Mehditations Podcast

In this episode of Mehditations Podcast, I’m joined by Othmane Bellamine, manager of Small X, formerly of the duo Shayfeen, for a conversation about artist management, Moroccan rap culture, and the behind-the-scenes work that helps shape an artist’s career.We talk about Othmane’s early experience working in a record shop in Paris, how he first met Small X, and how their collaboration started. He shares the story behind managing Small X and helping bring the vinyl production of his EP Phoenix to life.The conversation also explores key moments in Small X’s career, including his Paris show, the signing with Mass Appeal Records, and the creative process behind the EP Nafida produced with Saib Beats.

In this episode of Mehditations, I sit down with photographer Hamza Rochdi, one of the creatives who has helped visually shape the Moroccan rap scene in the recent last years.We talk about his photography journey and how he became closely connected to hip-hop culture through his work with many artists from the scene, including Shobee, Madd, Small X, Dizzy Dros, Najm, Dollypran, Snor, Yvzid, Valen, Damost, Lmehdi and Valerie and more.We also dive into some of the iconic visuals and projects he worked on, including his collaboration with Spotify on Abatera, a series of collaborations bringing together artists such as Inkonnu & Sipo, Shobee & Fetah, Stormy & Kartman, Draganov & Onzy, and Madd & Valen.Hamza also shares the creative process behind several important visuals in the scene, including the cover of The Diary of a Dead Man by Tchubi, the cover of Omega by Stormy, and the press shoot he worked on for Warner Music Group following the signing of Dizzy Dros, Snor and Kouz1.We also talk about the visual work around 7ari by Ramon 101 and the story behind Galilee by Ayman Haqqi.This conversation explores the importance of visual storytelling in hip-hop and how photography helps document and elevate the culture.

For this episode of Mehditations Podcast, I’m joined by Loun for a deep conversation about performance, vision, and Moroccan hip hop culture.We start with his live show in Paris alongside Small X, Raste, and DJ Waseem, organized by EA Production, breaking down the energy of the night, the crowd connection, and why live performance is essential for rappers who want to truly elevate their craft.We also dive into: The importance of stage presence in rap, his musical inspirations, broader conversations about hip hop culture, the full vision behind his latest project Album Therapy (structure, concept, artistic direction, and mindset behind it), his latest single “Bonbon” and the current state and evolution of Moroccan rap.

In this episode of Mehditations, I’m joined by Lquinze for a real conversation about his journey, his evolution, and the mindset behind his music.We dive into his first songs and how he started shaping his sound, then break down the creative process behind the Beatophile trilogy, the energy of Trips, and the transition phase leading to B4 IKIGAI. Of course, we also talk about his upcoming album IKIGAI, what it represents, where he’s headed artistically, and how he’s levelling up.We also discuss key collaborations: “Diamond” with L’Morphine, “H2R” with Raid and“Smith & Wesson” with Nessyou.Beyond the music, Lquinze shares what he listens to from the new generation of Moroccan rappers, his inspirations, and his perspective on the evolution of Moroccan hip hop.

In this Episode of Mehditations Podcast, we sit down with Mehdi Lekok, one of the sharpest pens in Moroccan rap, known for his intricate multisyllabic rhyming and layered lyricism. He takes us back to his first interactions with rap and how he developed his technical writing style, from being featured on Nessyou’s Nettape Amdra with his impactful 2-minute track to building his debut EP Times and later evolving with the mixtape L’Index. We also discuss his collaboration with Nessyou on Direction L’album, his feature with L’morphine on the MC3 Mixtape track “Rewind,” and his vision when it comes to live performance, stage presence, and dropping freestyles that address social and political issues. This episode is a deep dive into discipline, lyricism, and the mindset behind sharp, structured rap—tap in and discover the journey behind the bars.

In this episode of the Mehditations, I sit down with DJ Simh, known for his work with Dizzy Dros, to talk about DJing, vinyl culture, and live hip-hop performance.We discuss DJ Simh’s role on stage and how DJs shape the energy of rap concerts. He also shares insights on working with Nessyou on the mixtape Rap Khatr, as well as collaborations with Art Smoke, Al Nasser, and Nab Fake.The episode also covers the tribute project for Nab Fake (RIP), its progress and meaning, plus a look into DJ Simh’s CD and vinyl collection.

