A Rap & A Cup of Tea // PILOT // No.1 _ May 2018

A rap

and a cup of tea

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Contents Interviews

Louis Aoda p.3 G.A.N p.13

Reviews p.7 Grime Highlight p.9 New Talent p.19 Monthly Playlist p.20 Summer Festivals p.21 Credit p.23

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Louis Aoda, whose surname stands for ‘Africain Originaire Des Antilles’, which translates as African Native from the West Indies is from Montfermeil near to central Paris. After few years break, the Parisian rapper’s recent come back with the single ‘I hate to love’ sees his career taking a new turn. This young rapper with his touching modesty remains humble in every situation.

He admits to being dependent on his emotions and is down to earth and ready to tell the truth to people. The artist is very close to his fans on social media opened his heart here in this interview.

There is a touching honesty that emanates from your lyrics. Is it hard to expose yourself through your music?

No, actually, it’s not something that I do on purpose. For me, music and art are a way of saying all the things that I don’t dare to say in life. It’s a really important to me. I don’t like putting barriers between what I think and what I write down in my lyrics. It also allows me to show my emotional side and to be proud of it.

I noticed that you are really available on social media and you often respond to your fans. Is it important for you to be close to them this way?

This is important because I have noticed through the messages I receive that most of the people who are touched by my music have gone through the same difficult times as me. I want to help them in my way. I feel beholden to them. It’s like a family: the Aoda Gang. Their support means everything to me.

Would you say that nowadays, an artist has to be involved this way with social media in order to succeed in the music industry?

I don’t know. Everyone has to be true to themselves. Being available to my loved ones and my people is in my nature, I don’t have to push myself to do it. However, I think that the secret of success is authenticity.

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The song «I hate to love» released last January reached almost 300k views on YouTube. Did you expect such a success?

Absolutely not, I wrote this song alone in my room, without even knowing whether it would be released one day. I was thinking about my past and my life. I sang it acapella to my friend Baloo - founder and writer of the blog The Baloo Show - who went crazy about it and post it two days later on YouTube. I’m always surprised and pleased by the reactions of people. I didn’t thought that my story would affect so many people.

"I think that the secret of success is authenticity."

In the video clip of this song, we can see you burying a heart in a forest.

This is a very symbolic act that perfectly represents the sentiment of the song. Was it your idea?

I work with my mates from Swish Films and with my friend Baloo. When I write down lyrics, I like being alone, but videos need a different approach. We met and tried to find the best way to show on a screen who I am and what I feel inside me. The Swish Films collective, which is managed by Ayma l’Ours, helps me a lot with that. As an artist, when we write and compose, we always have an idea of the visual that could join the sound, but it’s easier when professionals are here to help you out.

Is visual art creation something you are interested in?

Well, beyond the video clips and music, there’s plenty of things I’d like to try like movies and so on. I have lots of things to share with people.

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Who are the people that have helped you grow in your career?

In my musical productions, I work a lot with Faly and Neezy N.e.b. - they are two beatmakers of who I’m really close to. But I’m not narrow-minded, if you send me an instrumental that speaks to me, I let the inspiration come and I’ll rap on it. My manager - the Los Angeles-based Adrian Swish - manages a lot of American beatmakers. So thanks to him, I have a large choice of instrumental sounds from the US. Your video clips are dark and reflect the melancholy that emanates from your sounds. Is it a universe in which you find some comfort?

To be honest, it’s more a need than a comfort.

I’m someone who overthinks a lot, I question myself all the time. I wish I could turn off my brain sometimes. Music helps me to escape because I can create a universe in which I forget my worries.

In your song ‘I hate to love’ you say ‘‘I wanted to know what it feels like to love someone’’. Do you think that this statementis reflective of a generation that wants to feel love but is afraid of getting attached to someone?

In fact, we live in a time where temptation is present everywhere in our society. Even more than before. Without any judgment, some people go from relationship to relationship, it’s like a sentimental fast food. Is it the fault of social media? Western mentalities? I don’t know, but yes, the fear of being abandoned and lack of trust means that many of us don’t want to become attached to anyone anymore. ‘‘I want to love but I don’t want to suffer because I know we will break up’’ is the kind of thing I hear often. We have the feeling that it’s inevitable, and it’s this kind of fatality that I wanted to convey in this song.

Your lyrics truly represent the pain that lots of young people in society

extreme and emotional person. For a long time, I hid my feelings behind a mask to be like everyone else, but in the end, I always felt empty. It’s this pain that I explain in « Learn to love youself ». Do not change who you are for others.

On February 23rd, you suddenly posted online a single called «Killmonger» that refers to Black Panther the last Marvel movie... Can you tell me more about it?

The movie Black Panther touched me a lot.

