a "true renewal in the history of Moroccan rap" and an "ambitious, sincere, and essential initiative." This project, co-founded in 2017 by Mohamed Sqalli and photographer Ilyes Griyeb, is described as a "musical journey brimming with hope, looking towards the future." While specific lyrical details for the entire album aren't provided, artists from the NAAR collective like Shayfeen (Shobee and Small X) are known for themes of ambition, money, and motivation. The music of "Safar" is praised for its ability to speak to the heart and transcend language barriers, incorporating Derija, French, Spanish, and English, which effectively connects diverse communities.
The album's production is noted for its authenticity and coherence, with reviewers stating that "everything seems in its place, nothing seems forced, beauty and naturalness dominate." "Safar" is seen as building a "real bridge between the two corners of the Mediterranean," bringing together two cultures, mixing different artists, and connecting diverse audiences. This collaborative bridge to global recognition is a defining aspect of "Safar's" impact. Moroccan artists assert their identities, moving away from classic Western models and confirming their central role, while European and North American rappers discover a new facet of Moroccan rap. The album runs for approximately 54 minutes across 16 tracks. As a collective project, "Safar" features a complex array of collaborations across its tracks. Notable features include: Madd, Shobee, Laylow, Dosseh, Smallx, Lomepal, and Nelick.
Number of Tracks
16
Conclusion
The examination of these top Moroccan rap albums reveals a dynamic and evolving musical landscape deeply intertwined with the nation's cultural and social fabric. From Don Bigg's pioneering social commentary in Mgharba Tal Moute to Dizzy DROS's West Coast-influenced revitalization of the scene with 3azzy 3ando Stylo, these works have consistently pushed artistic boundaries and set new industry standards. ElGrandeToto's Caméléon and 27 exemplify artistic adaptability and the power of personal narrative to achieve global acclaim, while Madd's Black Rose showcases how strategic international production can elevate regional sounds to a worldwide stage. Nessyou's ATMSPR underscores the role of artists as voices for their generation, articulating societal challenges with hope and resilience. The honorable mentions, including Issam's genre-innovating "Trai" in Crystal, Muslim's enduring social realism in Al Tamarrod, and Naar's collaborative bridge to global recognition with Safar, further highlight the diverse strategies and thematic depths that define Moroccan hip-hop.
Collectively, these albums demonstrate that the strength of Moroccan rap lies in its authentic voice, its willingness to tackle complex social issues, and its innovative fusion of local identity with global hip-hop trends. The success of these artists, both domestically and internationally, underscores the growing recognition of the Maghreb region as a significant force in the global music market. The genre's continued evolution, marked by linguistic versatility, genre-bending experimentation, and strategic collaborations, positions Moroccan rap as a powerful cultural movement that continues to inspire and resonate across borders.
To the Community, to the Culture
Celebrate your favorites and respect this truth: Moroccan rap’s golden age thrives because these artists dared to be timeless. Stay tuned, we’re just getting started.
We invite you to click here to view the list of the 301 voters of our top 10 Moroccan Rappers,
Top 10 Moroccan Rap Albums, and Top 10 Moroccan Rap Beefs.
Mgharba Tal Moute
TOP 10 Rappers
