Freek

Freek, born Mustafa Ismail in Abu Dhabi to Somali parents, is a pioneer of Arabic drill and one of the UAE’s most influential rappers. Growing up in a tight-knit Somali community, he absorbed a diverse soundscape — Somali folk, Arabic pop, nu metal, Bollywood, and hip-hop — shaping a style that bridges worlds. Inspired by legends like Biggie, Eminem, and Tupac, Freek began rapping in Arabic laced with Somali and English slang, capturing the immigrant hustle and identity of Gulf youth. His breakthrough came in 2019 with “Wala Kilma”, which gained international traction through an Adidas campaign featuring Mohamed Salah. The track cemented him as a voice for a new Arab generation, proving drill and trap could thrive in Arabic. Freek’s music blends urgency with grit — raw, flawed, streetwise, yet purposeful — resonating even with non-Arabic speakers through energy and delivery. In 2025, Freek is rolling his anticipated Album “Anti Hero”, inspired by films like Training Day, The Dark Knight and Scarface, weaving cinematic themes of power and survival. Beyond music, he stands as a cultural disruptor — elevating Somali identity, breaking the UAE rap ceiling, and pushing Arabic drill onto the global stage.