Arabic Hip-Hop

Arabic hip-hop is hip-hop music and culture originating in the Arabic speaking world. It is performed in Arabic and different dialects of Arabic. Also considered part of Arabic hip-hop are emcees of Arabic orgin in the Arab diaspora including Europe, North America and Australia. These emcees are at times well-renowed beyond Arab audiences and are often successful international hip hop acts. Arab hip hop is played on radio stations and shown on TV programs, but live performances only began in the 1990's. Many hip hop groups are still underground because their political views could lead to government censure. Therefore, the internet has been a major outlet for most groups. In the past, it was rare to hear Arabic hip-hop and rap in Egypt. The pioneering Egyptian rap crew was "MTM" formed in 1999 the first rap group to actually rap in Arabic. Egyptian rap has more recently become more heavily promoted in Egypt and the Middle East. Egyptian underground rap is now growing rapidly, due to the feeling of injustice that mainly affects youths in the country.