7liwa

Biography

7liwa, born Ihab Iqbal in Casablanca in 1996, stands as a pivotal and uncompromising figure in the landscape of Moroccan Rap and Trap music. Renowned for his explicit and audacious lyrical delivery, coupled with a distinctive narrative style that vividly chronicles street life, 7liwa has carved out a unique and influential niche. His confrontational artistic approach and raw soundscapes have profoundly impacted and shaped the contemporary sound of the genre, solidifying his reputation as an essential voice that resonates deeply with a generation drawn to his authentic and unfiltered perspective. Iqbal’s journey into the world of rap commenced in 2011, driven by a profound fascination with both international and local artists. He meticulously followed the careers of numerous rappers, notably identifying as a fan of the acclaimed Moroccan artist, Morphone, whose work served as an early inspiration. His official debut arrived in 2013 with the release of "Al Dehk Taqada" (The Laughter is Over). Accompanied by a compelling music video, this track swiftly introduced Moroccan audiences to a formidable new talent within the rap scene. The same year, 7liwa further showcased his burgeoning skills by participating in a freestyle session alongside prominent rappers from Casablanca and Rabat, including Danger and El Jaassous, further cementing his presence. Later in 2013, he released another significant track, "Batal Al Alam" (World Champion), from his mixtape "Kitabi Baki" (My Crying Book). Spanning nearly eleven minutes, this track was a tour de force of authentic rap, distinguished by its intricate punchlines, profound metaphors, and sophisticated lyrical techniques. "Batal Al Alam" quickly ascended to become a classic among the new generation of rappers, demonstrating 7liwa’s early mastery of his craft. Building on this momentum, 2014 saw him continue to refine his distinctive style with releases such as "Musiqat Al Shaytan" (Devil's Music), "Flights", and "Zaouiya Al Madina". He subsequently discontinued the "Kitabi Baki" mixtape, paving the way for new ventures. The year 2015 marked the beginning of another significant project: the "Weld Fatima" (Fatima’s Son) mixtape. This endeavor was a heartfelt acknowledgment of his mother’s unwavering support in his artistic pursuits. The mixtape was unveiled track by track, beginning with the eponymous "Weld Fatima," a poignant tribute. This was followed by "Nik Detti" and a notable collaboration with Sba3toun on the track "77," before the release of "Tfou." During this period, 7liwa’s talent captured the attention of French-Moroccan rapper L’Artiste, who extended an invitation for collaboration. This led to 7liwa featuring on two tracks, "Chauffeur Capable" and "Gonzalez," on L’Artiste’s fourth album, "Clandestino." These collaborations significantly amplified 7liwa’s profile, not only within Morocco but also on the international stage. Maintaining his focus on the "Weld Fatima" mixtape, 7liwa continued to release a string of successful singles, including "Adidas" in late 2016, and "Haribo" and "Mi Amor" (with the group A6Gang) in early 2017. Following these releases, he announced the initiation of a new album project titled "Seven," with the inaugural single "Kmi Kmi Kmi" featuring Drizzy. 7liwa’s career subsequently saw the release of several structured projects, each further cementing his reputation as a formidable force in Moroccan rap. His debut official EP, **La Street**, released on November 20, 2019, served as a potent distillation of his raw street narratives and confrontational ethos. The project plunged listeners into the unfiltered realities of urban life, delivered with his characteristic bold lyricism and unpolished sound. Following this, on August 27, 2020, he unveiled the EP **#WF**. This project, potentially an abbreviation or continuation of his "Weld Fatima" themes, demonstrated an evolution in his sound while retaining the core elements of his artistic identity. It continued to explore personal narratives and societal observations through his distinctive lens. The journey initiated by his 2015 mixtape found a direct sequel with the release of **Weld Fatima II** on June 21, 2021. This album deepened the personal themes previously explored, offering a more mature reflection on his roots, struggles, and the enduring influence of his mother. It underscored his growth as an artist while reaffirming the foundational elements of his identity. His latest major offering, the album **Champion**, was released on June 23, 2024. This project marks a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his continued versatility and artistic ambition. "Champion" further solidifies his standing at the forefront of the Moroccan rap scene, delivering a powerful collection of tracks that encapsulate his journey and enduring impact. Throughout his career, 7liwa has consistently demonstrated a unique ability to connect with his audience through his authentic and uncompromising style. His explicit and bold lyrical content, combined with a distinctive storytelling approach rooted in the realities of street life, positions him as a crucial voice. His confrontational attitude and raw soundscapes have not only influenced but also helped define the modern Moroccan Trap sound, making him an enduring and resonant figure for a generation seeking genuine and unadulterated artistic expression.