If Canada based Punjabi rappers are celebrated as part of Desi HipHop (DHH) due to their cultural and linguistic ties to South Asia, shouldn’t the same logic apply to Middle Eastern rappers rapping in Desi languages? In our interview with Shebby, a Dubai born rapper deeply rooted in the Middle Eastern hiphop scene, he highlighted how DHH’s essence lies in its Desi roots, language, and themes, not geography. Whether it’s someone rapping in Punjabi from Canada, Urdu from Dubai, or Tamil from Chennai, their art reflects and expands Desi culture globally. Shebby’s perspective challenges the conventional geographic lens of DHH, urging the community to embrace a more inclusive definition that recognises the shared struggles, stories, and creativity of Desis worldwide.
F*ck the fame, mujhe nahi mashoori ki talab.” Shebby, aka Middle East Coast, isn’t here for the fame. He’s here for the art.
Q: What inspired you to dive into hiphop, and when did you decide to bring Desi language and culture into your music?
Growing up in Dubai, I was immersed in hiphop and a mix of diverse music, thanks to my elder cousins. They introduced me to legends like Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Bohemia, and even Arabic hiphop, which shaped my connection to the culture. Using Desi language in my rap feels natural to me because it mirrors the Dubai street slang I grew up with a unique blend of Hindi, Urdu, English, and Arabic.
As he always say, “he rap in the lang and slang he talk!” Shebby core.
Q: Who are some of the Desi artists that influenced your style? And if you could pick one dream collaboration, who would it be?
I draw a lot of inspiration from the OG Bohemia and the entire early Desi HipHop scene. I’ve followed artists like Raftaar, Raga, Naezy, Badshah, and YS, Faris since their early days, admiring how they built the genre. I’m always curious about upcoming talent and love learning about their journeys. When it comes to collaborations, I don’t have a “dream collab” in mind, I’m open to working with artists as long as the vibe aligns naturally.
Shebby hai mic pe hoga na shor, MEC vibe pura maahol! MEC is the vibe.
Q: What are your favorite music genres outside of hiphop? Do they ever influence your sound or vibe?
Among my friends, I was the only one blasting hiphop 24/7, the literal DHH aficionado. But their diverse tastes opened me up to everything: pure qawwali, Punjabi folk, Jamaican beats, techno, and so much more. I soaked up every genre and its influence like a sponge. My homies always say I’m too versatile, crafting a unique sound by blending all these “recipes.” And honestly, I believe that’s how artists create fresh vibes by mixing everything they’ve learned.
Q: How has the Middle Eastern hiphop scene shaped your approach to blending regional influences with Desi roots?
I see the Desi HipHop scene in the Middle East as very small and inconsistent, which is why I call myself and MEC the OGs, the ones who dominate the scene because others don’t last long. With such a large Desi community in the Middle East, I hope to see Dubai hiphop stand shoulder to shoulder with Pakistani and Indian hiphop. And honestly, I’m confident that this will happen soon. I know we’ve got what it takes.
Soon!
Desi HipHop is often associated with India or Pakistan. Do you think this limits its true global potential?
I don’t agree with the idea that Desi HipHop’s potential is limited. Having lived in the UAE my whole life, with a huge circle of friends, half Indian and half Pakistani competition was always inevitable. Audiences thrive on comparisons; they see it as Indian HipHop vs. Pakistani HipHop, commercial vs. underground, Karachi vs. Mumbai, gangsta vibe vs. love vibes. It’s always icons like Badshah vs. Honey, Raftaar vs. Emiway, Anjum vs. Yunus, Nabeel vs. JJ, and us at MEC representing all of Dubai’s scene.
I believe that as Dubai’s Desi HipHop grows, the most exciting thing will be seeing Pakistani and Indian artists collaborating and raising the game together. That’s when we’ll really compete on a global level.
Q: Your work fuses Desi languages with Middle Eastern vibes. Do you feel like you’re reshaping what Desi culture means in hiphop?
I see it differently: a lot of artists dream of moving to Dubai once they gain fame, because it’s one of the best places for artists to thrive. They come here to pursue a career in music. For me and my crew, though, we’ve already lived that life. Our hustle, struggles, and hood vibes are unique, and they resonate deeply with underground hiphop listeners.
Dubai has its perks for underground artists you can create highend visuals without spending a fortune. Shooting in a Range Rover or near the Burj Khalifa? Sometimes it’s as simple as borrowing from a friend. But for me, it’s not just about the language or the Middle Eastern vibe; it’s about the DHH culture we’ve built right here in the city. That’s what sets us apart.
“I RULE MIDDLE EAST DESI HIPHOP” for riyal!
