Teddy Neguse, a 31-year-old rapper known for his role as a prominent voice in Israeli hip-hop, is undergoing a notable transformation in his artistic and personal approach. Emerging from the marginalized Ethiopian-Israeli community in Lod, Neguse initially gained recognition for his fiery, protest-driven music that expressed the frustration and systemic challenges faced by young Ethiopian-Israelis. Over time, however, he has moved away from overt rage toward a more introspective and vulnerable expression.

Neguse’s upcoming performance on November 5 at the Tel Aviv Museum will showcase this evolution, featuring a combination of tracks from his new album, *Ma Ratzitem* (What Did You Want?), alongside selections from his earlier work. The concert is part of the broader Tel Aviv Festival.

Born and raised in Lod, a city often portrayed negatively in media through the lens of crime and hardship, Neguse explained that survival there required a hardened defensive posture, often communicated through aggression. He described this defensive behavior as a "psychological suit of armor" formed out of necessity, which lingered with him long after relocating to Tel Aviv. His time away from Lod brought success but also sparked doubts related to identity and mental health, rooted in a disconnect from his family and origins.

A return to Lod and his parents’ home allowed Neguse to confront his past and gradually dismantle this emotional armor. He described this process as difficult but vital, enabling him to rebuild relationships within his family and to introduce "softness" into his life. This personal reckoning forms the foundation of his latest musical work, which seeks to balance raw honesty with the complexity of his identity and experiences.

While Israeli hip-hop increasingly enters the mainstream, Neguse emphasizes preserving its underground authenticity and staying connected to his roots. Despite financial and emotional challenges inherent in maintaining an independent music career, he recently celebrated a sold-out show for 300 attendees at Hameretz7. The event was highlighted by a surprise appearance from Israeli rock veteran Berry Sakharof, whose appreciation for British rap music forged an unconventional but impactful collaboration.

Neguse remains outspoken on issues affecting the Ethiopian-Israeli community. He criticized National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s comments about granting a “pardon to the Ethiopian community,” calling them “insolent.” He also reflected on ongoing police violence and neglect toward his community, noting that some incidents receive widespread attention due to viral videos, while others fade unnoticed. He emphasized that for many Ethiopian-Israelis, such realities are constant, everyday experiences rather than isolated events.

Performing at large festivals, Neguse has noted a visible absence of Ethiopian-Israeli representation among audiences, underscoring a persistent cultural divide. Despite this, he acknowledges rising talents within the community, such as saxophonist Abate Berihun, singer Ester Rada, Gili Yalo, and the emerging Ofek Adanek, while recognizing the music industry’s ongoing challenges in fully embracing these artists.

For Neguse, addressing these issues requires a collective willingness to confront uncomfortable truths rather than conceal them. “The first step is really looking it straight in the eye, and that might be the most painful part,” he stated, underscoring his belief that genuine progress depends on honesty and self-reflection at both individual and societal levels.