When She Speaks, Other Rappers Listen

Shadia Mansour, the first lady of Arabic Hip Hop, the British born Palestinian rapper who came to fame with her "Kofeyye Arabeyye (The Kufiya is Arab" and ever since the song was released this young, charming and fierce rapper has been traveling the globe either headlining concerts or collaborating with some other musicians. She is currently on US tour with a large cast of popular Arab American rappers like Lowkey and Khaled M.

Shadia picked an interesting topic when a traditional Arab dress went mainstream and lost its symbolic meaning for many, that's why the song resonated with many Arabs and non Arabs alike. The second time Shadia came to my radar was in her very beatiful collaboration with the Narcicyt in "Hamdulillah"

Unlike many female rappers, she does not opt for rugged and tough looks, not because she is short on rage, but rather because she has been given a role model status in the community. She is the hottest Arab female rapper with some amazing vocals and style. Her command of the Arabic languages is as good as her command of the English language. Her Arabic pronunciation is distinct, making it very interesting to listen to her raps.

Per her Facebook page "She is as authentic as the heavily-embroidered thawb she wears whilst performing live... British Born Palestinian Shadia Mansour, has independently become one of the leading female Arabian MC's worldwide. Her natural, flawless ability to switch between rapping and singing is rapidly becoming a cultural phenomenon."

As for her choices, they indicate that there is a real intellectual persona that has hunger for taking Arabic and Palestinian culture into new grounds. She is very eloquent and makes no apologies about herself and her people. Needless to say, Shadia is proud of her heritage and that shows in her choice of fashion, she dresses in those traditional Arabic dresses that your grandma used to wear. She rocks the world of Palestinian fashion aided by her good looks and grace.

If you get a chance to see Shadia perform live, do it, not that you would need a reminder. Chances are her performances is raising awareness and funds for various Arab causes. I am just glad she is out there recruiting new friends to the Palestinian agenda for justice.

SHADIA MANSOUR "EL KOFEYYE 3ARABEYYE" 2010 PROMO