Q: If Canadabased Punjabi rappers are part of DHH, isn’t it time the Middle East got recognition too? How do you see yourself contributing to this shift?
I often question why the focus in Canada’s Desi HipHop scene is mostly on Punjabi artists. I want to see the entire community rise. My goal is to bring together artists from diverse backgrounds Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Balochi, and more, within the Middle East scene. Having met so many talented individuals in Dubai, I’m committed to lifting them up with me. I understand the unique struggles expats face in the music industry, and I want to create a platform where everyone has a chance to shine.
Q: By rapping in Desi languages from the Middle East, how do you challenge or complement traditional DHH narratives?
When I meet underground DHH artists visiting Dubai, they often ask me, “What struggle will you speak about? This is Dubai; we don’t understand.” But I connect deeply with Bohemia’s journey as a perdesi who spoke about his life and struggles, shaping the foundation for so many of us.
Now, I lead a Middle Eastern DHH crew, telling the stories of our lives as expats. Instead of the typical Mumbai or Karachi references, I rap about places like Satwa, Qusais, Sharjah, and Mamzar, true oldschool Dubai. My roots run deep here. I’ve lived in Dubai for 28 years, and my father was born here too. My crew shares this same authentic Middle Eastern Desi story, one that’s raw, real, and deserves to be heard.
Q: We’d love to hear more about dxb old school places such as you mentioned (satwa qusais, sharjah, mamzar), if you were to describe them in two lines or so, how would that be like?
I remember standing on the streets of Hamriya, Dubai, with four homies, my BMX bike beside me and a Mountain Dew bottle in hand. An old Nissan Patrol rolls by with my cousin, rocking a Bob Marley cap, music blasting, hands out the window. We hear about a big fight happening that night guys armed (but not with guns), ready to clash. The next day, tragedy strikes. Someone dies in the fight, others fall victim to drugs.
In a city that’s lost its hood life, meeting someone who lived through that era their slang and swag, they tell the real story. Back then, every neighborhood had a “zaeem,” most of them Desi. Me and my homie @gifarojazzy, we grew up in different hoods but swapped so many memories of old Dubai. Honestly, I admit, “Two lines can’t do justice to this, I still feel like I haven’t shared enough.”
Q: As we’re getting close to the end of the interview, we think that you’re a proof that DHH can transcend boundaries. What does this mean for the genre’s future?
I’ve always been inspired by the growth of the DHH scene and how it’s developed globally. I envision that when the DHH scene in Dubai reaches its full potential, it will create a path for artists from all over, regardless of their country, to bring their own unique DHH ideas to life. It’s not just about what we’re doing here, it’s about creating a space where everyone can express themselves and push the culture forward.
What’s next for you as an artist, any exciting projects, collabs, or sounds we should look out for?
I’ve set my mind on making 2025 my breakthrough year. I’m launching my own channel to drop solo projects, while keeping MEC for the collabs. With singles, an EP, and a dope album already halfway done, I’ve been working with toptier producers who create music for the DHH elites in India and Pakistan. I’m also introducing We3zo as my producer, bringing some fresh, unheard work to the table. I’m all in and ready for 2025 to be the year that defines my journey.
Lastly, if you had to describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before, how would you sum it up in one sentence?
I see myself as just a character, sharing my life, perspective, and feelings. The only difference is that I can rap. Through my music, I hope listeners can relate to my story, maybe even learn from my mistakes. It’s about being real and expressing what I’ve been through in a way that others can connect to.
Conclusion:
Shebby’s journey sheds light on the evolving scope of DHH, challenging the idea that the genre is geographically confined. His experiences in Dubai’s multicultural environment showcase how Desi HipHop transcends borders to thrive on shared roots, experiences, and aspirations. He argues that Middle Eastern rappers, like their Canadian counterparts, bring a fresh and vital perspective to the genre, influenced by their unique diasporic challenges. From highlighting vibrant neighborhoods in Dubai to narrating the struggles of being a “perdesi,” Shebby’s music and message celebrate the diversity within Desi identity.
Expanding our definition of DHH to include rappers like Shebby acknowledges the global impact of Desi culture. It opens the door for a unified community where artists, no matter where they’re based, can contribute their voice to the larger tapestry of Desi HipHop. As the genre grows, it’s essential to embrace and uplift the stories of every Desi artist who brings authenticity and innovation, bridging the cultural gaps across countries and continents. In doing so, DHH can truly achieve its potential as a global movement representing the soul of South Asian heritage.
“Shebby hai mic pe, hoga na shor,
MEC vibe pura maahol!
Abhi to hype bhi milegi aur
Lamba safar, yaani lambi hai daud,
Bina hi fame ke kare survive,
Million bhi milenge, rahegi life.“
MEC is up for the victory!!
