Ahmad Balshe, known as Belly, is a Palestinian-Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer. Born on April 7, 1984, in Jenin, Palestine, he grew up in Ottawa, Canada. Belly started his music career with his debut mixtape, Death Before Dishonor: Vol. 1 (2005). His first studio album, The Revolution (2007), showcased his talent but was followed by an eight-year break from performing as he focused on songwriting.
In 2015, Belly signed with The Weeknd's record label, XO, and Roc Nation, marking his return to the spotlight with his mixtape Up for Days. This release featured the hit single "Might Not," a collaboration with The Weeknd that achieved platinum success in both the U.S. and Canada. Belly’s second album, Immigrant (2018), and third, See You Next Wednesday (2021), earned recognition despite moderate commercial success. His latest album, 96 Miles from Bethlehem (2024), dives into political themes, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As a songwriter, Belly has contributed significantly to The Weeknd’s music, including co-writing the global hit "Blinding Lights," which Billboard named the greatest Hot 100 song of all time in 2021. He also co-wrote Beyoncé's song "6 Inch" in 2016, showcasing his versatility.
Belly's achievements include winning the 2016 SOCAN Songwriter of the Year Award, a Juno Award, and multiple MuchMusic Video Awards. Critics have praised his lyrical depth and ability to blend personal, political, and mainstream themes in his music. Beyond his solo career, Belly frequently collaborates with fellow artists, including DJ Khaled, and remains a key figure in modern hip-hop and R&B. His journey from Palestine to international stardom reflects his resilience and dedication to his craft.
