Israeli Band Siam Challenges Rap History and Reflects on Israel's Rising Extremism
Israeli band Siam members Hadar Goldman and Jeff Shapiro have criticized the documentary series "Black Gold" on Kan 11 for inaccurately crediting Yair Nitzani's 1986 song "HaAshem Tamid" as the first Hebrew rap, asserting their 1984 hit "Tel Aviv Downtown" predates it. Goldman emphasized, "Yair Nitzani is a great guy but he keeps making mistakes. 'HaAshem Tamid' was not first. 'Tel Aviv Downtown' was the first Israeli hip-hop hit." The band plans to confront the documentary makers over these historical inaccuracies.
Goldman also revealed a story about Shapiro's teenage punk band disrupting a Tislam concert in Haifa, highlighting their early rebellious spirit against mainstream Israeli pop music. Siam is releasing a special double album titled "War and In Between" on September 2, featuring well-known songs, lost recordings, and a cover of King Crimson's "Epitaph." Ahead of the album, they released a new AI-assisted remix of "Tel Aviv Downtown" with a video depicting the current reality of Israelis sheltering from Iranian missile attacks.
The album's title omits the word "Peace," reflecting the band's view of Israel's current political climate. Shapiro noted the shift from hopeful peace movements to endless wars, saying, "The reality became 'War and In Between,' so we removed the word peace." Goldman described Israel today as "very extreme and dangerous," expressing concern over the country's rightward shift and internal religious conflicts.
Despite their long career, Siam never pursued a traditional comeback, focusing instead on creating music they care about. Goldman, a former advertising professional, also volunteered in Israeli public diplomacy but expressed skepticism about promoting a country he sees as divided by hatred. The band members reflected on their youthful naivety, past regrets, and their ongoing commitment to music without chasing fame or commercial success.
Siam's history includes forming in 1983 after Shapiro returned from New York, early performances in Tel Aviv's underground scene, and a 1989 album produced by British producer Bob Lamb. They disbanded in 1992 but reunited several times, most recently in 2015. Their music, initially in English, captured Tel Aviv's nightlife and alternative culture, now reinterpreted to reflect Israel's current challenges.
