08.14.2026
17-Year-Old Palestinian Rapper MC Abdul Navigates His New Life in California in “Shway Shway” Video
The Innovative Young Rapper’s New Interactive “Wein Abdul?” Online Game Offers Fans a Fun and Informative Glimpse at His Life in Gaza
As He Simultaneously Releases a Video and an Eye-Opening New Mobile Game, The Young Rapper Continues to Raise Awareness For His People Reversing Misconceptions About Life in Gaza in the Process
Stay Tuned for Day By Day, Shway Shway, Abdul’s Debut Album, Coming This Fall via EMPIRE
Critical Praise:
“Rolling Stone Future 25…In a place where education isn’t a given, the power of music has a way of shining through, especially with a gift like MC Abdul’s.” — Rolling Stone
“MC Abdul re-introduces himself with ‘Wein Abdul?’” — DAZED MENA
“At just 17 years old, MC Abdul has already lived a story that most artists wouldn’t experience in a lifetime.” — L.A. Weekly
“…Even with all the trauma surrounding him, Abdul beat all the thousands of odds and got signed by EMPIRE Records. He has amassed millions of views ever since through his songs, where he shares a glimpse of life in Gaza.” — GRAZIA
“MC Abdul’s lyrical vigor is reminiscent of hip-hop’s glory days, when storytelling and shifty fictions were the precedence. He seems to be following in the footsteps of Tupac, Nas, Lupe Fiasco, and Black Star– rappers that never failed to create multigenerational works of art reflecting trying times.” — MILLE
“At just 15, he has already established himself as a seasoned lyricist of global significance, serving up verses that resonate deeply with their complexity and emotional weight.” — YUNG
The Announcement:
MC Abdul is a force of peace and positivity in the music industry, changing American perceptions of the everyday life of Palestinians and offering hope in the face of Israel’s military occupation and genocide. The 17-year-old Gaza-born, California-based artist delivers “Shway Shway,” his new music video. Produced by !llmind, the Afrobeats-influenced song radiates a rebellious positivity, sending a message to the youth: “Mish Moshkila” (not a problem), he says as he urges his fans to take things day-by-day.
Self-directed by MC Abdul, the new music video embodies that indefatigable spirit. Abdul explores his new home of California, stopping to admire the natural beauty from the mountain ranges to the palm tree-lined beaches. The young artist resolves to make California his home, though he sees echoes of Gaza wherever he goes–in the faces of strangers, and in the olive trees that resemble the groves in his native land.
The video for “Shway Shway” arrives simultaneously with “Wein Abdul?,” an interactive video game creative-directed and designed by the artist J. Reem Salloum, guiding fans through Abdul’s history and life in Gaza. Named after and inspired by his recent single “Wein Abdul?,” which translates to “where’s Abdul?,” the game offers a virtual tour of Gaza through Abdul’s eyes, offering a perspective on the Strip that is rarely seen in mainstream media. Locations fans can visit include Abdul’s old apartment building (since destroyed by an Israeli airstrike), Pizza Al-Taboon, his favorite pizza place in his hometown, and an amusement park in Khan Yunis, where he spent many late nights. Other locations reveal career highlights and important moments, including Abdul’s recent Stoop Session in the Bay Area. “Wein Abdul” doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities that accompanied Abdul’s life in Gaza, highlighting his journey through the militarized Rafah border crossing, his bus ride out of Gaza to Cairo, and admiring the resilience of the Palestinians who still live in Gaza. “Shway Shway,” “Wein Abdul?,” and the heartfelt “Wait For Me” continue MC Abdul’s remarkable story, which culminates this fall with the release of his debut album, entitled Day By Day, Shway Shway, executive produced by Suhel Nafar.
Watch “Shway Shway”: https://music.empi.re/shwayshwaymusicvideo
Stream “Shway Shway”: https://music.empi.re/shwayshway
Visit the “Wein Abdul?” Interactive Game: https://abdulhq.com/
Stream “Wein Abdul?”: https://music.empi.re/weinabdul
Watch “Wait For Me”: https://youtu.be/ZHD0QPEkCpw
Please contact Michelle or Francesca for more info.
The Background:
MC Abdul has been a global sensation since he was 11-years old, when videos of rapping atop rubble caused a massive viral moment. He has continued through his teenage years as one of music’s foremost advocates for Palestinian liberation. Growing up in Gaza, hip-hop provided a lifeline for the young Abdul, who learned English from rap legends and was inspired by the hip-hop tradition of speaking out against oppression. Videos of Abdul–of this middle school-aged child forcefully and soulfully articulating his struggle–circulated among music fans and activists alike, making him an iconic figure, but also putting a target on his back. It was a complex, hardship-filled journey for Abdul to leave Gaza, eventually reach the United States, where he currently lives, and later reunite with his family.
After reaching the United States, Abdul has pursued his dream of becoming a rap star. He made a historic Rolling Loud debut in 2024 as the youngest artist and first Gaza-born artist to perform on that stage. In addition, Abdul performed powerful showcases for platforms like GRAMMYs Global Spin, On The Radar, and From The Block. His cultural impact was further solidified by starring in Mustafa’s “Gaza Is Calling” music video alongside Bella Hadid. Having toured and collaborated with artists like Macklemore, Anees, Elyanna, and Saint Levant, and after opening for global superstar Atif Aslam, Abdul’s résumé is a testament to his status as a powerful voice for his people. With over 100 million views on his music videos, the champion for peace has already gained media support from Complex, Mashable, GRAZIA, Billboard, DAZED, RapTV, MILLE, Variety, VIBE, and LA Weekly among others, demonstrating the world’s growing desire to hear his side of the story.
Abdul’s forthcoming debut LP represents a leap onto the global stage, not just as a rapper but as an icon for a generation of youth whose stories of resilience are often left untold. Stay tuned for much more from the young artist as he continues his journey.
Photo credit: Daniel Aziz
Links:
instagram | tiktok | youtube | spotify
“Shway Shway”: https://music.empi.re/shwayshway
Visit the “Wein Abdul?” Interactive Game: https://abdulhq.com/
“Wein Abdul?”: https://music.empi.re/weinabdul
“Wait For Me”: https://music.empi.re/waitforme