Egyptian rap founding father Abyusif just surprise-dropped his latest EP, Bal Masque, giving us three new tracks: “Ri Ra Ra,” produced by his recent collaborator Omar El Taa’i; “Sd2eny,” featuring Abo El Anwar; and “K.7.M.S.,” both of the latter produced by Lil Baba. The entire EP is mixed and mastered by Muhammed El Alfy.
Unbothered as ever by mainstream trends, the EP reflects Abyusif’s own musical timeline – what he’s listening to and what’s inspiring him at any given time. This time around, he appears particularly influenced by heavily introspective alternative rap, a thread that runs through many of his latest releases.
The EP sees the veteran rapper surveying his psyche’s depth through dark, synth-heavy production and his trademark depressive lyricism. “Ri Ra Ra” starts the EP off on an uneasy, ominous tone, as Abyu launches broad lyrical campaigns against faceless nemeses. “Sd2eny” sees him revisiting one of his most comfortable tropes, exchanging ruthless bars with Abo El Anwar about troubled relationships.
It’s the final track, “K.7.M.S.,” that touches the deepest corners of the rapper’s psyche, indulging in bad trips of unchecked self-aggrandizement and, paradoxically, unforgiving self-doubt. Abyusif delivers this existential bruiser with some of his best flows in a while, having fun manipulating listeners’ expectations at every twist and turn.
Bal Masque is out now on YouTube, and expected to hit other platforms soon.
