"Rebel" is an emotionally empowering song that captures the heart, courage and spirit of the Egyptian people currently embattled in a Revolution against an oppressive leadership.

The civil unrest in Egypt does have a hip-hop soundtrack, and it comes from a group called the Arabian Knightz, who have been putting in work in Cairo and building out a fan base across the Middle East for a minute. Rush, one third of the Knightz, explained his perspective on the situation in a HipHopDX.com news exclusive.

In the meantime, NmyHood connected with DEEN (formerly Jihad), a hip-hop artist currently in Dubai working to get Middle East hip-hop off the ground. This week, he sent over what is believed to be the first hip-hop track recorded in Egypt during what the Egyptians themselves are calling "The Revolution." The Iron Curtain-producer track features a rolling guitar and verses in both Arabic and English. Download it via the link below, samples Lauryn Hill's "Rebel." On the flip side, peep the eye-poppin' info from the press release.

 

DOWNLOAD: Arabian Knightz feat. Lauryn Hill - Rebel (Prod. Iron Curtain)

 

 




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A visual for a soothing instrumental from West Covina, Calif.-bred Justin "Jansport J" Williams, a producer who has been making some noise in the crowded L.A. scene for a minute. Nicely done, from the cinematography to the model. Did I mention the model? In any event, file this under 'backpacker soul.' Off Jansport's forthcoming instrumental album "Save My Soul," which releases Jan. 11 at JansportJ.bandcamp.com.

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