Egypt’s underground rap scene is carving out a raw and authentic identity that thrives on energy, experimentation and storytelling. Away from the mainstream spotlight, a wave of young voices is shaping new sonic landscapes, blending personal struggles with bold beats. These artists are not only performers but narrators of their own realities, each bringing something fresh to the table.
El Sayed Aly
Initially known under the name Azmann, El Sayed Aly has grown into one of the most cathartic voices in the scene. A writer since childhood, he channels negative energy into his music, creating concept-driven projects that balance rage-filled hip-hop with deeper, more confessional tracks.
Inspired by the fearless work of Abyusif, El Sayed Aly began experimenting seriously during the pandemic, producing songs that often sound commercial on the surface but carry darker undertones beneath. His music is a mix of rage and release, designed to both confront and exorcise pressure.
Qetoo
Qetoo has steadily carved out a reputation as one of the most versatile storytellers in the underground. From his “66” era tracks such as “Ma3lesh,” “Fakes”, and “Fahma”, listeners have recognised his ability to switch between confessional honesty and coded, layered lyricism. His strength lies in weaving a sense of narrative across projects, rewarding those who listen closely to every track.
Most recently, his influence expanded beyond the underground when he landed the intro song "Flashback" for the new series "Ma Taraho Laysa Kama Yabdo" , proving his crossover potential. With this leap into TV, Qetoo has demonstrated that his voice is no longer just an underground whisper but one that is entering mainstream consciousness.
Young Giza
Young Giza remains more elusive but has already built a reputation for his gritty, street-level style. Known to have performed at AUC and other stages in Cairo, his early live appearances signalled his arrival on the underground circuit.
His delivery is raw and stripped back, favouring tight, straightforward bars over polished gimmicks, giving his performances a restless energy that resonates strongly in intimate venues. For listeners, the appeal lies in his unfiltered approach: a voice built out of alleyway cyphers and late-night freestyles.
Xine
Xine is hard to miss, both sonically and visually. Known for performing with a helmet, he has developed a persona that matches the theatricality of his sound. His track “Royal Rumble,” released in 2024, embodies his style perfectly, a high-octane blend of combat-ready lyrics and heavy beats, structured to sound like a sparring match.
The anonymity of his helmet contrasts with the aggression of his music, creating a stage presence that feels at once mysterious and confrontational. Xine’s world is one of adrenaline, spectacle, and constant forward thrust.
Haitham
Haitham is another name making waves, particularly because of his distinct voice, which many compare to Marwan Pablo’s own raw delivery. Tracks circulating under names like “Paranoia” and “Mohmsh” carry a restless energy, drawing on themes of survival, self-doubt, and the anxieties of city living.
His songs sit in a nocturnal space. His moody trap anthems are perfect for late-night listening, oscillating between vulnerability and aggression. Though still emerging, Haitham’s voice has the kind of grit that immediately draws comparisons with the scene’s biggest names, while still retaining a unique sense of intimacy.
What makes these artists unique is their refusal to conform to the traditional pathways of success. Each one builds identities from scratch, whether it is Xine’s theatrical helmet, El Sayed Aly’s rage therapy, or Qetoo’s cinematic storytelling. They represent a DIY culture that thrives on live performances, concept projects, and raw self-expression rather than polished industry formulas. Cairo’s underground remains their laboratory, but the ripples are reaching further every day. These are the voices worth listening to now, before the rest of the world catches up.
