Shaker Al-Shahri, aka SKRStar, the first artist to bring drill music to Saudi Arabia, continues to push creative boundaries, blending global influences with local culture to help shape the future of Saudi hip-hop.

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Drill Music: From Chicago to Saudi Arabia

Drill music, a hard-hitting subgenre of hip-hop, first emerged from the streets of Chicago in the early 2010s before taking root in the UK and spreading globally. Known for its dark instrumentals and unfiltered storytelling, drill has become the voice of many underground rap scenes. In Saudi Arabia, where hip-hop was already growing, drill remained unexplored—until Shaker Al-Shahri, also known as SKRStar, introduced it to the kingdom sub iudice.

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“I have a deep love for hip-hop in general and am recognized as the first artist to introduce drill music in Saudi Arabia,” he states proudly.

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His pioneering efforts have not only opened doors for drill music in the region but have also solidified his status as a key figure in Saudi’s evolving rap culture.

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A Legacy of Music in Saudi Arabia

Music in Saudi Arabia has a long and complex history. Traditional sounds, such as Samri and Ardah, have been an essential part of cultural celebrations for centuries. However, modern genres like hip-hop and rock were once seen as niche and struggled for mainstream acceptance. In recent years, with the country’s push toward cultural expansion, the music scene has flourished, welcoming a broader range of styles and influences. Today, artists like Shaker are at the forefront of this musical renaissance, blending local culture with global sounds.

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Western Music’s Influence: A Global Soundscape

It’s no secret that Western music has had a profound impact on Saudi Arabia. Ipso facto, the globalization of media and technology has made it easier for young artists to be influenced by international icons. From Tupac and Eminem shaping lyrical storytelling to Michael Jackson and Chris Brown redefining performance energy, the West has left its mark.

Shaker himself is a testament to this influence:

“Tupac and Eminem have deeply influenced my music." he says.

"Tupac’s ability to tell raw, emotional stories and Eminem’s unmatched lyrical precision have shaped my own approach to writing and performing.,” he adds.

Yet, rather than merely imitating Western trends, Saudi artists are now blending these influences with their own unique cultural narratives, creating something truly distinctive.

The Solo Journey & Pushing Boundaries

Shaker’s musical journey began in 2006 as part of Top Rap, a group that initially had three members before expanding to six. They collaborated until around 2011-2012, after which Shaker decided to embark on a solo career. “In 2014, I launched my YouTube channel, SKRStar, and started from scratch,” he recalls.

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“I began making music independently while collaborating with rappers from both Saudi Arabia and abroad.”

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While collaborations have played a role in his career, Shaker thrives as a solo artist, pushing the boundaries of Saudi rap. He even stepped outside of hip-hop to work with the metal band 9SiX6, an experience that tested his versatility.

“They were looking for a rapper to deliver a verse on one of their tracks. I had never rapped over metal or rock music before, but I saw it as a challenge,” he shares. “With the support of Jude and Faisal, the track ‘NOOB’ was successfully recorded and filmed.”

Their collaboration was such a success that they teamed up for a second project, further proving that music knows no genre limitations.

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The Future of Saudi Music

Shaker has witnessed firsthand how the Saudi music scene has evolved. “The future is now. The current scene showcases the wide depth of talents and artists,” he says. “What we have reached now is beyond anything we ever imagined, and it’s only going to get better from here.”

Unlike in the past, when artists faced obstacles in getting their music recognized, today’s Saudi scene is thriving, with support from both the industry and audiences eager for new sounds.

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Beyond Music: A Glimpse into Shaker’s World

Despite his growing influence in the industry, Shaker remains grounded. “Outside of my music career, I’m just like any other young guy—I enjoy playing football, spending time with family and friends, and using my free time to brainstorm new ideas.”

His love for experimentation extends beyond hip-hop, as he constantly seeks creative ways to redefine his sound.

Much like Kanye West’s unpredictable artistic evolution, Shaker refuses to be boxed into one genre or style.

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The Beat Goes On

Shaker Al-Shahri aims to be more than a rapper, a pioneering force shaping the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s music industry. Through his introduction of drill music, groundbreaking collaborations across genres, and relentless pursuit of artistic innovation, he continues to redefine the boundaries of Saudi hip-hop. As history has demonstrated, true visionaries do not merely follow trends—they establish them.