When Mona Haydar's video for “Hijabi” went viral in 2017, it felt like a flashpoint for both the Gulf's far-flung community of hip-hop artists and the conversation about its diversity of voices and vantage points; the track's boldly feminist message struck a chord not just because of its sentiment, but because of her obvious natural skill. Not all of these artists are as pointedly political, nor do they stick to any easily identifiable style: Syrian-born, Dubai-based Moh Flow channels modern R&B; Kuwaiti brother act Sons of Yusuf rap in English and Arabic and blend traditional instruments with jazz and soul. Our editors regularly update this playlist—if you hear something you like, add it to your library.