Palestinian Rapper JayJay is Abstract and Cryptic in New Video for Drill-Inspired Track ‘D.R.L’

Palestinian rapper, JayJay, has dropped a new single and music video which maintains a rather cryptic tone throughout – albeit seemingly intentionally. The ambiguous music video follows the Ramallah-based rapper (initially in a face mask and then wearing a flower-ridden blindfold) through different indoor and outdoor spots, at points heavily influenced by nature and others by urban scenery. 

<iframe width="800" height="450" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CMaCddR_3eI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The video boasts violent imagery in the lyrics which is visually actualised when the rapper is bleeding due to an apparently self-inflicted wound – that moment is also addressed for people who might be offended by the graphic imagery when the rapper interrupts the song to proclaim that he’s a violent person.

The track itself is something of a new venture for the rapper, as he leans towards a stripped-down version of drill music - not so much Chicago drill, but the kind that evolved in the UK between the early and mid-2010s. It features a catchy, dark, bass-driven beat, and despite its dark imagery and introspective lyrics, the song maintains a playful vibe that's carried throughout by JayJay's charisma and own sense of having fun.

You can follow JayJay on Soundcloud and Instagram.