In this special episode, we break down The X Tour by Khtek from the inside: how the idea was born, the challenges of organizing the tour, and the work that went into bringing it to life across different cities. Khtek opens up about the behind-the-scenes from logistics to artistic direction.We also talk about her next project with Villain, what they’re building together sonically, and how this collaboration fits into her evolution as an artist.A special moment of the episode is dedicated to the first X Tour show in Rabat at Cinema La Renaissance, featuring performances by Lmorphine, Abduh, Obito, Tchubi, Minerva, Streize, and Soufiane Az as well as the masterclass with Elodie Le Breut.Beyond the tour, Khtek reflects on her journey as a female rapper, navigating the scene, breaking stereotypes, staying authentic, and building longevity in a space that’s still evolving.

For this episode of Mehditations, I’m joined by Teekay, music producer best known for his work with Dizzy Dros on multiple projects, including 3azzy 3ando Stylo, Moul Lbaloun, and TPS (Yasuke).During this walk, Teekay opens up about his journey as a producer and what it’s like working closely with major artists in the Moroccan rap scene. We also discuss Dros’ latest album Aflam, the use of AI in production, the importance of experimentation, and how beat makers are increasingly building their own projects by inviting rappers into their universe.Teekay also talks about his upcoming project with Mehdi Klibre, and shares insights on growth, and staying authentic in a fast-changing industry.

In this episode of Mehditations, I sit down with Iyad for an in-depth conversation about the rise and fall of Iflissen Group, the making of Mehdi Black Wind - Arnak, the Art Smoke – Budo EP, vinyl production, touring, principles in the art world, Moroccan rap culture, and much more.Iyad shares his personal history with Mehdi Black Wind, the creative process behind their collaborations, and the challenges of building an independent label in Morocco. We also dive into the story behind Arnak’s vinyl release, the tour, working with Art Smoke on Budo, and what ultimately led the Iflissen team to part ways.The conversation expands into broader reflections on artistic integrity, the influence of Griselda on Moroccan rap, Iyad’s personal music taste, and more.

In this episode of Mehditations, I meet Waseem, a Moroccan DJ and dancer based in Paris.We start our walk near La Gaîté Lyrique, where he performed his very first show, and dive deep into his journey through music, dance, and creativity.Waseem shares what it was like:Moving from dancing to DJing and finding his soundTouring with Rilès on the Jungle Tour and collaboratingBlankka, the Paris-based creative team blending rap, amapiano, and African-inspired sounds.Working with major Moroccan artists like Khtek, Stormy, Dizzy Dros, Tagne, and ShawHis thoughts on the Moroccan rap scene, the rise of DJs in rap and more

Vinyl records have always been at the heart of rap culture, from the early days of DJs in the Bronx to the resurgence of collectors and artists today. In this episode of Mehditations, I explore the story of vinyls in rap, why they remain important, and why they have become trendy again in recent years. I also reflect on the reality of vinyls in Moroccan rap, where only a handful of projects have been released on this format, including Naar – Safar, Mehdi Black Wind – Zeft, Small X – Phoenix, and Moro – Maverick. Finally, I share the projects I would love to see pressed on vinyl one day, such as Don Bigg – Mgharba Tal Lmout, Small X – Nafida, Dizzy Dros – 3azzy 3ando Stylo, Nessyou – ATMSPR, Shobee – Howls, and Madd – Sensus.

In this episode of Mehditations, I walk and talk with Moroccan music critic 3ab9or to unpack the current landscape of Moroccan rap. We break down the GNX Tour, reflect on the power of live performance, and take a close look at Dros’s Yasuke a lyrically dense track filled with advanced techniques and layered meanings. 3ab9or brings his sharp ear and critical lens to the conversation, offering deep insights into how Moroccan rap is evolving and why lyrical complexity still matters. If you're into rap with substance, cultural critique, and the craft behind the bars, this one's for you.