A Rap & A Cup of Tea // No.9 _ March 2021

ISSUE NO. 9 / March 2021

Featuring Tayc // ElGrandeToto // Joysad & much more

Contents 1

Tayc p.21

ElGrandeToto p.39

• Editor's Speech p.3 • Punchlines p.4 • Reviews p.27 • Playlist p.20 • International Feat p.37

Maska p.31

Joysad p.13

Limsa d'Aulnay p.5

• Who's?

• Lous & The Yakuza p.19 • Niro p.12 • Ghali p.30

• Dirlo p.45

• The Team p.47 • Credits p.49

Photography Cover © Koria

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This is the 9th issue, and I’m always delighted to write these lines. Already the 9th issue...soon on double-digit! Who knew? One more and we can officially enter the prestigious circle of magazines that are anchored in time... To all of you, those who contributed to the emergence of the magazine, issue after issue, I sincerely say THANK YOU. Thank you for your faithful support.

This one has a very special taste with Tayc in cover, who became the leader of the R'n'B in France; ElGrandeToto, leader of the Moroccan Rap and also the one with whom I discovered Moroccan HipHop culture with “Pablo”; Limsa D'Aulnay one of the rappers with the sharpest pen of the French Rap who dazzles my life with “Le Ptit Limsa”; Joysad, this rapper with the meteoric rise and amazing touching lyrics and of course Maska, the one that has amazed me so much since I was a teenager and I still can’t get over his wonderful verse on “Avant Qu’Elle Parte”.

As Nekfeu said in “Όλα Καλά”: "I was told that it was useless to talk about our problems, but I know what is it to listen to Rap music and to feel understood." Just like it did for me, I hope that Rap was able to calm your ills with its words. I also hope that the interviews in this magazine will also give you more explanation about the story behind some of your favourite songs. Everything always starts with a story, an idea, a thought.

Mama Lova? This is number 9, I hope you’re 9 times prouder of me. As always, everything's for you, Mama. Everything will always be for you, Mama.

Florine? Thank you Poupette, thank you for always supporting me since we were 7 years old.

How proud I am to see you becoming the incredible person you are now. You’ll be my model of resilience forever. What strength you have in youself! I still remember us on a couch eating pancakes by the hundred and playing Sims for hours... We have come a long way since... but you must know that for nothing on earth I’ll change our precious memories. I love you Poupette.

With all my love, Fanny Hill Scott

fanny.hillscott

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Punchline "Fortunately, Rap gets me out of my problems. My heart's cold, I have accumulated too much hate."

PLK

"I only wanted to become immortal before dying."

Loud

"They called me weak so many times I almost end up to believe it."

Bigflo & Oli

"It’s when people leave that people regret."

Hamza

"Nobody has been betrayed as much as trust."

Seyfu

"In my mirror, I see my faults and defeats. But I like to see my success because it’s a reflection of your failure."

La Fouine

Illustration © Emilia Smolka

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LIMsA D'aulnay 5

Known as a killer name in the Rap scene, Limsa is truly a rapper with great skills. Whether through his lyrics, his flow or his production choices, Salim - his real name - has always known how to delight his fans throughout his career with songs like "4 Décembre", "Starting Block" ft Isha and "Avec Moi".

Born in the Parisian suburb of Aulnay-Sous-Bois (93), Limsa confessed that he was greatly inspired by this neighborhood where he started his first freestyles. Cool, funny and warm but also talented, the rapper with a sharp pen took the time to answer with sincerity and spontaneity the questions of A Rap & A Cup Of Tea.

The one who claims to "rap like he talks" recalls his journey from his encounter with 75e Session to his trilogy of EPs named Logique.

The one that PLK quoted "As Limsa would say, humor is the frankness of cowards, I think we're getting closer to the truth" in the track "Dans les clips" also knew how to tell us his truths with a lot of frankness.

How would you describe your unique style in the French Rap scene?

I don't really feel like I'm that different from anyone else. I feel like we all rap a little bit the same way, and that we all talk about the same thing in the end. Maybe what sets me apart is just the human being I am.

Indeed, during your interview with Grünt, you said something very interesting about your featurings with Isha and JeanJass, that you are rappers who are very true to themselves.

For me, as a rapper it's important to be genuine about the person I am but I would never demand it from other rappers. I listen to a lot of Rap fiction with guys saying they jump off the 8th floor and shoot people. (laughs) Everyone does what they want, and I like it when it's done the right way. But I think that with Isha and JeanJass we allow ourselves to be ourselves as rappers without worrying about whether people will like it or not. For example JeanJass allows himself to make "funny" sounds despite the clichés of Rap where you have to be a gangster in order to break through. He doesn't care about that, he does what he wants to do and when I listen to his music, I can see the same person he's in real life.

Was Rap always an obvious choice for you?

Actually, I think it's the first music I ever found myself in it. Quite cliché, but in my hood everyone listened to Rap music. And when I saw some of my friends rapping, I was really excited about it and I wanted to do the same. I guess it's all started from there.

Can you tell me about the importance of 75e Session in your career?

I think that meeting Georgio at first and the others of the 75e, is what really changed everything for me in Rap. I really think that without them I would never have taken Rap in such a "serious" way.

I don't know if we can talk about being professional because I'm still a huge wanker, but I learned a lot from them. When you surround yourself with good rappers, you automatically improve. It was a great chance to meet them because they became my motivators and people who always pushed me in the music. They are all passionate about their own vision of Rap and it's really fulfilling to be around them.

Do you think that without them you would never have released a project?

To be honest with you, no I'd never have gone this far. I'd have just kept rapping in the hood with my small reputation of "Limsa is a bad ass" and that's it. You know, at the time, we used to go to the studio to record our music and put it on a USB stick, then we listened to it with our mates in a Clio 2. (laughs) There were 4 people who liked it and it was good, we were happy you know.

'' When you're young, you want to rap like your favourite rapper and I think that gave me the foundation.''

Aulnay-Sous-Bois is very important to you, it shows in your tracks like "ASB" and especially in your name. Can you tell me more about how important Aulnay is to you?

For outsiders, they see it as one of the worst hoods in France but for me it's a special place. I know that growing up in a certain hood has an impact on you. If I grew up in another part of France I would be a different person. It wouldn't have changed who I am, but I'd be different for sure. The hood is a real culture, a way of life, a way of speaking and so on. I love my city as much as I hate it but it's still very important to me. I learned a lot of things that I'd never have learned anywhere else, it's shaped me in a way.

