Raouf, better known by stage name 77, is a third culture kid, producer, and audio engineer. Born in Egypt and raised in Jeddah, 77, he moved to Malaysia to follow his passions and study sound engineering. He is best known for his unique sounds, signature licks, and extraordinary ability to mix music. He has now collaborated with some better-known artists like Felukah and Mvrs. The young artist aims to bring the SWANA region together through music.
YUNG: Where were you born, where were you raised, and where are you now based?
77: I’m an Egyptian born and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Currently based in Malaysia.
How did you get into producing, and for how long have you been producing?
At thirteen years old, I started exploring the producing world, slowly playing around with sounds and rhythms on FL studio until 2018, when I dropped my first track. Since then, it has turned from a hobby into a career.
What’s a lyric that is stuck with you right now?
“No referee, ain’t no stoppin me, I’m tryna take it there” Lil Baby – Right On.
What inspires you to keep producing music?
My passion and curiosity for sounds, collaborations, developing sounds with artists, and everything in between.
Are there any artists that you draw inspiration from? If so, who and what kind of music?
If anyone knows me, they know I am always open to exploring new music and artists. It differs from time to time, but I’ve listened to many beams, including Kendrick Lamar, Lay Low, Raste, Lil Baby, Kanye, and a few more.
People starting in music often wonder what equipment they may need to get started. What was the first set of equipment you acquired?
I started with just a laptop and low-budget monitors. That’s all you need to start today as a producer.
What’s the process you go through in finding the perfect beat?
A powerful beat gives a certain emotion to the listener, it’s a feeling you chase, and once you feel it, you instantly know it’s the one. Ah man, it could take me months to be comfortable enough to send a beat to an artist or even export it. I could make 20 beats a month and only export 2.
Did you study formally, online, or just by experimentation?
At first, it was all experimental, but then I wanted to explore and better understand the concept of sound, so I studied audio engineering in 2020.
If you could hop on any track with a verse, which would it be and why?
I don’t think I will ever hop on a track; the world is not ready for me. Lol
What inspires you outside of music?
Honestly, nature beats anything.
When did you realise you wanted the music to be your medium of expression?
The moment I felt the influence of music in my life and how much I learned about life just from listening or making music.
What’s the strangest DM you’ve received?
“Bro, I swear if I don’t see you with platinum tracks, I’m bombing the world coz they got no taste.”
