One of the many contributions to the rebellion against the dictatorship of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya has been art, music in particular and hip hop, being an international language of resistance is right at the helm of the uprising. One artist in particular has utilized hip hop to not only express himself artistically but truly help ignite and speak for the people who have had enough of the violence, fraud and corruption that has been under attack through North Africa and the Arab world. He is Ibn Thabit and for good reason there is little known about him other than what is released online. He uses powerful messages of freedom and democracy to inspire and help direct the anger of the people. He even uses timely political satire as he keeps releasing tracks as the situation unfolds as can be seen in his response track to Gaddafi claiming Libyans were on drugs called “Hallucination Pills” But It was his widely seen song “Benghazi” that catapulted him to the front of the movement. He has since released many political songs of liberation and is doing it without any hope for money according to his website although it makes sure to say there is nothing wrong with making money on hip hop. Probably a good clause for when the limits on freedoms of expression are lifted and many Libyan artists begin creating a large hip hop culture. Hopefully many artists follow in the footsteps of Ibn Thabit.
“Benghazi” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJMRHwYeiQ0
“Benghazi II” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFdTYSdAr_A&feature=related
“Where the Guns At?” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anyM6_LQF5k&feature=relmfu
“Shohada2ana” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HQW2s7fbpI&feature=channel_video_title
“Hallucination Pills” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT5fXwH1jKQ&feature=relmfu