Josylvio

A Dutch rapper with a hardcore, streetwise approach, Josylvio found widespread success with his 2016 debut album, Ma3seb, which reached number five on the Dutch charts. Born Joost Theo Sylvio Yussef Abdelgalil Dowib in Naarden to a Dutch mother and Egyptian father, he took influence from the gritty style of American hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur, making early appearances under the name Jaybay. By 2015, he’d adopted the Josylvio moniker and began releasing singles, most notably the collaboration “Le7nesh” with fellow Dutch rapper Sevn Alias, which later appeared on his debut. Working with producer Esko, Josylvio’s debut introduced him to the Dutch public and featured guest spots from Hef, Adje, Kevin, and numerous other players from the country’s hip-hop scene. After taking part in the 2017 2Pac tribute album All Eyez on Us, he released his follow-up album, 2 Gezichten. Returning in February 2018 with his third effort, Hella Cash, Josylvio took the number one spot on the Dutch charts. ~ Timothy Monger