Erkez Hiphop: “Laariba” – The Genesis of a New Sound
On December 30, 2019, Collectif DEBO shifted the culture with the release of “Laariba”, the inaugural track that launched the Erkez Hiphop project. This release was more than just a drop; it was a clear statement of intent. It laid the foundation for everything that followed, proving that the raw energy of Tunisian underground rap belongs alongside the rich, heavy groove of traditional live instrumentation.
The Frontline
Stepping up to the mic for this historic first session were three pillars of the collective: Vipa, Tiga Black’Na, and Massi. They set a relentless standard right out of the gate, trading bars with a gritty authenticity that perfectly locked into the live rhythm section.
The Sonic Architecture
“Laariba” built the bridge between the digital and the acoustic. Instead of relying solely on looped samples, the track is driven by a powerful original composition and a live, breathing traditional section layered with heavy electronic textures.
- Jihed Khmiri – Composition
- Makrem Radhouani – Arrangement & Machines
- Mohamed Ghazi Dhraief – Darbouka
- Montassar Jbeli – Mezwed
- Sofienne Ayari (Steph) – Sound Engineering (Son)
The Visual Identity
To document this cultural shift, the visual aesthetic had to capture the raw, in-the-room energy of the collective at work. The lighting, camera work, and final cut were executed by a dedicated visual crew:
- Image: Ahmed Thabet, Adem Sghir
- Lumière: Rihab Briki
- Montage: Iheb Arfaoui
Stream the track that started it all above and explore the roots of the Erkez Hiphop movement.
