DUBAI: For Hassan Dennaoui — aka Big Hass — hip-hop was never just music, it was identity, language and resistance. Now, as his radio show “Laish Hip Hop” celebrates 15 years on air, the presenter, music producer, and hip-hop advocate says his mission remains the same: to serve the culture and the voices behind it.
“Laish Hip Hop” — which airs weekly on Mix FM — is widely credited with introducing Arabic hip-hop to mainstream radio audiences across the region. Launched in 2011, the program showcases local and independent artists from across the Arab world, while also exploring hip-hop culture in general.
“Most people got into hip hop through Tupac or Biggie. I got into it through Arabic hip-hop,” Hass told Arab News.
The show has served as a platform for emerging artists and a space to document the evolution of Arab rap — a genre that was once considered underground or controversial. “I fought hard to have the show on the radio,” Hass said. “It was a six-month struggle trying to convince the station. But I didn’t give up. I’m not doing something against my culture, or against my religion. I’m just really pushing this beautiful concept and culture that started in the early Seventies as a tool to express yourself.”