You often talk about the fact that Aulnay isn't DisneyLand and yet there's a lot of sensitivity in some of your songs, whether it's when you talk about your grandmother for example, or through your chosen prods like the one for "Le Ptit Limsa". Are you aware of the

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fact that you make a great impact on your audience by showing your vulnerability like that?

I don't really realize it in real life... You know my writing style is not very complex, I write like I speak. (laughs) So basically, if I'm sad I'll write something sad without asking myself too many questions, same thing if I'm happy.

I think you're quite gifted when it comes to writing, you use a lot of figures of speech, assonance, alliteration...

I must say that I take my time with the rhymes, I'd be lying to say otherwise. I feel like if I write a rhyme of less than 3 syllables, it's not a rhyme. (laughs) Actually when I write something, I know why I write it. But when it comes to word choice etc., I always try to keep it simple. For example, my buddy Georgio, his lyrics are very literary and I think it could even be taught in school. With my lyrics I don't think it's possible. (laughs)

Do you think your writing style has evolved over the years?

When you're young you want to rap like your favorite rapper and I think that gave me the foundation. Even if I'm not really a "hard worker" because I'd be lying to say that compared to those who really work non-stop on their lyrics, I ended up developing automatisms and getting better at it. I'm glad I'm a better rapper now than I was 7 years ago. (laughs) I'm much more comfortable talking about myself.

I always try to be transparent so people can feel it in my songs while keeping a certain sense of secrecy about my life.

You said back then that "you could say something you didn't mean if you thought the rhyme was neat" and that now you couldn't do that. In retrospect, are there any songs that you regret?

Yeah, there are a lot of songs that I deleted from YouTube. (laughs) Some of them were just because I couldn't listen to them anymore and some of them I thought "Wow I was really stupid". For me it's more important to be at peace with what I'm saying than to make money from streaming.

You know, I've always liked to make people laugh. When I was younger, if in order to make three people laugh I had to make one person cry, I'd say, "It's okay, it was just a joke" now I can't do that. With rhymes it's kind of the same. I used to say "It's okay if I said something stupid if it rhymes well" but now I can't do that kind of thing.

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Did you ever experience a "click"?

One day I was watching an interview with my mate Sheldon, about a rapper who I thought was basically a moron. And when he started speaking, he was saying intelligible things and he seemed to be a good guy, but when you listen to his music, he's quite obnoxious.

I admit, it clicked immediately and I thought to myself "Ow, does that mean I can sound like that?" You can listen to my songs and think of me in a way that I'm not and that bothers me. I said to myself that I had to fix that because the most important thing is to be yourself.

'' Maybe Logique Part.3 will be out before the summer... Who knows?

Everything's possible.''

In "Seul Two" you also say "Rappers don't want to share me like I'm their girl / They want to be the only ones to love me like I'm their sister". Can you tell me more about that?

The truth is, I'm not the worst case scenario.

There must be a lot of guys who live in remote areas or in the provinces and, because they have no connections in the Rap scene, they find it hard to make a name for themselves. I can't play the victim and say that I'm boycotted but for a long time I heard "Limsa is lit" from more or less known rappers but still didn't take the time to share my music or anything else.

In fact, rappers know each other pretty well.

More than we think, anyway. And I noticed for a long time that people complimented me off the record but as soon as it was time to say it in public, there was nobody left. It's okay, it's the game and I don't ask anything from anyone. At least it inspired me these punchlines. (laughs)

By the way, we often see you with big artists like Georgio, PLK, Sopico...

Yeah, I'm lucky to have some really good guys as brothers. It's true that featurings are often mentioned by the fans. (laughs) Doing featurings with artists like Georgio and PLK isn't impossible at all. But really, they are brothers and when we meet, we don't necessarily talk about it because making music together isn't something "out of the ordinary" since we have already done it. You know what I mean?

I heard you already started working on Logique part.3...

Yeah I already have several tracks ready and honestly I think I only need one or two more tracks before it's all good. But it won't be released now because it has to be mixed, mastered etc.... You know the drill. (laughs) Maybe it will be out before the summer... Who knows?

Everything's possible.

Limsa _Daulnay

Words © Fanny Hill Scott Photography © Antonin Nkruma

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Get yours in our website!

arapandacupoftea.com

Niro

As it has been announced, Niro will release one EP per month for 9 months and the adventure began on February 19. Each opus will contain 5 tracks, which will give a total of 45 songs and we can say that his audience is very pleased.

Noureddine Bahri – known as Niro – was born in 1987 in Orléans and grew up in Blois. Under the name of Niro, he began to make himself known in “street Rap” with his first project Niroshima III in 2007. Then, he published his first album Paraplégique in June 2012. From 2010, he has been put under the spotlight by doing featuring with rappers very recognized at this time such as “C'est Nous” with Lacrim or on the track “Paname Boss” with La Fouine, Youssoupha, Sniper and Fababy in 2013.

While everything was going well for Niro with the release of his album, in June 2012 he has been caught up in a minor court case and immediately incarcerated for five-month. Released from prison, Niro went back to the studio path and release Rééducation in June 2013. Confirming the impressions left by Paraplégique, this project put Niro among the most influential rappers of the French Rap scene at this time.

In 2014, Niro published Miraculé, with famous track such as “VivaStreet”, “Live In The Ghetto” and hosting rapper Kaaris on “La Mort Ou Tchitchi”. The album leads to the Top Album during its first week of release. Following this project, Niro went on tour throughout France and performed on the famous Bataclan stage on November 28, 2014.

In 2015, Niro unveils its second studio album Si Je Me Souviens and then his fourth project in 2016, a new mixtape Or Game without any promotion. A few months after, Niro released a new album, entitled Les Autres and then, in 2017 it has been officially certified gold record. This one was also the first gold record of his career. In July 2017, Niro released his album OX7 and then M8RE and finally Mens Rea in 2018. With a long career like him, we can’t wait to see what’s Niro has in store for us in the future.

Niro_CompteOfficiel

© Marie Saura

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JoysaD 13

What can we say about this talented rapper who likes to juggle with ambivalence and opposites? Since his beginnings when he used to post his freestyles on Instagram, the 20-year-old rapper has been able to stand out from the rest with his intimate lyrics and projects thought out in the smallest details. This rapper, whose new project standed out as an anthem to duality, talks to A Rap & A Cup Of Tea about this double-faced persona that he puts forward.

Everything seems to have a double meaning in his art: the meaning of the word Palindrome - the title of his last EP - the meaning of his blaze Joysad, and even the intro and outro of this project which allow a double reading.

In spite of this desire to multiply things, the rapper originating from Périgueux makes a decision of honor to stay to himself and he lets us know it by reveiling his thoughts.