As a young black guy, I never had a superhero in whom I could identify myself when I was a child. I love Marvels! I liked the movie and Killmonger – the character who tries to sit on the Wakanda’s throne - hit me seriously.

Like him, I was disappointed by the human race. Anger, suffering and poverty can push people to do stupid things. The guy’s fight was right, he just wanted to help his people but he did it the wrong way. Despite the bad choices he made, he raised awareness of the issues facing people, that’s why I like him. feel. Is it something that you are aware of and that is important to you?

It’s not something I was aware of at first. You know, I use music as a personal therapy.

Now, I think of people who listen to me, and I try to give them hope. We must always keep hope.

In your song ‘Learn to love youself’ you basically said ‘‘I must learn to love myself’’. It’s very touching as a statement. Would you say that music helps you to accept youself?

I think self-acceptance is something that I have to do daily in my life. Music allows me to put my thoughts in something concrete like a song, but it doesn’t influence who I am. To be honest, it’s the opposite. My identity and my emotions influence my music. You know, I’ve always been a very

"I wish I could turn off my brain sometimes."

In your single ‘Caesar’ you say ‘‘I will end up doing it, I have projects no dreams’’. What are your next projects?

The word ‘dream’ is used negatively in our society. For some people, a dream is something impossible to reach. That’s why I use the word ‘project’ because I can achieve it. I don’t dream anymore, I really believe in what I’m doing.

© Words : Fanny Hill Scott © Photography : Kopeto

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Albums

Reviews

Nemir – Hors-Série

Médine – Storyteller

The young Algero-Moroccan rapper Nemir born in Perpignan is back with his new album called Hors-Série. Only 6 tracks on it and nevertheless a dazzling musical quality worthy of an album of 20 songs. The 28-year-old rapper who has been heard on Nekfeu’s ‘Princesse’ single, has surrounded himself on his new project with excellent rappers such as PLK - who has just released his new album Platinuim – Krisy - well-known for being Damso’s favorite beatbaker – and also Deen Burbigo. Hors-Série is without a doubt one of the most innovative Hip-Hop albums of the year 2018 with its dancing and electronic beats. Nemir’s way of writing is also one of the major assets of the album with a real sincerity in his words as here with ‘‘You know, in my head, it’s weird, there’s only when I feel pain that I feel myself better’’. The rapper with an impressive career talks in his new album about the melancholy that emanates from his desire of success in music industry. He also said the truth about it : you have to work really hard to be famous.

The voice both sensual and deep of Nemir will seduce fans of alternative Rap and R’n’B with new sounds and electro atmosphere.

Once again, Médine - the 35-years-old rapper from Le Havre - stands out as one of the pillars of conscious rap in the French music with Kery James and Youssoupha on his side. Indeed, these two dazzling rappers are featured in Storyteller the last album of the artist released on the 13th of April 2018 in the track called ‘PLMV ‘. Médine is still powerful with his heart touching songs, telling us real stories, like for example in his new track, the seventh episode of the saga ‘Enfant Du Destin’. This time, he talks about the true story of Ataï, a Kanak leader - a native of New Caledonia - who was one of the leaders of the Kanak insurgency against the settlers in 1878.

There are also shattering songs like ‘Tellement Je T’m’ a sensitive and moving track dedicated to his daughter, and also ‘Bataclan’ which has nearly reached 2.5 million views on YouTube since its released last month. With an impressive number of streams and his characteristic words always truthful and ready to shake up consciences, Médine shows once again thats he’s back with a master hand.

Ailleurs – Capitol Music FR

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Din Records

Ash Kidd – Stereotype

Rosemoon Entertainment – Caroline Internationale France

Ash Kidd – from his real name Claude Bourgeois - from Strasbourg has become one of the most popular rapper of young people at the moment. He came back in March with his new EP of only five tracks called Stereotype. No feats, but current rappers should be afraid of the sharped pen of Ash Kidd always ready to say what he thinks and has on his heart. ‘Coeur De Gangster’ his first single released last month reached over 250k views on YouTube. Love is one of a favorite theme of the rapper and once again he talked about it in the songs ‘Emotions’ and ‘16’ which are very touching and remind a bit ‘Lolita’ - one of the most popular hits of the artist with more than 5.5 million views.

The rapper with Italian and Ivorian origins knows once again how to chose his words wisely by combining perfect tenderness and truth. His lyrics are one time more really deep and full of meanings. The artist’s fans will be delighted by this new EP all in poetry, sincerity and good beats.

Concert Lomepal

Le Liberté – Rennes – 05/04/2018

It’s 8pm and the concert hall of Rennes in France is full of a boiling atmosphere before the long-awaited arrival of Lomepal the rapper from Paris who made more than 25 million views on YouTube with his song ‘Yeux Disent’. A speechless emotion when he finally sang this track with thousands of people screaming his lyrics ‘‘I need you to charge my battery and I also need you to look at me’’. The 26-year-old rapper king of egotrip rap in France has performed a boosted show for nearly two hours with an overflowing energy.

