Rock/Review Hassan Bin Rashid - Nag Champa
Starting his musical journey in Tampa, Florida, and now based between Bahrain, Dubai, and London, Hassan Bin Rashid is truly an international person on the planet. His mother tongue is Arabic, and he is very proud of his heritage. The most recent album from Hassan Bin Rashid, “A Better Yeah,” was written with long time musical partner Charlie Casey.
Hassan B. Rashid's latest offering, "Nag Champa," serves as the second single and video from his highly anticipated album, "My 21 Grams." This forthcoming album is a testament to Rashid's unique ability to meld the sounds of the East and the West into a captivating musical experience. In "Nag Champa," this fusion is not only audible but also visually striking, as the accompanying video was filmed in Dubai and produced in Bahrain, employing the latest in AI technology for editing.
The video for "Nag Champa" presents a fascinating narrative that mirrors the artist's own life journey. Rashid, in the video, finds himself saved from a cold and lonely world by a mysterious woman, a symbolic reflection of how his life transformed after marrying his "wonderwoman." This narrative serves as a fantasy fairytale that beautifully encapsulates the transformative power of love.
As a single, "Nag Champa" is a captivating piece of music that embodies the essence of Hassan B. Rashid's musical vision. The song effectively marries the Western rock influences that Rashid has come to love during his global travels, having lived in places as diverse as Florida, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, with the Arabic sounds rooted in his upbringing.
The result is a sound that is both beguiling and heartfelt, taking listeners on a thought-provoking journey that traverses cultural and musical boundaries. "Nag Champa" is a prime example of how Rashid effortlessly blends these influences, creating a musical landscape that is rich and evocative.
With "My 21 Grams" set to be Rashid's fifth album, it is evident that he continues to push the boundaries of musical exploration. This album promises to be a unique and compelling testament to his artistic evolution. It serves as a bridge between worlds, inviting listeners to appreciate the beauty that emerges when diverse musical traditions converge.
In conclusion, "Nag Champa" is not just a single; it's a captivating chapter in Hassan B. Rashid's musical journey. It offers a glimpse into the rich and multifaceted soundscape that defines his forthcoming album, "My 21 Grams." Rashid's ability to seamlessly blend East and West is a testament to his artistry and a reminder of the unifying power of music.