A few years ago, we discovered you with your freestyles for 1Minutes2Rap on social networks. Today, what does this platform represent to you in your career?

It represents the beginning, you see ? It's what allowed me to create my community, the one with which I started to develop something serious.

Why did you choose Joysad as your nickname?

I was 11 years old at the time and I had to find a blaze...

I don't know, I thought Joysad was pretty cool. (laughs) When you first started on 1Minute2Rap, did you imagine that you would end up signing with a big record label such as Because Music?

I didn't think about it but I never thought it was impossible.

I never said to myself "Oh I don't have any connections, it's going to be too hard". As Orelsan said, "Saying "I don't have any gear or any connection" is a victim thing".

In 2020 you release your first EP Fernandez where we discover a determined and selfconfident Joysad with many punchlines. A few months later, you release your second EP Palindrome where we discover another side of you.

You open up completely: your background, your difficult moments, your family problems as we can see in your track "Ciel Et Terre". Why such a choice?

I really felt that I was more comfortable in this style. Lately, I felt that the public was more receptive to this kind of lyrics: more "raw" it's true but also real.

Talking about your song "Ciel Et Terre", we really feel that you really cherish it, is it like a therapy for you?

I wouldn't really say it's a therapy. There are other sounds where I'm emptying myself in it, so in a way it's like all my songs are a kind of therapy. For me, that's what making Rap is all about. In fact, I took a particular pleasure making this track.

Your second EP is called Palindrome, what made you choose this title?

A 'palindrome' is a word that can be read in both directions, you see. So I thought it was funny because I've always wanted to create a kind of duality in one character. Whether it's in my videos or my sounds, I've always wanted to create a second self. It also fits with the JoySad blaze, it's a bit "Two characters in one". I also used it to make two different interpretations for my public.

'' All my songs are a kind of therapy, for me, that's what making Rap is all about.''

We notice in your writing a very literary side. What are your influences?

Actually, it's hard to say what inspires me musically, because I listen more often to music with my friends than solo. (laughs) I'm mainly inspired by life. And for my "literary side" actually it's nice that you said that because I haven't read since high school and I only read what I was required to read. So I don't really have a big literary "influence". (laughs)

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Your EP starts with a track called "Le Monde Est À L'Envers" and it ends with a track you named "Le Monde Est Joli", why such a contrast between these two tracks?

Again, I thought it was cool to have two different interpretations. We even placed them in such a way that it changes your understanding of the EP depending on the order in which you listen to it.

Depending on which you start the EP from the beginning of the end, it can either end up in an optimistic or a pessimistic way, so it's a good idea to have two different readings of the album. My team and I really had fun trying this.

In your track "Le Monde Est À L'Envers" you say "Sometimes you have to surrender to feel your heart beat" can you tell me more about that?

As you grow, you realize that talking to your loved ones is a necessary part of being well. When you've spent a lot of time keeping everything to yourself, once you manage to "spit out" a few words that weigh a lot, it's really pleasant. I think it does you good and it allows you to move forward in life.

I noticed that for this track you reached out to the beatmaker Diabi, can you tell me more about this meeting?

Diabi is so dope! That guy's track record is amazing, he does a really good work! We talked a lot before working together and he's a serious guy.

He's also a cool guy to hang out with and I like that.

This project doesn't have any featuring, was it by choice?

Yes, I wanted it to be sober. For the time being, we have never done a featuring. I think we have time for that, and if we have any feats to do it's gonna be with big names.

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Which artists would you like to do featurings with?

The artist I'd love to collaborate with would be Ariana Grande. I really like Ariana! (laughs) Then I would say Dinos, Fianso and Da Uzi.

You gave yourself a lot on this project and especially on "Marchand De Sable". Wasn't it hard for you to reveal yourself that much in front of your audience?

Actually, I think this text is quite soft because I wrote a lot of texts that never came out for the moment and that are even tougher than this one. Imagine the rest. It's a subject that I took the time to thoroughly think about before talking about it.

'' By June-July I think I'll be able to release my album.''

paying attention to your career and music releases?

When I saw that my streams were going up. (laughs) The feedback from people on my songs was also increasing tenfold. Sometimes people recognize you in the street, they don't necessarily know your name but they sing your tunes, it's fun.

Can your fans expect other projects for the year 2021?

Actually, by June-July I think I will be able to release my album. Atleast, I hope so!

Joy.s.a.d

Words © Gloria Dominiak Photography 1,3 © Ojoz 2 © Bishop

Your title "Mauvais Flic" carries a real message. What inspired you to do this story telling?

This story telling is a true story. We were in a bar before the first lockdown and there was a guy on his table who joined us with my mates, we drank a beer etc. And then we asked him what he did for a living. He told us that in two months he was going to go to the police academy while my buddies around the table were dealing. The guy was nice but I wondered what would happen if he was a cop. That's why I wrote that song.

At what point did you realize that you had an actual audience that was

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Lous & The Yakuza

Born in Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1996, Marie-Pierre Kakoma from her real name, became in a few months one of the best French-speaking female artists. Living in the DRC and of Rwandan origin, the mother of Lous and the Yakuza was forced to leave the country due to the country's great instability and political conflicts. At the age of 4, the artist joined her mum in Belgium as a political refugee and finally got her permanent resident status in 2011.

Fascinated by the art world and inspired by various cultures - such as Japanese and African the artist took the name of Lous "Soul" in back-slang and Yakuza - a Japanese word for marginalized people - in honour of her team who remain in the shadows to support her. Before her rise, following bad decisions, the artist found herself on the street at the age of 15. Confronted with the harsh reality of the night world, she draws inspiration from it in her songs.

In 2016, she appeared in Damso's clip "BruxellesVie". Through her perseverance and her huge talent, she signed in 2018 with Columbia France. Her singles "Dilemme" and "Tout Est Gore" in 2019, allowed her to know a big success thanks to her state of mind as well as her offbeat clips which allow her to differentiate herself from other artists.

Lous and The Yakuza breakthrough the music industry and her first album has been produced

by El Guincho and named Gore. It was also reminiscent of the events she went through in the past.

Gore allowed her to meet a real commercial success and confirmed her reputation as an artist to follow.

This introspective and poetic album reveals the personality and creativity of this artist. We find songs such as "Messes Basses" or "Corps Et Âmes" reflecting her life and the struggles she faced. The artist, who previously didn't know to which black female artists she could identify herself, became a source of inspiration for the public.

