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Former GP2 racing driver Hamad Al Fardan is on the fast track to success as the first Arabic rapper in the kingdom to launch a debut studio album all over the World Wide Web.
His album entitled I’m Back took a year to make under the guidance of Bahraini producer DJ Outlaw of Outlaw Productions. It is set to be released today in various digital music stores such as iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Spotify, and CDBaby.com.
The 25-year-old Bahrain TV presenter, nicknamed The Mystro, bares all in his 10-track album sharing his life experiences in Bahrain on-and-off the race track, his love affair with Hip Hop and also a special message to all his fans.
Hamad said: “I’m Back is about me coming back onto the music scene and coming back even harder. It not only talks about my life as a racing car driver and my experiences, but also about what’s been happening in Bahrain. As for my message, I want the fans to know that they can do anything they put their minds to ... I did!
“It took me seven years to drop my first album and it’s not easy. Most rappers in the Middle East try it once and when they don’t make it they pull out. If you have the passion to be an artist you need to stay true to what you want and work hard at it. Don’t give up.
“I practiced every day and DJ Outlaw helped me develop my skills and musical flow. Together, we chose all the songs carefully and each track is near and dear to my heart.
“I’m proud to have an official album on iTunes and to be able to have the chance to open doors for other young artists wishing to pursue rap as a career.”
Hamad first dabbled in music at the tender age of 16, jotting down his thoughts whenever he could while also hoping to reach the dizzying heights of F1, the pinnacle of motor sport.
As he raced around the world competing in different series including Formula BMW Asia, Toyota Racing Series New Zealand and Formula 3 Britain National Class, Hamad used his downtime, be it on the plane or before a competition, to continue working on his song writing.
When in Bahrain he would spend countless hours either in the gym getting geared up for a race or in his private studio at home in Hamad Town recording his songs.
After taking 10th spot in the acclaimed GP2 Asia series and then edging closer to fulfilling his Formula One dreams by joining the Formula V6 Asia Championships, Hamad decided to also take his music a step further by joining DJ Outlaw’s crew in 2009.
He said: “Growing up, I used to listen to different rappers like Tupac, Biggie Smalls and Eminem. I used to try to emulate them but at the same time try to find my own style. I rap in Arabic because that is my first language and I am Bahraini. I wanted to stay true to who I am.
“Before joining DJ Outlaw I thought I had what it takes but when I became a part of the Outlaw family I realised that I had a lot to improve upon and that I needed to pick up my game as there are great rappers out there.
“Outlaw worked with me to develop my Arabic rapping skills, from flow to performing, and always pushed to get the best out of me. He also managed me as an artist and made sure all was right business-wise.
“I tried my best in racing but I had to stop due to the lack of financial support and that is when I turned to music full-time. It’s always been a part of me and when I completed my album I felt that I not only dominated in the racing world but that I had also taken Hip Hop in Bahrain by storm.
“I am really excited to hear people’s reactions to my album.”
His fan base has grown across the Gulf and he has appeared at numerous events such as the Red House Hip Hop Music Festival featuring Hot Rod of G-unit, the Formula One Race Zone Festival and Bud Music’s Finley Quaye event.
His album is priced at $9 (approximately BD3) and will feature artists such as Young Noble of Tupac’s group ‘The Outlawz’, Canadian-Lebanese artist Vico, Kuwaiti R’n’B artist Daffy of the Army of One, American rapper Young Blaze, Saudi R’n’B artist Ayzee and more.
He added: “It is a privilege to have such great artists on my tracks as I was a fan of most of these rappers like Young Blaze.”
Following the release of his album Hamad will be shooting a music video and getting ready for more performances to further promote it.
As his album takes off, all is not lost for his racing career. Hamad is set to sign with Gravity Motorsport management to prepare himself for a potential move to the Renault F1 Development Programme.
The Bahrain International Circuit will also be launching a new championship in November and Hamad has already received numerous team offers to take part.
