His new album, 96 Miles From Bethlehem, is a sonically charged soundtrack detailing the gift, curse, and fate of being Palestinian. The title reflects the artist’s birthplace, Jenin, which is 96 miles from Bethlehem. This project is the culmination of a lifetime of experiences, both personal and musical, allowing Belly to tell his people's story with raw honesty. It is a lifetime in the making. Known for his clever, poetic, and powerful lyrics, Belly delivers emotionally charged and searing performances throughout the album. Featuring Palestinian artists Elyanna, Saint Levant, Ibrahim Maalouf and MC Abdul, and interlacing production from DaHeala (The Weeknd) with traditional instrumentalists, the album is a profound and heartfelt narrative.
In "Patience vs. Patients," Belly addresses themes of resilience and perseverance, underscored by striking visuals that complement the song's emotional depth. The video features a dystopian backdrop where Belly navigates through haunting scenes of war's aftermath—crumbling city ruins, barbed wire-adorned jails, and barren landscapes with dead trees. Each frame vividly depicts the devastating effects of conflict and injustice. The stark imagery is tied together with the poignant line, "Then you wonder why we’re losing patience... We’re losing patience, we’re losing patients," highlighting the frustration and suffering of those affected.
Belly’s raw and visual storytelling vividly captures the current reality and calls listeners to action in a rare album with no curse words throughout. The last track, "The Gift, The Curse, and The Faith," poetically captures the plight of Palestinians, emphasizing their struggles and resilience. The lyric, "Metal Birds will eventually rust, sun birds die willingly at the hands of the unjust, just to become firebirds soaring once more above us," eloquently conveys the enduring spirit and hope that fuels this album.
Belly, known for his collaborations with major artists like The Weeknd, Beyoncé, and Nas, continues to push creative boundaries with 96 Miles From Bethlehem. The album not only showcases his lyrical prowess but also his commitment to raising awareness about important social and political issues through his music.
Belly, a Grammy-nominated rapper, songwriter, and producer, became the first signee to The Weeknd’s XO label, amassing over 7 billion streams to date. He has written hits for The Weeknd, Beyoncé, Nipsey Hussle, and Jay-Z, and received acclaim for his albums, including "See You Next Wednesday," which garnered attention from GQ, Rolling Stone, Variety, Billboard, and included a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! His songwriting prowess is highlighted by "Blinding Lights," The Weeknd’s track, which set records for streaming and charting, and was named the No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 song of all time, surpassing Chubby Checker’s "The Twist."