Lous and the Yakuza is still working on some projects, notably with the collective Jeune Club in collaboration with her friend-artist Krisy. We can also find her on her YouTube channel through 5 episodes summarizing her career and the promotion of her album.

LousAndTheYakuza

© Kadidiatou Sidibe

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Playlist G.A.N

Reÿn

“Instable”

Frenetik

“Chantilly”

“Mode Furtif”

Ashkidd “DJ”

Bekar “Zou”

ZKR

Swan

“The Wire”

“Présentable”

S.Pri Noir x Sean

Hamza

“Spider”

Tayc

“Juicy”

“Le Temps”

Drawings © Gabriel Dominiak

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TAyc

It's in a beautiful private hotel in the heart of Paris that we joined Tayc and his team to talk about music and especially about his first album Fleur Froide released last December. The man who captured the hearts of the French spoke to us in this unique setting about the importance of spreading his songs across the world to reach as many people as possible.

Originally from Marseille, the charismatic 24-yearold singer opened up to A Rap & A Cup Of Tea about his desire to do things right in the music industry and his willingness to always keep his audience happy. Considered one of the great figures of R'n'B in France, Tayc has managed to touch hearts with hits such as "N'y Pense Plus", "Promis Juré" and "Ewondo Ou Bami" feat. Manu Dibango.

Eager to share the Afrolove to his community, the one who was nominated at the NRJ Music Award, highlights the inspiration of life in his songs. No doubt that this artist with a big heart will not fail to dazzle you.

You have become a real reference in France where everyone knows your name... Can we go back to the beginnings of your booming career?

In a nutshell, I'd say that I've been in the music business for about 5 years but I've only been living it for 2 years. Originally, I'm from Marseille and I moved to Paris in 2012 in a boarding school. There was a studio for young people there and it's like I got in without ever getting out.

Was it difficult to leave everything and come to Paris?

Yes it was... I was 17 years old and at that age, you hold on to a lot of things, like your friends, your city, your hood, etc.

At first, it was hard and I was very angry at my mother. So basically, to explain what happened, I got kicked out of my high school 4 days before being back to school. My mother couldn't find any school to enroll me in and the only one that accepted me was in Paris, that's why I had to come here.

For her, it was also an opportunity to get me out of the northern neighborhoods of Marseille where I was. Obviously, I wasn't happy with this decision, but in the end I know that she did it for my own good. If it wasn't for her decision, I wouldn't be where I am today.

I believe that your meeting with Barack Adama has changed your career...

Yes, totally. It was back in 2018 and I was working in a gym at the time. One day I get a message from him on Instagram saying "I need you on a track, I'm looking for a vocalist". At the time, I was trying to figure it out but it was still pretty bad, you know? So I sent a demo of the production I had

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32

received and while we were talking he asked me "By the way, which label are you with?". I answered that I was not signed anywhere and that I was doing this with friends with my own savings and he answered me "Tomorrow, my place at 8pm". (laughs) I went there with my brother and I signed with him right away. I'd actually had a lot of meetings with labels before, but I wasn't quite convinced with their pitch.

They often tried to disguise the truth or misrepresent me to get me to make songs that were selling and not what I really wanted to do. Barack knew what to say to me: "You want R'n'B? We'll do R'n'B then".

When you started dealing with music industry professionals, you said that you quickly understood that R'n'B was no longer popular in France. Has this made you doubt yourself?

Yes I had a lot of doubts about what I was going to do... You also reach a moment in your life when you want to make it work and you want to earn money with your passion and you inevitably start doubting yourself when you see that it doesn't work as you want. When I went to clubs, I could see that the songs that were playing on a loop weren't at all what I was doing. At times I thought "I'm going to have to do what everyone else is doing".

'' Jorja Smith was supposed to be on the track "Qui". '' Your nomination at the NRJ Music Awards must have been a great revenge?

That's true and it came at a good time. I had already defined myself artistically and what could be better than to show millions of people the result of all those years of work and reflection on myself? I knew what music I enjoyed making, what people liked about me etc. and this nomination was a great reward.

Have you been waiting for this nomination?

I must admit that we were not really prepared, because "N'y Pense Plus" is the first song that was in the playlist on NRJ. Being nominated with artists who are always in their playlists, I wasn't expecting it. Looking back, it's true that this song has caused so much craze... (laughs)

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You often define your music as Afrolove. How would you describe it to an audience that doesn't know this concept yet?

For me it's a movement, a way of thinking and doing things.

Originally, it was a musical genre that brought together jazz, soul, etc. with R'n'B. Over time, we developed it as a genuine way of being. We sincerely want to spread Afrolove to our community and to the people who follow us.

In this album, you address very different and diverse themes such as "J'ai Mal" [where the protagonist's girlfriend sees his wife leave for another woman] "Baby Papa" [where the protagonist loses custody of his children] or even "Vous Deux" [where the protagonist wishes a sincere happiness to his ex who's involved in a new relationship with another man]. What inspired all these different stories?

It's a bit of a cliché to say this, but I think there's no greater inspiration than life itself... I get a lot of inspiration from conversations I have with my friends where they tell me what's going on in their lives and I back that up with fiction sometimes. It's kind of a puzzle where you put different stories together. In some cases, I can also totally talk about my life experiences like "Comme Toi" which is not fictional at all as everything I spoke about there, I actually lived it.

By combining reality and fiction, do you feel that your audience really knows who you are?

I think so, my audience knows parts of my personality. They can see that I'm a sensitive person and someone who loves to love and be loved. 99% of my songs are about love and there's no denying it I think. (laughs) However, I think that my audience knows me better from my social networks than from my songs.

Actually, you're indeed present for your fans on social networks, either by creating content for them, or by sharing their videos in your story.

Is it important to be present like that for your community?

You know, I was talking to some of my friends not too long ago and we realized that now things are changing and people know a lot about the music industry. Whether it's your salary, how the royalties are distributed etc., so I think it's important to be as transparent as possible on social networks. And most importantly, to get them as involved as possible in your career. If you scroll through your favorite artist's story and you just see their lifestyle that's cool.

But if you know that you can find yourself at any time in his story, it makes it even better, you know what I mean?

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I'd have loved to see that from the artists I liked, seeing myself in Chris Brown's story would have been awesome! (laughs) Through everything you show about yourself, we feel all the love you have for music...

It's true that I'm a music lover. I let myself be guided by my emotions. I rarely go to the studio with a "concept" in mind. I usually go with the flow of the chords. Sometimes I come in with a particular mood and I say to myself "Oh it would be cool to talk about that" and in the end when I hear 3 chords that are totally different from my actual mood, I might talk about something totally different. The melody can completely change my mood for the day or for the week. (laughs)

'' This NRJ Music Awards nomination was a great reward.''

