Gazan hip hop group hopes to spread message of unity

Gaza: A Gazan rap group is slowly making a name for itself both in Gaza and internationally. The group DARG (Da Arabian Revolutionary Guys) is trying to gain popularity among a population that generally dislikes Western styles of music or anything to do with the West.

"Its Arabic hip hop with a dash of tradition and patriotism. They represent a new generation of Palestinian artistes who hope to reach out to the youth by rapping about issues that are real and matter," Fadi Srour, the group's manager told Gulf News.

The biggest challenge for the group is trying to distinguish itself from American or European groups, but even before that the group struggled for acceptance from their own families.

The lyrics of their songs focus on unity, freedom and other things relevant to the Palestinian cause. They do not belong to either Hamas or Fatah but instead advocate against factionalism. The members are in school and also volunteer for the Palestinian Red Crescent.

http://gulfnews.com/news/region/palestinian-territories/gazan-hip-hop-group-hopes-to-spread-message-of-unity-1.660330

"When we started, everyone said, 'Why are they wearing baggy clothes? Why do they greet each other like that?'" said Ayman Mghamis, 25, of Palestinian Rapperz, one of Gaza's 10 or so rap groups.

Gazans started accepting them, he said, but the Hamas government didn't.

Hamas police broke up a show in March that contained a rap act. Police said the event lacked permits, but the rappers took it as a cue to keep their heads down. While underground, the rappers distribute songs on the Internet and perform at events organized by international organizations, which they say keeps authorities at bay.

http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=182987

the 'bust a cap in yo ass' references prevalent in a lot of mainstream hip-hop today.

not sure whether that's the reason Hamas keeps shutting down there concert, though. Anyway, good luck to them.

What are you basing that assessment on? Can you identify some Arabic hip hop groups that you think are awful? Are there any you think are good? Do you like hip hop generally speaking?