Join us for the closing celebration of MEI's Beyond the Weave exhibition, featuring a live performance by pioneering Kuwaiti hip-hop duo Sons of Yusuf.
August 7, 2026
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The MEI Art Gallery, 1763 N St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20036
Join MEI’s Arts and Culture Center for a live performance by pioneering duo Sons of Yusuf, brothers Ya’koob and AbdulRahman, who blend rap with traditional Arabic instruments, poetry, and storytelling into music they call “Arabhop.”
Born in Kuwait and living between Kuwait and Los Angeles, they work as cultural ambassadors, using music rooted in Middle Eastern heritage to carry Kuwaiti and Gulf identity to audiences far beyond the region.
Their debut album, Shaykh the World, established their international presence and since then their videos have amassed 40+ million organic YouTube views and earned praise from CNN and Al Jazeera. Their newest release, Battle of the Black Gold, explores oil’s role in shaping Gulf economies, borders, and conflicts, and reflects on how the region’s stories are told and often misunderstood.
Sons of Yusuf are the pioneering brother duo Ya’koob and AbdulRahman, redefining global hip-hop through their fusion of rap, traditional Arabic instruments, and cultural storytelling. Born in Kuwait and based between Kuwait and Los Angeles, they’ve amassed 40+ million organic YouTube views without major-label backing and earned praise from CNN and Al Jazeera. Their album Granada made history as the first Middle Eastern hip-hop project considered for Grammy® Awards in Best Global Album, Best Spoken Word Poetry Album, and Best Rap Album. Their newest release, Battle of The Black Gold, tackles oil’s grip on Gulf politics and identity. More than musicians, Sons of Yusuf are cultural ambassadors building a global movement rooted in resilience, authenticity, and purpose, proving that powerful stories can transcend borders and shape the future of international hip-hop.
Sons of Yusuf are the pioneering brother duo Ya’koob and AbdulRahman, redefining global hip-hop through their fusion of rap, traditional Arabic instruments, and cultural storytelling. Born in Kuwait and based between Kuwait and Los Angeles, they’ve amassed 40+ million organic YouTube views without major-label backing and earned praise from CNN and Al Jazeera. Their album Granada made history as the first Middle Eastern hip-hop project considered for Grammy® Awards in Best Global Album, Best Spoken Word Poetry Album, and Best Rap Album. Their newest release, Battle of The Black Gold, tackles oil’s grip on Gulf politics and identity. More than musicians, Sons of Yusuf are cultural ambassadors building a global movement rooted in resilience, authenticity, and purpose, proving that powerful stories can transcend borders and shape the future of international hip-hop.