What would be your dream featuring?

I have two different perspectives. For my career I think it would be incredible to do a feat with an artist like Mylène Farmer for example. In urban music, we all know each other, rappers and singers, and it's easier to collaborate with each other, but an urban singer who collaborates with a legendary French singer isn't something that happens often. For the recognition that it represents, I would be proud of this collaboration. But for a personal kick, I'd say Drake or WizKid because I'm an artist in tune with his time and they are important artists at the moment.

I also know that you spend quite some time in London... Would you be interested in collaborating with artists from here?

Yes, totally! I was talking with RG but unfortunately the track didn't happen... If you want a real scoop, Jorja Smith was supposed to be on the track "Qui"... Due to scheduling issues it didn't happen but who knows what the future holds?

TaycOfficiel

Does that mean that before making your album, you didn't have any specific guidelines?

No, I didn't. I just knew I wanted to call it Fleur Froide (Cold Flower). The word "Fleur" to describe the woman and "Froide" to show what she has become as a result of all her sufferings.

Words © Fanny Hill Scott Photography © Koria

I see that you often talk about women, but are you aware that you've become somewhat of a spokesperson for men?

Mm, not really a spokesperson, but I'm aware that a growing number of men are listening to my music. I recently realized that during an interview where I received 18 questions from fans and out of the 18 there were only 3 girls, I was like "Wow!". Also recently during my concerts in Cameroon, I saw that on the front of the stage, there were many men. It's in these moments where I realize that men are more and more present in my community. I believe that I sing about things that men can't necessarily say or would like to say. I don't talk about perfect love in my songs. It's important to show that sometimes not everything in love happens the way it should.

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Reviews

Albums

Don Dada Mixtape Vol.1

ALPHA WANN 12/2020 © Don Dada Records

How can I describe this incredible project, which made it possible to end 2020 with a masterful hand? With the big heads of French Rap such as Nekfeu, Kaaris, Kalash Criminel, Deen Burbigo and Freeze Corleone; breakthrough rappers like Lesram and Infinit; and finally with rappers from his own label Don Dada like Veust, K.S.A and Ratu$, this project is phenomenal.

Alpha Wann has literally just dropped a missile on the French Rap, and we must say that we were not ready for that, not ready at all!

“French Rap? I’m not going to miss it, it’s too far behind / It takes more than the afternoon to catch me up.” A sentence from “Mitsubishi” the first song of this mixtape that makes a real echo of the whole project. The former member of the collective 1995 recalls his status as a Rap prodigy since his last album Une Main Lave L'Autre. Having reached the full power of his talent, he never ceases to impress us. He knows what his audience likes about him and he didn’t skimp on the means to offer his fans a real “auditory caviar.”

Alpha Wann likes to innovate and be different from others. At a time when artists like to embark on largescale albums with a huge promo, Alpha decided to drop a mixtape where he reunited his mates without taking the lead while offering us a quality project. I can’t wait for the second volume! © Samson Gorski

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Gris Coeur

MYSTR J.O.$

01/2021 © Island Def Jam

01/2020 © Sideline

How to describe such a powerful album? In 2018, he releases his first album Rose and he gets signed to Def Jam shortly after. It allowed him to come back gradually with an evolutionary album, which has been fully released in January 2021: Gris Coeur. This title definitely suits the crazily intimate album. Kemmler reveals his fears, sorrows, worries, regrets and it feels good!

Josman’s back with a 6 track EP, 10 months after his album Split which had made a lot of noise. Interesting fact: this one is made in common with his beatmaker brother MYSTR. This mysterious project was announced only a week before its release, therefore, the promo around it was very low.

KEMMLER

Among 21 tracks, Kemmler speaks from the heart without any doubt as 4 tracks are named after it. “Coeur Mouillé” featuring Chilla is one of them and it clearly shows how easily he changes of perspective to tackle love in this album. From the emotivity of “Au Singulier” to the lightness of “Reste Avec”, he delivers a strong introspection of himself. It also shows a great style of diversity which is a genuine proof that Kemmler masters rhetoric on every level.

If he came back with a darker mood, he seems to have found his true trademark through questioning his own life. There is no doubt about it while listening to masterpieces such as “En Même Temps” or “Gris Coeur” where he states: "I don’t care about being pretentious, or well, I do, sadness shows in my eyes. I have everything to be happy but I think it’s not enough for me."

JOSMAN

Personally, I found this project very qualitative, we feel a certain alchemy between Josman and his brother and we can say that’s very pleasant. On this opus we find the long-awaited track “Fucked Up 4” which completes the first 3 ones already present on the artist’s old projects. The song “SEC” is also a sound that I appreciate a lot, Josman speaks very sincerely of his youth which has marked him a lot. Big shout out to the project’s outro: “Goal” which is a favourite of mine too.

Between kick and melody, Josman delivers a performance worthy of the greatest, and it’s definitely pleasant. This EP could make us think of a sort of “sequel” of his J.O.$ album released in 2018 and certified gold shortly before the release of this new project. His cover is somewhat similar to it, same as its title: MYSTR J.O.$.

If “Ça Me Gêne” remains the most famous track so far, every single song is worth being listened to with much attention as we get to know him a bit more throughout the whole album. The only thing left to say is: "Stream Gris Coeur, you won’t regret it."

In conclusion, this project is really a success and this format suits Josman very well. What a pleasure it is to see more and more EP coming back, even if the artists have already established their reputation. We want more! We want to see the collaboration between the two brothers on future projects too.

© Laury Peyssonnerie

© Van's

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Une Vie Et Quelques

La Vie De Luxe

02/2021 © Chambre Froide

02/2020 © Aurore // Caroline France

HUGO TSR

YOUV DEE

Une Vie Et Quelques contains only ten tracks and it’s a pure pleasure for your ears and mind! The rapper who likes to cultivate the mystery about him delivers a raw and without artifice album. The feeling that emerges from the first listening is indeed a striking one: Hugo didn’t seek to sublimate the ordinary of our lives, he only wanted to transcribe it in the most truthful way possible. We honestly say to ourselves, “He raps our true lives” and that’s what’s great about this album. No ego trip, no drugs, no sex or any of the common topics in Rap. Hugo TSR talks about what’s not easy but hard and redundant things instead. If it’s true that this kind of Rap can be “repulsive” for some people, it’s above all realistic and it feels good.

