When many artists and bands haven’t spoken about or even acknowledged the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people, how do Palestinian musicians reckon with their platforms? That’s what Palestinian-Canadian rapper Belly sought to answer on 96 Miles From Bethlehem, a spiritual homecoming under unfortunate circumstances. Along with the decision to donate all album and merch proceeds to organizations aiding affected areas in Palestine, Belly spotlights his home of Jenin. It masterfully punctuates just how important it is to be aware.

No Holding Back

While the nine tracks and under 20-minute runtime might seem too short for tackling such a complex issue, Belly uses his own experiences to highlight the turmoil happening through a sharp focus on lyricism. In a way, he also pays homage to the old days of hip-hop on top of the many mentions of his upbringing, harkening back to the many times MCs stood up for injustice and spoke with weight to every lyric. “Patience vs Patients” starts off with the sound of a raucous drumroll, with Belly bluntly going through any and all negative descriptors of those against Palestine. In just over a minute of rapping, Belly says it as it is, something he continually does throughout the album as he chooses his words wisely so no one misconstrues where he’s coming from.

Honing in on What He Does Best

Despite big-name co-signs and numerous examples of Belly speaking his truth throughout the years, there’s no denying how locked-in Belly is on 96 Miles From Bethlehem. As one of the co-producers and sole producer for every track on the album, there’s a sense that he tailor-made every beat to himself, further personalizing the already revealing stories about his childhood and thoughts on the war/genocide. No matter how different the production is on any given song, he manages to make it his own, sounding right at home amid the rusty yet stirring strings of “Jenin’s Song” and the traditional trap beats on “Blue Bags” and “Crucifix.”

Find the best indie shows in los angeles

ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

BEST NEW MUSIC

Persevering Through Generational Trauma

Songs such as “The Gift, The Curse, and The Fate” and “Metal Birds” carry the full weight of atrocities, weaving intricate wordplay with the unsettling reality for the Palestinian people. Despite the plagues that persist without a near end in sight, he finds ways to honor his heritage while paying respect to those who have passed away. He also made it a point to feature other Palestinian artists, including Saint Levant, Ibrahim Maalouf, Elyanna, and MC Abdul. The latter two appear in “Maktub,” an evocative meditation in Arabic and English that remembers the happy days that have since passed. MC Abdul and Belly trade experiences of what they remember about Palestine, whether it be times spent in the Gaza Strip or the many memories involving their grandmothers.

Although there is no word on whether Belly has any tour plans in the works, he’s already taken on the arduous but necessary task of raising awareness for what’s happening and how it relates to history. The music video for “Patience vs Patients” encapsulates the disorienting feeling of keeping up with the news, correlating with the countless decades of suffering that Palestinians have had to endure.

There’s no way anyone could successfully tackle what’s happening in the Gaza Strip. But by simply offering his perspective, speaking out in defense of his motherland, and donating to organizations, he’s using his voice for the greater good.

Words: David Sosa

Visit Belly on Instagram and TikTok to stay updated on new music and tickets to potential tour dates.

This post may contain affiliate links. Ads and affiliate links are how independent blogs like Grimy Goods can operate. Thank you for supporting our work and being a part of our music community.