Morad El Khattouti El Horami, known mononymously as MORAD, is a prominent Spanish rapper and singer who has made a significant impact on the European music scene. Born on March 5, 1999, in the La Florida neighborhood of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, to Moroccan parents, Morad’s early life was marked by adversity. His mother hailed from Larache, while his father, from Nador, abandoned the family when Morad was young. This challenging upbringing, including time spent in a children’s home, profoundly influenced his artistic expression.
Morad’s journey into music began at the age of 14 when he started rapping with friends via WhatsApp. His lyrics, deeply rooted in his childhood and adolescence, narrate the struggles and realities of growing up in a marginalized environment. These themes of juvenile delinquency, police abuse, and life in the streets resonate strongly with his audience, particularly those who have faced similar hardships. Despite the difficulties he encountered, Morad’s resilience and determination helped him rise above his circumstances, and he often credits music with helping him mature and transform his life.
In 2018, Morad officially launched his music career by releasing his debut single. The following year, he released his first studio album, M.D.L.R, an acronym for “Mec de la Rue” (French for “street boy”), a term popularized by French drill musicians of Maghrebi origin. This album, along with its successor, MDLR 2.0, released in 2020, helped establish Morad as a powerful voice in Spanish hip-hop. His music, primarily rooted in the drill style, shares many features with French rap, particularly that of artists with Maghrebi backgrounds.
Morad’s popularity skyrocketed when he collaborated with Argentine producer Bizarrap on “Bzrp Music Sessions Vol. 47.” The single topped the PROMUSICAE singles chart for two weeks in late December 2021, showcasing his growing influence in the industry. He followed this success with the release of “Pelele,” another chart-topping hit in early 2022. These achievements solidified his position as one of the leading figures in the Spanish rap scene.
Beyond the music charts, Morad has cultivated a significant social media presence, with over 3.6 million followers on Instagram and more than 1 million subscribers on his music-based YouTube channel. His authenticity and relatability have garnered him a dedicated fan base that appreciates his unfiltered portrayal of life in the streets. Morad’s music is characterized by its raw honesty, and he takes pride in telling the “truth” about his experiences and those of others like him.
As an artist, Morad does not shy away from addressing issues of race and discrimination in his music. He views his work as something that transcends racial boundaries, appealing to a diverse audience. This inclusive approach has further endeared him to fans across different backgrounds. Now at the age of 25, Morad is not just a musician but a voice for the voiceless, using his platform to shed light on the realities faced by many young people in similar circumstances.
Morad’s journey from the streets of Catalonia to the top of the Spanish music charts is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and the power of music to change lives.