We were waiting, for it a lot and Youv Dee has finally released his first album: La Vie De Luxe. First album certainly, but it’s far from being his first project in the Rap Game. Between EP and mixtapes, either in solo or with his band L’Ordre Du Périph, we had the opportunity to fully appreciate the palette of Youv Dee several times.

His pessimistic words echo in us such as the interlude “2222” which tells the story of our civilization following its collapse. Either here with “If I have to write about the future, I’m making a blank page” in “Des Voix Raisonnent” or again with “Facing the future, I’m hiding my eyes because no one believes in it anymore” in “Les Mains Devant Les Yeux”. It’s raw, but it’s true.

The intro “Boussole” is a quiet and relaxing one, which allows you to start listening to the album in the best way possible. But calm will be short-lived… Youv Dee being a big fan of rock, his love for this music will be assumed with the tracks “Les Sous” and “YEAH” where the prods will be rhythmic by electric guitar and drums, and it’s a treat! Big up for “La Vie De Luxe” the eponymous track of the album and “Sur Les Toits” which are qualitative both in terms of lyrics and melody. I strongly recommend that you listen to them!

Hugo has this authenticity that many seek but that too many fail to get by trying to reproduce current trends. Thus, the name of Hugo TSR will continue to be named in the discussions of the purists' lovers of French Rap, and it feels good! © Samson Gorski

First surprising fact: out of the 15 tracks offered, there is no featuring! The artist justifies himself by saying that for his first album, his objective was to show his universe at 100% and he kind of needed to be alone on it for that. It’s a winning bet because no sound is alike, the artist has really managed to diversify each song.

This first album is therefore overall a great success, although there’s no collaboration with other artists, the project remains very effective. We can see that Youv enjoyed doing this album and he had 100% confidence in his music. I look forward to a new opus to impress me again! © Van's

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Ghali

Dreads flying in slow motion, quirky clothes, a unique voice, Ghali takes us into his wacky world. Ghali Amdouni is an Italian-Tunisian rapper born in Milan of Tunisian parents. He started in 2011 under the name of Fobia and decided then to opt for Ghali Foh, to finally end up using the mononym Ghali. He formed a group named Troupe D’Elite consisting of Er Nyah, Maite and a beatmaker Fonzie Beat. It was thanks to this group that he drew the attention of Gué Pequeno which signed them to his label Tanta Roba. Two years later, Ghali’s single "Ninna Nanna" proved to be a great success. It reached 200 000 plays in 24 hours, a record number in Italy. Moreover, he founded his own label Sto Records.

Ghali produces music videos sometimes dark in contrast with tender and sentimental lyrics.

The beat is the base and the video stems from his mood. Ghali doesn’t hesitate to produce videos that evoke stories where he stages himself.

These videos are offbeat. Colours are prevailing. His artistic flow expresses itself as much through the sound as through the visual. These two senses are coordinated, like in the single "Habibi" where the beat is danceable as a Pop-Rap vibe with a sung chorus. The Tunisian and Italian universes clash with each other and bring warmth. The melodies take us on a journey between these two countries. His colourful inspirations can be seen with his purple patterned outfit mixed with fluorescent sneakers whose manage to dazzle us. There’s no doubt that Ghali’s creativity doesn’t leave us unmoved.

Ghali released an album titled DNA in 2020. The first song is “1993”, his birth year. A beat strongly marked by the bass and a retro music video with neon lights. Transitions of dynamic shots immerse us in his story. With his eastern melodies, his Tunisian origins can be heard in the single “Jennifer”, a collaboration with the Algerian rapper Soolking. Ghali unveils himself in “DNA” and invites us into his multifaceted world. In brief, you will find Rap with eastern sonorities, Pop or Trap. It’s up to you to choose among this very diverse range.

Ghali

© Camille Jahier

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MaskA

You surely have already heard of Maska and his group that brought him to the forefront and conquered the entire country in early 2010 as a true model.

Coming from the legendary group Sexion D'Assaut, he's one of those who inspired a whole new generation of rappers.

Unmistakable and incomparable, Maska has also managed to make a name for himself as a solo artist alongside former members of the group such as Gims, Black M, Lefa, Barack Adama.

The one who claims to be authentic and gracious against all odds, has decided to draw from his experience and from everything around him to create and express his feelings. Always truthful in his lyrics, Maska seems to be honest with himself and took the time to open up to A Rap & A Cup Of Tea about his new project entitled Étoile De Jour.

"When love fades away to summon the darkness, it results in the magnificent project of Maska" and we can confirm that the artist succeeded in opening his heart in this magnificent project that kicks off a new trilogy.

We knew you for all these verses that became classics in the Rap scene, and now we know you in a more Pop register than before and especially in this new project.

What made you want to leave your comfort zone?

I think the most important thing is to have fun doing what you do. When you get stuck in a routine it kind of takes the fun out of doing things... I've always been a sentimental rapper who puts a lot of emotion in his lyrics and I find that the melody "helps" this genre of lyrics. The fact that I come from Sexion D'Assaut, it helped a lot because in fact, Sexion brought a lot of musicality to French Rap. It truly shaped me in my musical culture as an artist or as a rapper.

Is there a difference between the two?

I had to take singing lessons to become a full-blown artist. With melody I find that you can convey more different emotions than with Rap. For me, rapping is one style of singing among many that exist and it would be a shame not to take full advantage of them.

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This project that people will soon find out about is actually the first part of a trilogy that will end in 2021. How did you get the idea?

There are a lot of music releases coming out all the time, whether singles or albums. If you give your audience a 17 track project all at once, I believe there are a lot of songs that get lost in there. So I figured it was a great way to highlight each of the tracks.

If someone offers you to listen to an album with 40 tracks you'll get tired before you even click on play. (laughs)

'' If there was a project with Sexion D'Assaut, we would make sure to stick to the artistic orientation of each one and create a project in the spirit of the times.''

Was there an important message you wanted to convey through this first project?

I do like to convey messages through my songs but sometimes I do it unconsciously. For example, when I talk about my personal life it's more a way for me to "unload". That's what I did on some of the tracks on the EP, I put them together and it's a way for me to "unload" all these emotions I experience. I must also admit that I often go to the studio with concepts in mind. Whether it's in music or in life, when you give to someone, the person gives back even more. I have great appreciation for my producer and all the great things he is capable of doing. I don't want to come into the studio and just give him "a little bit of me". I want to give him everything in me and say "Here's a part of my life, what can you do with it?" and naturally he'll make wonders of it. But if I show up dragging my feet without really having an idea in mind, the result won't be the same. Obviously, it's not an exact science. Sometimes with just feeling and spontaneity, you can get great results.

