Every word I write is a story waiting to be heard
Rise from the ashes, gotta keep on pushin’ through
Life throws punches, but we bob and weave, it’s true
- عبدالرحمن مصري
Murder Eyez - Abdulrahman Masri
- Aleppo - Köln
Abdulrahman Masri, internationally celebrated as Murder Eyez, is one of the most iconic figures in Syrian hip-hop, a genre he helped pioneer against formidable odds. His journey is of relentless passion, extraordinary resilience, and a deep commitment to fostering community, empowering artists, and bridging cultural divides. With over two decades of experience, Murder Eyez has cemented his status as a multifaceted artist, cultural manager, and advocate for social change.
Born in Aleppo, Syria, into a family renowned for its contributions to the cultural and intellectual fabric of the city, Abdulrahman Masri grew up surrounded by a rich heritage. This early exposure to creativity and tradition shaped his profound connection to music and the arts. Aleppo, often called the cradle of Arab music, became the backdrop against which he would begin his artistic journey. Abdulrahman affectionately calls it his “kingdom,” and it is this deep-seated pride that permeates much of his work.
As a teenager, Abdulrahman discovered his love for music and dance. Before he became a rapper, he was an accomplished popping and hip-hop dancer, showcasing his talents in local competitions and events. Simultaneously, he developed a passion for sports, excelling in kickboxing, football, and basketball. These pursuits honed his discipline, stage presence, and physical endurance—qualities that would later define his electrifying performances as Murder Eyez.
Murder Eyez’s commitment to excellence extended to his academic pursuits. He earned diplomas in Information Systems and Network Technology, Computer Maintenance, and Assembly, as well as Visual and Graphic Design, from esteemed institutions in Aleppo. These technical skills equipped him with a unique edge, enabling him to independently produce, design, and market his projects. His fluency in Arabic, English, and German further broadened his ability to connect with diverse audiences and navigate the complexities of an increasingly globalized music industry.
In 1999, Abdulrahman began rapping under the name Murder Eyez, drawing inspiration from old-school hip-hop legends like Ice Cube. He initially rapped in English but later transitioned to Arabic to resonate more deeply with his community. The switch marked the birth of Syrian hip-hop as a genre that tackled real-life issues, including social injustice, inequality, and the challenges faced by ordinary people.
Creating clean yet impactful lyrics, Murder Eyez crafted songs that spoke to the struggles and resilience of his audience. His work became a beacon for Syrian youth, inspiring them to embrace hip-hop as a form of self-expression and empowerment. Despite facing arrests and societal resistance in a region where rap was often misunderstood, Murder Eyez’s perseverance paved the way for a burgeoning hip-hop scene.
His slogan, ” 963 ” initially conceived as Syria’s international calling code, became a unifying symbol for Syrian hip-hop. It encapsulated his vision of solidarity and cultural pride, resonating with fans across the Middle East and beyond.
Beyond his music, Abdulrahman’s career is a testament to his multifaceted talent and dedication to community-building. He established Big Change Productions, his own production company, where he combined his skills in video editing, graphic design, and filmmaking to create high-quality multimedia content. This enterprise became a platform for supporting other artists, producing impactful projects, and amplifying voices that often went unheard.
Notable Projects
• Peace Festival: As the founder of the Peace Festival, Abdulrahman created a platform that brought together artists from diverse backgrounds to promote harmony and understanding. The festival became a symbol of resilience and a testament to the unifying power of music.
• Habibi Nights Festival: Co-founded by Abdulrahman, this initiative celebrated cultural diversity by showcasing immigrant and local talents through live concerts. It fostered collaboration and mutual respect between different communities.
• Equalization e.V.: This organization, which Abdulrahman co-founded, focuses on supporting cultural, musical, and artistic diversity. It has played a pivotal role in integration projects, helping immigrants find their footing and express themselves creatively.
• Arabeske Online TV: Through this online platform, Abdulrahman highlighted the contributions of immigrants in various fields, including music, art, sports, and technology. The platform’s daily news, live streams, and interviews became a vital resource for celebrating immigrant achievements.
Murder Eyez’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists is evident in his extensive mentoring work. As the leader of the GROOVY! Project, funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth, he:
• Produced music for talented young singers, recording and mastering their songs.
• Organized workshops and coaching sessions on music production.
• Mentored aspiring artists, helping them refine their skills and prepare for live performances.
In the Open Studio Project, supported by Sociocultural, he offered a creative space for emerging talents to experiment, learn, and grow. Additionally, through the Radio Shabablek Project, Abdulrahman produced podcasts and interviews for Radio Köln, curated diverse content, and built relationships with local cultural institutions.
Abdulrahman’s work extends far beyond the arts. As a cultural manager, he has led initiatives that promote integration and social cohesion. His projects, often funded by official organizations and the German government, focus on using music and media to bridge gaps between immigrant and local communities.
During his tenure at organizations like Bürgerzentrum Ehrenfeld and Solibund e.V., he curated cultural events, workshops, and exhibitions that celebrated diversity and encouraged dialogue. He also played a key role in volunteer projects aimed at supporting refugees, including UNESCO Culture Projects and the Over the Border Festival.
Murder Eyez’s contributions have earned him widespread recognition. He has performed at over 150 live concerts across the Middle East and Europe, representing Syrian hip-hop on platforms like MTV Arabia and the War and Peace initiative by the Institute of Peace in the USA. His music and advocacy have not only shaped the hip-hop genre in the region but also inspired countless artists to use their voices for change.
Abdulrahman Masri’s journey is guided by a deep sense of purpose and unwavering belief in the transformative power of art. He is a strict yet supportive mentor, a relentless innovator, and a passionate advocate for equality and peace. In his free time, he continues to enjoy sports, dance, and the simple joys of life, embodying the values he promotes through his work.
As he continues to reside in Cologne, Germany, Abdulrahman remains dedicated to expanding his influence, fostering creative communities, and leaving an indelible mark on the world through his music and cultural initiatives. His story is not just one of artistic success but of resilience, impact, and the enduring power of human connection.