Egyptian artist and rapper MOND, formerly known as Ilmond (and before that, Muhab), has long stood apart from the Egyptian rap scene with an emotionally heavy delivery and themes steeped in melancholy.
MOND’s latest evolution saw a shift in visual identity, storytelling, and sound. His new three-track EP, Amen, entirely written, performed, and directed all by MOND himself, dives deep into emotional weight and introspection, exploring internal conflict, identity, and self-realization.
Right off the bat, the EP opens with a devilish voice saying “ما تتهد يا ابني” (“Calm down, son”), met by another that rationalizes, masks insecurity with swagger, and philosophizes through street wisdom. ‘Amen’ sounds like a battle between two inner personas, one impulsive and defiant (the “ما تتهد يا ابني” voice), and the other rational, guarded, and world-weary (the “كله جاية معاه بفتيل” voice).
‘ID’ continues this exploration of identity and selfhood through looping textures and haunting repetition. MOND builds a wall between his world and everyone outside it, a wall that is both a taunt and a shield, challenging outsiders while reaffirming loyalty to his inner circle.
By the final verse, the tone turns more introspective, even paranoid, as he begins questioning self-recognition and wondering whether the demons he faces are external or internal. His lyrics blend spiritual reckoning with street logic, calling out hypocrisy and performative piety while still demanding the space to evolve on his own terms.
The EP closes with ‘3 AM’, where MOND takes a softer, more vulnerable approach. The track paints a picture of solitude, him alone at 3 a.m., talking to the stars and to God. It feels mantra-like, looping through thoughts of isolation, faith, and purpose. The song’s subtle sonic shifts mirror an ongoing dialogue between consciousness and creative intent, rounding off the project with a sense of quiet reckoning.
MOND first emerged in Egypt’s rap scene in 2022, standing apart from the then-dominant drill wave with a melodic and emotionally charged sound. His prolific output quickly marked him as a singular voice, with three full-length albums in just two years.
That creative streak culminated in his 2024 album ‘Intifada’, a conceptually cohesive project that cemented his evolution as both writer and performer. Intifada also marked his transformation into Ilmond, complete with a bold visual identity of concept-driven photos, videos, and a live release show.
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