Egyptian RnB & Rap Darling Hoda Is Resilient In Latest Single ‘Retro’

Rap has often been stigmatized as a means of expression ideal for those who communicate well in song – but not necessarily with singing. Despite this, even rappers who don’t normally tread into the world of full-blown singing, still experiment with melody and intonation with their flow and delivery. That being said, even rapping requires good breathing techniques, vocal control, and a melodic, hamonic touch.

Once in a while, however, you come across the kind of artist that can not only spit bars with impeccable flow –  they can also sing, and use that vocal ability on their raps. This has resulted in a kind of new genre of rap that blurs the lines between pure MC’ing and RnB, neo-soul, soul, and jazz. Artists like Smino, Anderson .Paak, Malik Moses, Earthgang, and Bas are just a few of the globally known artists who have popularized this rap/sing fusion.

In the local scene, one of the leading artists exploring this sound is Hoda Sherbeeny, who applies her sultry vocals to the new wave of Egyptian hip hop. Hoda Sherbeeny, also known simply as ‘Hoda’, first made her debut in 2021 when she released a chilling three-track EP entitled Mehtara, where she laid a solid foundation for her style and sound, giving the audience a hint of what they could expect in the future.

This past week, Hoda released ‘Retro’, a single discussing moving forward and not looking back, while also sending a message to doubters and haters to keep their ill-advised opinions to themselves. In ‘Retro’, Hoda is determined, staking her passion with bars like, “When the opportunity comes, I won’t let it pass”. Rapper/producer Yonyo lended his talents to this release, going for a mellow trap/RnB instrumental, making the use of light 808s to keep focus on the guitar and Hoda’s enchanting vocals.

The track came equipped with a full performance music video, produced by the Freedom Music Egypt platform, which also had a hand in major visual releases such as Ra2smal label-mate Marwan Moussa’s ‘Kol Shay Mizyan’. The video was directed by Egyptian film-favourite, DOP and Director Zeina Khalil.

Watch the stunning video below and scroll through for the full credits.

Project by Freedom Music Egypt

Executive Producers: Mahmoud Zidan & Bas Enab

Director/DOP: Zeina Khalil

Art Director: Amr Shalaby

Stylist: Farida Fouaad

Gaffer: My Gaffer

1st AD: Mariam Garir

Assistant Art Director: Nouran Mohey

Camera Operator: Mohab Gamall

Focus Puller: Marwan Osman

Colorist: Al Maghraby

 Photographer: Ezzat

Agency: Kord Agency