Egypt’s music scene has witnessed a heated conflict between Wegz, the face of modern Egyptian rap, and Ramy Sabry, a veteran pop artist. What started as comments by Sabry during a TV interview quickly turned into a full-blown feud after Wegz’s sharp response on social media. This dispute highlights the widening gap between traditional pop and the new wave of rap and hip-hop dominating the charts.

What Sparked the Controversy?

During his appearance on Hebr Serri, Ramy Sabry shared his mixed views on rap and mahraganat music. While he praised Wegz as talented and hardworking, he admitted he doesn’t understand the lyrics of his songs. Sabry explained that rap is not his style but acknowledged its growing success. He also took aim at mahraganat, categorizing it as music that’s “not part of our language.”

Despite attempts to clarify his respect for the genre, Sabry’s comments were seen as dismissive by many. Wegz, who has become a cultural icon in Egypt, saw the remarks as condescending and took to Instagram Stories to respond.

Wegz Fires Back

Wegz didn’t hold back in his video response, accusing Sabry of being out of touch and dismissive of rap as an art form.

“You think you have the authority to talk about anyone, and everyone should just listen quietly,” Wegz said.

“You don’t understand rap, and you’ve admitted it before. You can’t do what we do, so why talk about it?”

He further called out Sabry’s relevance, adding:

“You’re not number two, Ramy. You’re number 19. You’re so far behind.”

Wegz’s frustration also stemmed from what he perceived as a repeated pattern—traditional pop artists undermining rap and its growing influence instead of acknowledging it as a legitimate genre.

The Bigger Picture: A Pop vs. Rap Divide

This isn’t the first time rap and pop have clashed in Egypt’s music scene. For decades, pop has dominated, with artists like Amr Diab and Tamer Hosny setting the tone for mainstream music. However, rap, hip-hop, and mahraganat have disrupted this monopoly, resonating with younger audiences and reflecting their realities.

Wegz is a prime example of this cultural shift. For three consecutive years, he has topped streaming charts, building a massive following and redefining the Egyptian music industry. His work is more than music—it’s a statement of how far rap has come in shaping contemporary Egyptian culture.

Sabry’s remarks reflect an outdated view that fails to recognize rap’s legitimacy and innovation. Instead of criticizing a genre he admits he doesn’t fully understand, focusing on collaboration and learning from it could bridge the gap.

This isn’t the First Time Sabry and Wegz Clash

This isn’t the first time Wegz and Sabry have locked horns. Two years ago, Sabry made a similar dig at Wegz and the rap genre, claiming that “rappers don’t say anything” with their lyrics when talking about Wegz’s song with Disco Masr “Kefy Keda”.

Wegz responded in a now-famous video, explaining that artists aren’t always obligated to produce deep or meaningful songs. “We’re entertainers,” he said, emphasizing that not all music needs to be profound.

Wegz also pointed out that he’s proud of his work not only as a rapper but also as a writer. He highlighted songs he’d written that do hold meaning for him, proving that rap is capable of being both lighthearted entertainment and a vehicle for storytelling. His response resonated with fans, positioning him as an artist who understands the evolving nature of music while remaining true to his craft.

Why This Debate Feels Outdated

Frankly, we agree with Wegz. It’s almost 2025—why are we still stuck in debates about whether rap and mahraganat are “worthy” forms of music? These genres have proven their staying power and cultural relevance time and time again. Wegz, in particular, has not only topped charts but also shaped the sound of modern Egyptian music in ways few artists have.

The criticism from traditional pop artists often feels less about the music itself and more about discomfort with change. Rap isn’t just a trend; it’s a cultural movement that’s here to stay. And while pop remains important, it needs to evolve and embrace the innovation these new genres bring to the table.

Instead of undermining rappers, we’d love to see more collaboration between artists like Sabry and Wegz. It’s time to move past this outdated divide and focus on the music that’s shaping Egypt’s future. Because, as Wegz aptly pointed out, the new wave of artists isn’t just trying to catch up—they’ve already surpassed the old guard.