The No. 1 song topping streaming charts in Israel uses hip-hop drill to call for the genocide of Palestinians. The controversial track, called “Charbu Darbu,” is being criticized by fans who say the song misappropriates Hip-Hop music, originated by oppressed communities of color, to call for the destruction of a similarly oppressed people.
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“Charbu Darbu” had claimed the top spot on Spotify streaming charts in Israel, spurning TikTok videos of young Israelis spitting lyrics of violence against Palestinians. The song, which has been #1 of Spotify since Dec 1st, uses a hip-hop drill beat and provocative lyrics and calls for the gēnōcīdē of the Palestinians and all who support them. Created by Israeli artists Ness Ve STILLA, the track has ignited a heated debate amidst the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The number one streaming song in Israel right now is a “hip-hop” song over a drill beat that explicitly calls for the gēnōcīdē of the Palestinians and the mass unaliving of all who support them. People continue to gaslight those who are calling this gēnōcīdē by its name, but this song is proof that even Zionists know what is unfolding—and make no apologies about it. That’s why In the spirit of hip-hop, in the spirit of liberation, I say free Palestine until it’s backwards. #hiphop #israel #palestine #freepalestine #blacktiktok
“Charbu Darbu,” in Syrian Arabic, literally translates to “swords and strikes.” In Hebrew slang, it is a reference to raining hell on one’s opponent — which is what the rappers promise the Israeli Defense Forces will do to Hamas.
The lyrics touch on deeply rooted sentiments and frustrations, as rappers Ness Ve STILLA aka Stilla & Ness compare Hamas to the biblical enemy of the Israelites, the Amalekites. The song’s passionate lyrics express a desire for vengeance and promise violence against their enemies. It raps:
“Left, right, left, how is it that the whole country is in uniform from Galilee to Eilat… We’ve brought the entire army against you and we swear there won’t be forgiveness, sons of Amalek.”
The denial of the song’s disturbing lyrics have further fueled the controversy. Critics argue that the song serves as proof that even within the Zionist community, there is acknowledgment of the unfolding situation.
The number one streaming song in Israel right now is a “hip-hop” song over a drill beat that explicitly calls for the gēnōcīdē of the Palestinians and the mass unaliving of all who support them. People continue to gaslight those who are calling this gēnōcīdē by its name, but this song is proof that even Zionists know what is unfolding—and make no apologies about it. That’s why In the spirit of hip-hop, in the spirit of liberation, I say free Palestine until it’s backwards. #hiphop #israel #palestine #freepalestine #blacktiktok
The song’s popularity highlights the complexity of the conflict and the varying perspectives within Israeli society. The impact of “Charbu Darbu” on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains uncertain.
The song highlights the power of Hip-Hop music and its potential to influence public opinion and shape political narratives. It also calls into question whether Hip-Hop music, created as a voice of an oppressed people, should be used in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian war that many Hip-Hop artists oppose.
Kid Cudi has recently spoken out and called for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. This comes amidst artists such as Drake and Kehlani, who joined the initiative called Artists 4 Ceasefire, penning an open letter to President Joe Biden and the United States Congress. Other artists who have signed the petition include Killer Mike, Vic Mensa, Victoria Monét, and many others. Hip-hop veteran KRS-1 says the fight over land is futile as “the whole concept of owning land is illegal.”
In October 2023, a faction of the United Nations Human Rights Committee made a bold statement of opposition, who turned their backs on United States Ambassador Michelle Taylor during her closing remarks on the Israeli-Palestinian war. This silent protest came after the US voted against a ceasefire for humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the music industry has become a platform for artists to voice their concerns and ignite conversations. Renowned rapper The Game recently joined the discussion, expressing his deep concern about the situation. In a heartfelt Instagram post on Dec. 5, The Game revealed his deep concern for the children caught in the crossfire of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
