SAÜD ft: Belly - Good Fellas (Single) + 10 Questions
Photo Credit: Mahmoud Nour
Saudi producer SAÜD returns with his striking new single “Good Fellas”, featuring Palestinian-Canadian rapper Belly. The track marks the first release from his forthcoming project - out next year, executive produced by Don Cannon (Lil Uzi Vert, Jeezy, Ludacris, 50 Cent). The record offers a glimpse into a body of work that serves as a love letter to hip-hop, spanning sharp lyricism, soulful melodies, and cinematic production.
Layered with powerful beats and razor-sharp lyricism, “Good Fellas” is a collaboration that highlights SAÜD’s gift for bringing together global voices in hip-hop.
Raised in a musically diverse home and shaped by his time in Los Angeles, Saudi born SAÜD has built a sound that connects cultures while staying true to its core. Guided by a mission to elevate new talent across the WANA region, SAÜD creates projects that travel far beyond borders and speak to listeners everywhere.
With “Good Fellas,” he launches this bold new chapter, one defined by resilience, connection, and a cross cultural vision.
SAÜD sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin, What sparked your love for music?
Music was always running in the background of my life. Growing up in Khobar as the youngest of five, my father had jazz and old classics playing, while my mother filled the house with Arabic melodies. I still remember the day she handed me a Sony Walkman. It was a simple thing but it changed everything. It pulled me into a new world. From collecting CDs to experimenting with whatever gear I could afford as a student in Los Angeles, I started to realise something. If music can move me like that, maybe I can create something that moves others too.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I pull inspiration from so many places. Timbaland and Dilla shaped my rhythm and my ear. Kanye inspired me musically in a huge way. I consider Kobe an artist in his own right and his mindset always pushed me. Rick Rubin inspires me for how he strips music down to its truth. Hajaj inspires me in his songwriting. Swizz showed me what a global sound can be. Jeed has always inspired me creatively and in how to balance life and work.
There are countless artists and creators who fuel me and I want to work with people who carry that same energy and vision.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them? Also, could you share a bit of insight into your business venture and how important it is for you to champion music in your region?
I’ve been building a lot of new music for a long time now. This has been a slow and intentional process, shaping a world I want listeners to grow into. There is a larger project taking form in the background, something I have been crafting piece by piece, but I am keeping the details private until the right moment. What I can share is that the sound feels sharper, more mature and very true to where I am today and it features musicians who continue to inspire me along with a few who helped shape my journey.
My business venture is about building real music infrastructure for our region. I want to create a space where artists from here can develop, release and grow without feeling like they need to leave home to be taken seriously. It matters to me because I know the talent we have and how far it can go with the right support. Championing music from our region feels like part of my purpose. I am just playing my part and lifting the region the way it lifted me.
4. How would you describe your sound?
My sound is the music I grew up loving mixed with what I hear and what I live today. It has Arabic touches, RnB feel, hip hop energy and a lot of emotion. It is moody but still moves, something you can play late at night or in a club. It is the world around me turned into music.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
My proudest moment was hearing my father tell me that my family is proud of me and that he knows I will be recognised in my field. Nothing compares to that feeling. The other moment is getting to work with people I grew up looking up to. Creating with my inspirations still feels surreal every time.
Photo Credit: Mahmoud Nour
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
My advice is to learn the business. You can make the best music in the world but if you do not understand publishing, distribution and contracts, you will get hurt. Stay true to your sound but stay open to growth. Build community because music is not a solo journey. Work with people who challenge you and inspire you. And most importantly, remember why you started and always have fun with it.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
I have been listening to a lot of regional artists lately. I am biased, but people like Hajaj, Jeed, Tac, Kali B, Zii and Xhy have been in my rotation. There are many more I can mention, the region is full of talent right now.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Lately I have been revisiting the D’Angelo catalog. His work always puts me in a certain space. I have also been loving the new Kojey Radical album. Musiq Soulchild Julisen is a classic that never leaves my rotation. Bas and The Hics with Melanchronica has been a real gem. And I have been going through a lot of Arabic music and digging in the crates for samples and inspiration.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
When I am not making music I am usually with my family, that is my real reset. I love cooking, it is one of the few things that slows me down in a good way. I get my Fifa sessions in when I need to switch off. And I spend some time reading about business and current affairs. That stuff keeps me curious and gives me a different perspective on everything I do.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Palo Santo stick to set the energy right.
My MacBook, always.
Snacks within reach because long sessions need fuel