Canadian rapper Drake has set Arab social media alight after sampling Fairuz’s iconic song Wahdon in a teaser for his forthcoming ninth studio album, ICEMAN.
The move, unveiled during a livestream preview, has been hailed by some as a bold cross-cultural nod to one of the Arab world’s most cherished voices, but criticised by others who feel a treasured classic has been altered beyond recognition.
Fairuz: the voice of Lebanon
Known as the “Voice of Lebanon,” Fairuz is one of the most revered figures in Arabic music. Her work has transcended borders for decades, her voice filling homes, cafés and gatherings across the Middle East and among diaspora communities worldwide.
Wahdon, written by celebrated Lebanese poet Talal Haidar and composed by the late Ziad Rahbani, Fairuz’s son, remains a particularly beloved piece. It speaks of loneliness and the quiet ache of fading friendships, themes that have resonated with generations of listeners.
A lo-fi twist
In his teaser, Drake layered Wahdon with a mellow, lo-fi beat, reshaping the sombre ballad into a more contemporary, chilled-out track. While the experiment attracted intrigue, it also triggered a polarised reaction online.
One YouTube user commented: “They just sabotaged the song.” Another praised the attempt: “This beat is already fire but the Fairuz sample takes it to another level. I really hope Drake actually raps on this.”
The debate highlights the tension between preserving cultural heritage and reinterpreting classics through modern genres—a dynamic not new to hip-hop, which has long relied on sampling as a form of homage, reinvention and cultural dialogue.
Fans divided
While some Lebanese and Arab fans expressed pride at hearing Fairuz’s voice on a global stage, others questioned whether the treatment respected the original spirit of the song. The use of such a deeply emotional track in a hip-hop setting has been seen by critics as insensitive to its cultural and lyrical weight.
At the same time, supporters argue that Drake’s global influence could introduce Fairuz to new audiences, sparking renewed interest in her vast catalogue of music and Lebanon’s broader cultural legacy.
The ICEMAN release
ICEMAN, Drake’s ninth studio album, is slated for release on 31 October 2025 under his OVO Sound label in partnership with Republic Records, according to fan community Genius.
The album is expected to build on Drake’s history of blending diverse influences, reflecting his reputation as an artist unafraid to experiment with sound. With tracks drawing on global traditions, ICEMAN appears set to continue Drake’s pattern of pushing hip-hop into unexpected cultural spaces.
Whether Drake’s take on Fairuz will ultimately be remembered as a bold tribute or a controversial misstep remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: in sampling Wahdon, the Canadian superstar has reignited global conversation about one of Lebanon’s most treasured musical icons.
