Sign up to Roisin O'Connor's free weekly newsletter now Listen to this to get the inside track on all things music
Get Now Hear This email for free
An Israeli rap duo called for the deaths of Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid and Mia Khalifa in a song that reached the top of the charts in Israel.
The drill song, which artists Nice and Stella said they recorded as a “war anthem,” has divided the country over its support for military action in the Gaza Strip in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attacks.
It has achieved more than 18 million views on YouTube since its release on November 14 last year.
“Harbu Darbo” means “raining hell upon the opponent”, in colloquial Hebrew originally derived from the Arabic words meaning “chaos” and “blow of war”.
The song aims to be a national anthem to raise morale, according to the artists.
With the middle finger raised, the rapper calls on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to attack singer Dua Lipa, supermodel Bella Hadid, and former adult content creator Mia Khalifa.
The song calls on the Israeli army to “rain a storm” and “beat up” a list of individuals, including women, who have previously supported the Palestinian cause or called for a ceasefire.
Nisia Levy (Nice), 21, one half of the duo celebrates the Israeli air strikes on Gaza, saying: “Get your asses ready because here comes the air force. You can feel the tremors all the way to Tel Aviv.”
Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid and Mia Khalifa are called out for being killed by the IDF in the song
(Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Dor Soroker (Stella), 25, refers to “the sons of Amalek,” a controversial biblical reference also mentioned by President Benjamin Netanyahu, which the International Court of Justice ruled could be considered “plausible” in genocidal intent.
Sorker defended the lyrics and said he received death threats as a result.
“They made us into a group of Jewish fascists who want to kill Arabs,” he said in an interview with the New York Times. Ynet. “We represent the country, and this song raises morale, so we will accept threats. He deserves it.”
The war anthem composed by Ness and Stella reached the top of the charts in Israel
(Nice and Stella (YouTube))
The song's lyrics also include Iran's Hassan Nasrallah, and Mohammed Deif, commander of the Hamas-affiliated Al-Qassam Brigades, as well as what appears to be a racist reference to Palestinians and the Arabic names in “Abu Baklava” in reference to the Middle Eastern dessert.
Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million songs and podcasts ad-free with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a free 30-day trial
Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million songs and podcasts ad-free with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a free 30-day trial
The full reference translates as follows:
“All IDF units are coming to do this Harbo Darbo On their heads.
Another X on the gun (because every dog's going to get what's coming to him)
“Wait until we drop it like rain on you, ***. Everyone who planned, supported, executed and killed. You're in trouble. You hear?”
“Nasrallah. Muhammad Dhaif. Haniyeh. Abu Baklava. Bella Hadid. Dua Lipa. Mia Khalifa.
“Every dog will get what's coming to them.
“All units in the IDF are in a position to instill war and pain in your head.”
The Independent I reached out to representatives of Nice, Stella, Mia Khalifa, Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa.
More Stories
The Gen Z pop star launched Harris’ campaign. Puerto Rican musicians might just get it over the finish line
Menendez resents suspicion as prosecutor seeks clemency from Newsom
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo look forward to the Oscars