Bahraini hip hop

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Bahraini hip hop is relatively young and small compared to some of its counterparts around the world. One of the most popular Bahraini hip hop producers is DJ Outlaw.

Bahrain's large middle class tend to be outward looking which has meant that young Bahrainis tend to be atuned to international trends, with the vitality of the local rap scene one manifestation. In addition, Michael Jackson's relocation to the Kingdom has given an international spotlight to the scene with international DJs now appearing in the Kingdom.

DJ Whoo Kid, who accompanied American celebrities Tyson Beckford and John Legend to attend the Bahrain Grand Prix, said of rap's popularity: "I must have signed over 300 autographs and posed for 500 pictures with the people of Bahrain. I can't believe how far hip-hop has come, and thanks to the Internet many locals have been downloading my CDs for years. I was hanging with princes and sheiks. If that doesn't prove hip-hop is global I don't know what does."

Although he did find differences between the US scene and that in Bahrain "The difference between our hip-hop culture and Bahrain's is that Bahrainis enjoy the music more and do not care about the beef that is often involved in hip hop. Urban clothing is the one thing that has not seemed to infiltrate the youth culture in Bahrain. When I went to the local clubs, people were dressed in high-end brands like Gucci, Prada or Versace, or their custom robes and tops."