The UAE Hip-Hop scene is a pretty weird one; with a lack of any proper music distribution channels or any fixed outlets for artists, the scene has had a ton of newcomers over the past decade, some staying a few months, others staying a couple of years and then disappearing. A few were good, many were not. Some make their claim to fame by opening for an international musician, others by having an interview on local TV, and others get one of their songs played on the radio.
They all eventually disappear sooner or later though. It’s rare to see artists that have stood through it all though, and that’s what the The Recipe have done. I first interviewed the group for my urban show back in 2009, and followed their music and live shows since then. The group have had their share of fame, let-downs, success, arguments, shady promoters who’ve screwed them over, and have seen it all.
They are still here though, albeit a little smaller, and they've finally dropped their first commercial single, Death To Get Here.
The track is raw with a pretty sweet bassline, reminiscent of 90s hip-hop but balanced enough to sound modern and fresh. The group take you along their journey, what they’ve had to endure to make it; “Kill myself every time I write”, and then go on to how they’re ready to annihilate anyone else in the industry; not really a big industry but still, words that would put a chill into the heart of any unprepared rapper.
Or would they? And death it did take, but the group have finally made it to feature in The Source, Apple Beats 1 Radio, Thisis50, and a bunch of others. Persistence is key here. You probably won't hear the track on local radio anytime soon since the crew don't like censoring their words, but you can grab the single on iTunes here. Listen to their soundcloud, for upcoming events see www.therecipedxb.com or follow them @therecipedxb
Ammar Alaradi is a Dubai based director and producer. You can follow him on @Ammar456