Beside Myself
3 minute readPublished: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 4:01 am
DJ Haram's Debut Album Explores Dark Themes with Electronic and Middle Eastern Fusion
Brooklyn-based artist DJ Haram has released her highly anticipated debut album, "Beside Myself." The album delves into themes of betrayal and anger, reflecting a world that has, in her words, "betrayed" her. The album's mood is often severe, exploring a range of emotions through a unique blend of electronic sounds and Middle Eastern instrumentation.
"Beside Myself" builds upon the foundation laid by Haram's 2019 EP, "Grace," but ventures into darker and more varied sonic territories. Tracks like "Lifelike" create an ominous atmosphere with synth drones and piercing guitar feedback, while "IDGAF" presents a heavy, metallic sound. The album also features tracks like "Badass," which uses hard-edged percussion.
Despite its often angry tone, the album is not a simple expression of outrage. DJ Haram's experience as a DJ is evident in the cleverly layered beats that add depth to the rage, creating a release of anarchic energy. The album showcases a range of styles, from the Middle Eastern house banger "Loneliness Epidemic" to the breakbeat-driven "Sahel," which features Egyptian producer El Kontessa. The track "Fishnets" features collaborations with Bbymutha, sha ray, and producer August Fanon.
The album's collaborative spirit extends to other artists as well. Abdul Hakim Bilal's guitar playing and Aquiles Navarro's trumpet add emotional depth to the tracks. Elucid and billy woods of Armand Hammer contribute verses on "Stenography," while Moor Mother, Haram's 700 Bliss bandmate, adds a wall of words to "Lifelike." DJ Haram's own verses, particularly on "Distress Tolerance," are also a highlight.
BNN's Perspective:
"Beside Myself" is a powerful and thought-provoking debut. While the album's themes are undeniably dark, the innovative fusion of sounds and the skillful use of collaboration create a compelling listening experience. The album's exploration of anger and betrayal, tempered with moments of release and joy, offers a nuanced perspective on the complexities of the modern world.
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