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You said that "Success and authenticity are very much intertwined. In my music, I have always performed like that. With an open heart". Can you tell me more about that?

Paradoxically, the more you dig deep inside yourself to talk about really intimate subjects, the more you'll reach out to a wider audience. I think we are all very different and yet very similar at the same time. I'm always amazed when I listen to a piece of music and think "Wow, that's crazy, I've been through the same thing". With my producer Nino Vella, this is often what happens because we have become friends and when we chat about our lives we realize that we are similar in some ways. In general, people who live the same thing understand each other faster and connect more easily.

Have you ever felt like you were holding yourself back in your artistic creativity?

I know that sometimes you can't give everything to others, and that you have to keep a certain decency.

When it comes to my personal life, I'm someone who easily opens up to others, "I don't protect myself from others" if you know what I mean? What you do with my confessions is your own business, it's your own act. Often people around me tell me "Don't share too much with people, they can use it against you" but I don't really think like that, because these wrongs are their own business. Even though I'm a transparent person, when it comes to music, I put some limits and boundaries on myself when it's too intimate. Whether it's in music or in everyday life, if I feel something, I say it without asking myself too many questions.

The project includes a feat with Lefa on "Voie Lactée". Was it obvious to do a feat with one of the members of Sexion?

Actually for me it was quite the opposite. (laughs) In order to establish an artistic identity that really stands out from the rest of the group, I didn't necessarily want to do a feat with the members of Sexion.

In fact, what happened on this track is that I wanted Lefa to be the one filmed for the video. I thought that this track was good for him because it talks about the artistic life and so on and his last album Fame was also in line with this idea when he spoke about fame.

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And eventually, he told me that he liked the song too much and that if I wanted him to be in the video, he might as well put his voice on it. And since I'm someone who doesn't ask for help, I didn't want to bother him with it as we had already done some tracks together on our previous projects. In the end, he asked me and since our artistic styles are pretty similar, I thought it could be a great idea.

'' Whether it's in music or in life, when you give to someone, the person gives back even more.''

The return of the Sexion with this series of concerts is kind of a big deal...

It's true, I can't wait to go back on stage, it brings back a lot of memories... The last time we performed with Gims at the Stade de France, there were 80,000 people there and we really had a great time. Back then, when we were performing one concert after another, we somewhat lost the meaning of playing at the Zenith or elsewhere because it became a habit and this was totally different. Before going on stage I said to myself "This moment, you're going to live it for you and you're going to enjoy every second of it". Eventually, even if it was only a 16 bars verse, I think it was one of the most beautiful concerts of my life because I fully enjoyed this moment. So I can't wait to get back on stage! Anyway, if there was a project with Sexion, we would make sure to stick to the artistic orientation of each one and create a project in the spirit of the times.

Maska09 Your speech is rather very impactful on the track "Vérité" and I see it as a caring advice... For you is it also the duty of an artist: to have this kind of human speech?

Totally! Kindness for me is really important. It's not necessarily "stylish" to say this but being a kind person has a lot of positive influences in your personal life and it's crucial for me. When you're good towards people you can only be proud, fulfilled and happy in your social life.

Words © Fanny Hill Scott Photography © Fifou

Do you feel a certain pressure to be Maska of the Sexion D'Assaut?

Well, it's true that coming from Sexion leaves you with a certain label, but it's also a kind of heritage. In France, people tend to put you in a box and leave you there. There will always be people who want to see me rap like I did back then but I don't look back anymore. Even though I'm happy with what I did back then, I'd rather focus on my solo career and the artist I've become. For me, the most important thing is personal growth. It gives you the opportunity to experience real personal success, not just professional success.

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INTERNATI USA x France Chief Keef ft Gradur “Bang Bang”

Germany

Jamule f “13

Nigeria x France Dadju ft Wizkid “Danger”

Canada x France Derek Wise ft Sneazzy “Pull Up”

Italy x France Izi ft Dosseh “Cometa”

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Japan x

Nekfeu ft C “Pix

IONAL feat x France

ft Chilla 3”

x France

Crystal Kay xel”

Great Britain x France MHD ft Stefflon Don “Senseless Ting”

Morocco x France Jok'Air ft Inkonnu “Mardi À Casablanca”

Mali x France Sidiki Diabaté ft 4Keus “C’est Dieu Qui Donne”

D.R. Congo x France Fally Ipupa ft Keblack ft Naza “Mannequin”

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ELGranDetoto 39

It's impossible to talk about Moroccan Rap without mentioning the name of ElGrandeToto who's one of the biggest leaders of Hip-Hop in North Africa. So we met the one who started from the bottom to end up in the top 4 worldwide YouTube trends. As his name suggests, Toto has all the makings of a great rapper and for A Rap & A Cup Of Tea, he goes into detail about his career and his dazzling ascension.

This young rapper from Casablanca talks about his ambitions and the trials he went through to get there. Since the release of his first album Caméléon, released this month and featuring some of the biggest names of French Rap, Taha - his real name is living a childhood dream and that's what he came to tell us.

Why did you choose ElGrandeToto as your name, what does it mean to you?

It's a long story. (laughs) There was a dealer in my building named Toto. My apartment was next to his so automatically I was his little Toto, you see. I used to hang out with his little brothers a lot and since my name is Taha, it also started with a T like Toto. Then El Grande was because at some point he stopped doing stupid things and that's when I started music. So I took his place some way, but in a "softer" way, you know what I mean? I thought it was a stylish name too.

Let's go back to the beginning of your career, when did you realize that you were made for Rap ?

I'd say it was the day I went on stage at the Boulevard Festival in Casablanca. There were 20,000 people there that day and my parents were also there in the audience. I think that's when I understood that I was really made for Rap and not for anything else.

You often talk about the street in your texts as for example in "La Rue" feat Maestro. Can you tell me more about your relationship with the street?

At the time, I was always hanging out in the streets. It's the first school of life you know? As Soso Maness says, "Hanging out in the streets doesn't make you a thug". That's not what makes us bad people. The street is an outlet that has helped us escape our problems, it has welcomed us with open arms. I could never have been a rapper without the streets, nor could I have been the person that I am today.

What does inspire you musically speaking?

I listen to a lot of French Rap. I started with Ärsenik and Assassin but now, I really listen to everything that's out on the rap scene.

I'm not someone who is going to stay "hooked" to a generation.

Whenever there is a new release, I listen directly. I also have other inspirations like reggae for example. I'm open to everything, I'm not "stuck" in a particular genre.

We find Spanish, Portuguese, French and Arabic on your project Cameleon. Was it a desire on your part to highlight several cultures?

