DAM break out beats of Palestinian resistance on “BEN HAANA WA MAANA”

The Arab-Isreali hip hop posse mixes punchy rap, urban beats and oriental sounds in a molotov cocktail of protest

DAM have been going for twenty years, but this is their first record on an international label, the UK’s Cooking Vinyl. They join a roster that includes subversive artists like the fiercely independent Amanda Palmer, the Pixies’ Frank Black, veteran protester Billy Bragg and shock-rocker Marilyn Manson, not to mention fellow Palestinians 47Soul.

Where 47Soul’s brand of protest is more based on showcasing resistance through personal struggle, DAM are more confrontational and radical. Their cynical black humour-infused raps tackle injustice and discrimination, corruption of Arab leaders, sexism and sexual freedom, atheism and accusations of terrorism. Conveniently, if you don’t speak Arabic, most of their videos are subtitled in English.

Their music is equally hard-hitting, an eclectic mix of phat, manic electronic basslines with middle eastern vibes and melodies. It is heavier and darker than their older material, yet more daring and rewarding. It is also great to dance to. Despite a familiar sound throughout the whole record, it is still diverse enough to keep it interesting from start to finish.

The triumph of their latest album is the blistering energy that inhabits all the songs: it is infectious, and should make their targets tremble. Join the fight, play it loud!