Saudi rapper returns to the Kingdom after 12 years

Saudi-American rapper $kinny, who claimed the number one spot on Apple Music Middle East with his song “Never Snitch” and 2019 album Thank You For Nothing. (AN Photo/Screenshot)
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Updated 22 March 2022
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Saudi rapper returns to the Kingdom after 12 years

  • Born Sami Hamed, $kinny aims to bridge the culture gap between his twin hometowns of Los Angeles and Riyadh

LOS ANGELES: Saudi-American rapper $kinny, who claimed the number one spot on Apple Music Middle East with his song “Never Snitch” and 2019 album “Thank You For Nothing,” told Arab News he was “amazed” by the changes going on the Kingdom as he makes his return after 12 years.

Born Sami Hamed, $kinny aims to bridge the culture gap between his twin hometowns of Los Angeles and Riyadh aided by his recently announced partnership with Universal Arabic Music.

And he may be topping the charts once again with his new singles “Temam” and “Saudi Most Wanted.”

“It’s just, Saudi kinda has a bad rep,” he told Arab News. “A lot of people think you know a lot of just dumb stuff, you know what I mean, about us and I wanted to change the narrative, I want to show people, we’re just like all of you,” he added.

“We like the same stuff and we’re talented and we’re here to really compete. So that’s like ‘Saudi Most Wanted.’”

And he's excited to be signing for a music label that fits in with his ideals of bridging cultural gaps in Universal Arabic Music.

“They are opening the doors for people like me because there’s a lot and honestly there’s some great stuff in the works man, honestly it’s any artist's dream to sign to a major label. 

“It's really a pleasure to just be a part of the whole movement, it’s basically the bridge to gap the two worlds and you know, and who better than me? I'm going knock it out, so I’m here.”

In the past, the artist has received negative responses and even threats from his fellow Saudis, but he told Arab News his fans in the Kingdom have always had his back. Now $kinny will be returning after over a decade away, amazed at the changes he’s witnessed in his home country.

“Honestly that is a really big factor to why I’m here today too, because them opening up just brought so much eyes to even the Saudi artists and the talent,” he said.

“It’s a dream come true to be back there. Especially, I haven’t been back there in years and just to see my fans and stuff this is gonna be pretty wild.” 


Saudi label KML unveils new collection in Paris

Updated 21 January 2026
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Saudi label KML unveils new collection in Paris

DUBAI: Siblings Razan and Ahmed Hassan presented their Fall/Winter 2026–2027 collection at Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday, continuing the rapid rise of their KML label.

The duo has gained international recognition since launching the brand in 2022, most recently being named semifinalists for the LVMH Prize — a prestigious annual award for emerging designers.

Creative director Ahmed’s minimalist designs and sharp tailoring mean KML — owned by his sister, Razan — has built its identity around reimagining traditional Saudi garments through a contemporary lens. Jackets are paired with shawl-like elements, large leather belts recall those historically worn by Bedouin men, and skirts nod to silhouettes once worn by men in the Eastern Province, Jazan and the Hijaz.

The collection leans on wrap constructions, asymmetry and elongated proportions. (Getty Images)

The approach is reflected in the new collection, which features a restrained palette of black, white and muted earth tones, leaning on wrap constructions, asymmetry and elongated proportions.

Flowing skirts, structured wrap tops and robe-like coats dominate the lineup, with some looks referencing classical draping while others lean toward utilitarian dressing, defined by sharp shoulders, cinched waists and clean, architectural lines.

In a previous interview with Arab News, Ahmed said their grandmother was a huge influence on their lives as he and his sister grew up in Riyadh. He fondly recalled both her progressive nature and inimitable style. As a young boy, Ahmed would often accompany her to fabric shops so she could get her designs stitched by a local tailor. The experience left an impression, though fashion was not an obvious initial career path.

Ahmed studied architecture and became an intern at Zaha Hadid Architects, where he developed an appreciation for structure and form. Razan, meanwhile, pursued law at Prince Sultan University and she went on to practice full-time.

“One summer, we both realized we weren’t doing what we truly wanted to do, so I decided to go to the UK to study creative writing, and Ahmed went to Central Saint Martins (in London) for a few courses,” Razan explained.

That was the catalyst for KML. In August 2023, they launched their debut capsule collection and towards the end of that year they applied to the Saudi 100 Brands program. The Fashion Commission recognized their potential, helping KML launch collections at fashion weeks in Paris, Riyadh and Milan.