I'm really into writing but for me the sound is more important. Especially with trap music for example, you don't have to speak the language to like it: it's the melody that counts. That's why there are some words I preferred to say in another language because I thought they sounded better. It allowed me to attract more international listeners and this cultural diversity is really important to export your music.

'' I'm someone who really believes in the law of attraction.

You get what you give.''

We have the impression that "Mghayer" is the most important track in your project. You open up to your audience on a subject that means a lot to you. Wasn't it too hard for you to talk about it?

Actually, I'm a rather reserved person. Even if I talk about what's going on in my family relationships I try not to give too many details, but I felt it was important to talk about it.

To be honest, it's not a song I like to listen to. Of course I'm happy that it did so well and that itbecame the fourth most popular song on YouTube, but in reality it's a sound that makes me feel bad. Sometimes it's also important to show people your sensitive and human side. I feel like some people see artists as robots who want to ask us for pictures anytime, even when we're eating. It may be details but these are things that make us feel like we're not really "human" in their eyes. It's like I'm the Statue of Liberty, you feel me? (laughs) Were you expecting to end up in the Top 4 trends?

Actually 4 weeks before the video was released, I made a promotional post on Instagram where I just wrote "the 27th". Everyone thought I was going to dump the album like that, without any real promotion. In the end, that day I released a documentary film and it didn't turn out as expected at all. (laughs) I woke up with 20,000 followers

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less and comments like: "You're messing with the public".

I didn't think people would be that upset and so putting out "Mghayer" calmed them down, you know? That's when I realize that Morocco is not yet at the same level as other countries in terms of marketing. Sometimes I think I'm a bit ahead. (laughs) In the end we made 1 million in three hours, that could only make me proud.

By the way, I saw that you called on the beatmaker Ysos for this sound, can you tell me more about this meeting?

One day, I wanted to write something I had in mind but I didn't have any production that matched. So I searched for it on YouTube and I came across Ysos' production and I immediately said to myself that I had to keep it because it was really in accordance with what I wanted to do. Besides, I respect a lot Ysos' work. So I sent him a message and he sent me the beats before I even paid him! I loved talking to him, we even did some live shows together and everything, he's a good guy and I liked working with.

What made you want to do featurings with French artists like Lefa and Damso?

It's a really a childhood dream. I listened to Lefa when he was a member of Sexion D'Assaut and I've been following Damso since "Comment Faire Un Tube". These are artists that I listened to when I was in school, at the time when I was lost and didn't know exactly what to do.

And five years later I find myself with them in my album...

It's crazy, I would never have believed it! I can only be proud of all the way I've come even if I still have a lot of things left to accomplish.

You must be really proud!

You know, in Morocco, we don't have certifications. I have almost 200 million views but I'm still not certified there and it's a teenage dream that I want to accomplish. That's also why I wanted to try my luck in France. If it's a "rapper from the bled who brings a certification to the bled" I think it can change lots of mentalities. Besides, I launched a campaign called #TousPourleRoRo which aims to encourage Moroccans living in France to buy the album to speed up the sales process in order to get the gold record. Getting a gold record is not only for me, it's also for Morocco and the future generations of rappers.

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Can you tell me about the themes you like to talk about in your sounds?

In my music I often talk about a "fallen" generation, which I am part of. The one that runs away from its problems. I also try to make young people understand that dealing is not the only way out. What I really want to convey is that we can get out of this. Even if we are a third world country and our industry is different from France or England for example, we can still make it. Of course, I'm also talking about my experience in the streets, I'm just describing what a lot of people go through.

In the end, I made 1000 sales in France and that's unheard of for a Moroccan rapper but the very next day I said to myself: "Damn, I could have made 4000 sales". I'm never satisfied but I think that's what makes my power: I always aim higher. I never tell myself that it's impossible. You see I tell myself : "Bercy is a long way but we'll manage to do it" same for Coachella. I'm someone who really believes in the law of attraction. You get what you give in real life. As they say "You reap what you sow". (laughs)

ElGrandeToto

'' Doing feats with Lefa and Damso was a real childhood dream.''

Words © Gloria Dominiak Photography © Hamza Rochdi

You have inspired a whole generation of young Moroccans who wanted to get into Rap, it must be a strong feeling to know that you are part of those who have contributed to the development of Rap in Morocco?

Definitely! I'm not someone who's satisfied with what he has, I always want more. The day the album was released, I remember that I was going back and forth between smiles and tears because it was really three years of intense hardwork... You know, I lost my mother in July, she wasn't there to see it and it was hard for me to deal with that... It was a sudden burst of emotions, all at once, and it was not easy.

I can't imagine...

Two days after the release of the album, I called my manager Anissa and said "What's next?" I didn't even wait to see the stats, I already wanted to know the next step.

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Dirlo

Born in Toulon in 1993, Dirlo is a multi-faceted rapper. From love to hate, through the life he’s living and through the city of Marseille that he particularly loves, the subjects he addresses are very varied. Initially passionate about Rap in his youth, he decided to embark on this adventure in 2016. Then there will be meetings that will allow him to get closer to producers such as Drastiques Mesures with whom they will design the project Pardonnez L'Insolence Volume III in 2018. Dirlo is a well-tempered rapper, and this is reflected in his way of writing and approaching the ego trip.

In 2020, the release of his album Opération Séduction was planned for the beginning of the year.

Unfortunately, the health crisis has postponed the launch of this project. Dirlo decided to bounce back quickly and release a 4-track EP titled Ceci N’Est Pas Une Opération Séduction that allowed his fans to wait by offering them this ‘gift’. It was at the end of 2020 that the artist finally released Opération Séduction which is composed of 8 tracks, with quite varied prods, flows and themes. His lyrics are quite raw, but we can also find a part of poetry as in the sounds "Intro" or "Jalouse". The kick is omnipresent in this last project, the rapper knows how to do it and does not hesitate, as in the tracks "Juke 45" or "Fuck Ton Équipe".

Coming from the new generation of rappers from Marseille, Dirlo doesn’t hide that his ambition is to become one of the leaders of the city in terms of music. But according to him, the strong competition is something beneficial and motivating. He’s an artist with many projects and goodwill for whom the quest for success is a daily job. We are therefore patiently waiting for the general public to know this multi-faceted artist.

Dirlo_WS

© Van's

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Youtube Channel

the team

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Sibling_Travel

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Illustrations © Tiffany Oger

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Credits

Founded by : Fanny Hill Scott

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Chief-Editor : Fanny Hill Scott Advertising :

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Design : Tiffany Oger

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