Telha
Three months ago, Israeli rap duo Ness and Stilla unleashed a drill rap sensation that has since taken the internet by storm, amassing a staggering 18.5 million views on YouTube. Titled “Harbu Darbu” in Hebrew, the track serves as an audacious response to the bloodshed inflicted by Hamas terrorists in southern Israel on October 7. In the music video, the duo delivers a chilling message, declaring, “Every dog will get what’s coming to them,” following a list of three celebrity names.
Among those mentioned are Dua Lipa, the acclaimed British-Albanian singer, and Bella Hadid, whose Palestinian heritage has often placed her in the spotlight regarding Middle Eastern affairs. Both Lipa and Hadid have vocally advocated for a cease-fire amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, making them targets in this provocative rap. Additionally, Mia Khalifa, the former adult film actress, finds herself on the hit list, having stirred controversy by referring to Hamas as “freedom fighters” on social media shortly after the outbreak of war.
But the rap doesn’t stop at targeting celebrities. Ness and Stilla take aim at high-profile Hamas figures, including Mohammed Deif, the elusive head of Hamas’ Al-Qassam brigades, as well as Ismail Haniyeh, the chair of Hamas’ political wing, and Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah. In fiery verses, they proclaim that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will unleash a storm of retribution upon them, leaving no room for forgiveness.
The song’s lyrics are laced with threats and boasts, such as “we have brought the whole army against you,” and a chilling warning to “get your a-s ready” for the IDF’s onslaught. Throughout the music video, the rappers punctuate their verses with provocative gestures, flipping the middle finger, making gun signs, and proudly displaying the Israeli flag, adding layers of visual intensity to their already incendiary message.
Ness and Stilla, known offstage as Nessya Levi and Dor Soroker, dropped “Harbu Darbu” mere weeks after the October 7 attacks, seizing the moment to amplify their voice amidst the turmoil. Their calculated move paid off, as the rap skyrocketed to the top of Israel’s Mako chart, dominating streaming services and radio plays nationwide. It also found a significant audience on TikTok, where young Israelis and soldiers embraced it as the soundtrack for their lip-syncing and dancing videos, further cementing its cultural impact.
Despite its popularity, the song has sparked widespread condemnation for its violent content and targeting of public figures. Mia Khalifa, one of the named targets, took to Twitter to express her outrage, highlighting the disturbing nature of a song that advocates for violence over a drill beat. Surprisingly, neither Dua Lipa nor Bella Hadid have publicly addressed the track, leaving speculation about their reactions to this provocative piece of music.
