Music has been a tool that unites people from all over the world. It is an art to be enjoyed, and as the world keeps getting smaller and interconnected, musicians from different parts of the world have continued to find ways to make an impact regardless of language, genre, style or sound. Shabibz, born Fouad El-Chemali, is one of the artists on the quest for global fame and impact through music.
The Beirut, Lebanon-born artist has lived in the United States nearly all his life. He moved to Sacramento, CA, at a young age and has lived there ever since, but he never disconnected from his roots. His stage name is a combination of two Arabic words, “Shabeb,” which means squad or gang and “Habibi,” which means my person, my love or my life, thus giving props to where he’s from even though he spent most of his life in the United States of America. “I chose this name to represent everything that art/ music/ hip hop culture has done for me and to bridge that with everything my Lebanese heritage, roots, and upbringing have done for me as well. I am a product of those two sides of my life that I have bridged to share my story with the world,” he explained.
Shabibz’s foray into music began with his love for creating different things, from hot wheels to poems and then songs. When he got into business school at USC about five years ago, he decided to take it up professionally. He had big dreams, and he knew he had to take action to achieve those dreams. The 25-year-old channels his life experiences and all that he has gone through in life into his music to create something everyone can relate to.
As an artist, Shabibz’s music offers a wavy, fresh, authentic and melodic flow. His music comes from within and bears important messages to the world. He also uses music to express himself freely without being held back by family, culture, social expectations or environmental barricades. “Music was always just there for me. Ready to take me in and explore within. I feel like I found myself and my purpose in life through music. I want to share that now,” Shabibz said.
Since his career began professionally, Shabibz has released one project titled Step Back in 2021. Currently, his next song, “Booty Go,” featuring BSlime, just dropped and has been well-recieved. The song explores fun, groovy and highly entertaining themes. “This single is pure energy and fun. It’s an anthem for beautiful women who love to have fun. I want people to feel empowered about themselves when playing this slap,” he described. The visuals for the song have also been shot in Atlanta with NeverPanicFilms and Young Stoner Life’s director ConnorFilms. The featured artist on the song, BSlime, is Young Thug’s nephew, who’s also signed to Young Stoner Life. Also, his second project, The Fall, is in the works, and Shabibz describes it as the door into higher energy.
His first project, Step Back, trended and made it to the Top 100 chart of fifteen countries, which boosted Shabibz’s confidence to keep going as he believes he’s capable of making a significant impact over the next few years. Artists like Kid Cudi, Saint Jhn, Jaden, Don Toliver, Drake, Nav, Travis Scott, and The Weeknd motivate him while drawing energy and inspiration from God, the Earth, and life itself.
Shabibz’s goal for the next few years is to engage with music fans worldwide from all cultures. “I want people to know that art and music are for everyone, regardless of the sound, genre, or where you were raised. I want to really connect with communities. I just want everyone to know that someone is feeling them at all times. No one is ever truly alone in this world,” he said.