From ‘Ray Liotta’ to ‘Palpal’, Lomepal - whose real name is Antoine Valentinelli - was able to entertained the crowd from the beginning to the end of his gig. The one who was nominated to the Victoire De La Musique 2018 showed a great simplicity and lots of kindness on stage joigned by his friends like Yassine Stein. Between fury and discerning enegy, we can say that Lomepal is a real show-man who really knows how to make happy his audience on the rhythm of his songs including his singles as ‘70’ and ‘Danse’.. Always ready to give the mic to his audience, Lomepal shows a real authenticity that is good to see. He also talked about his passion for skateboarding before singing ‘Bryan Herman’ - which refers to a professional skateboarder.

It’s the reason why he decided to pay tribute to his skate passion by naming his last album Flip – which is a skate figure.

A great emotion when he finally left at the end of the gig with massive applause from his audience. For all those people who didn’t had the chance to see Lomepal performing live, the rapper has just announced his next tour of French Zenith from the 26th of January 2019, fact that should delight his fans once again.

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Grime Highlight What’s Grime? This musical genre still unknown to the French audience deserves all our attention. According to the pioneers of this genre, the Grime movement was born in the early 2000s in the United Kingdom and especially in South London thanks to Wiley, a legend and unfortunately unknown in our country. The Grime refers to dark atmospheres and what is known in France as the sounds of « gangsters » but in England the meaning is completely different.

Grime is more than just ‘English Rap’, it’s a real mix of garage music, drum & bass and dancehall cultures. Grime is identifiable thanks to a beat recognizable between a thousand ones and also drum electro sounds. The legends in Grime are numerous as Dizzee Rascal - who did a featuring with Nekfeu and Orelsan on Orelsan’s last album La Fête Est Finie rewarded three times at the Victoires De La Musique. There is also Skepta we heard a lot in France with his song ‘Shut Down’, Stormzy and his excellent ‘Big For Your Boots’ and more recently Big Shaq with ‘Mans Not Hot’.

Tom Hines, one of the first founders of the legendary Slip Jam in Brighton, England, had accept to receive us and tell us about his career in Audio Active, a music charity to help young people find their place in society through music and especially Rap and Grime. The one who’s now project manager

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spoke to us openly about his vision of the Rap and current youth and also about the famous Rag N Bone Man, which has become the world’s number one in charts with its title ‘Human’ which is one of the pillars of Audio Active.

Can you tell me a bit more about you? What’s your background?

My name is Tom Hines - I’ve been rapping for 25 years since. I’ve always been freestyler since first getting involved in park ciphers as a youngster. I was never that interested in recording tracks particularly but found myself with young portages under my wing as years went by who wanted to learn to improvise and battle. I moved around the UK for a while before settling in Brighton where I hosted/promoted the legendary open mic night Slip Jam which ran for 18 years. Around that time I also started teaching rap workshops for AudioActive and I’m now the project manager for the organisation.

What’s AudioActive?

Audioactive is a youth music charity that supports young musicians through workshops, gigs and artist development.

We do a huge variety of music projects, catering for different styles and genres, but we’re best known for our urban and electronic work. There are multiple sessions delivered across Sussex weekly that are open

access and free for any young people to get involved with, however, we also do lots of targeted work under the surface - working with young offenders, the homeless, traveller communities and one-to-one mentoring for teenagers with complex needs. We’ve been lucky to have high profile artists come through our programmes such as the pop duo Rizzle Kicks, Eyez, Dismantle, SpectraSoul and more. It’s a busy time for us at the moment due to the current success of out patron Rag N Bone Man and the publicity this is giving us.

How did you end up at Audio Active?

Towards the end of the 90’s the organisation was best known for it’s DJ and production projects, everyone wanted to learn to mix and scratch with vinyl in those days. However, the project was getting an increasing amount of enquiries of young people wanting to rap. I was approached to run some sessions because I had a bit of experience in youth work and was already b r i n g i n g expensive in those days, however, I make beats and produce music more than I do anything else nowadays so I guess that’s similar. I’m lucky that I’m still an active rapper in my old age and that it’s my job now, albeit not in a conventional sense or via the typical route.

"It's a busy time for us at the moment due to the current success of out patron Rag N Bone man and the publicity this is giving us."

Is Hip-Hop an important part of your life?

I think it was graffiti that I first fell in love with aged 10 and not long afterwards found out

more about the culture, including the music. Hearing rap for the first time was a powerful experience for me. I was initially listening to quite novelty stuff like the Fat Boys and Tone Loc, as the music was quite hard to track down in the late 80’s and early 90’s, but once I’d met some older heads who’d make me tapes I started to get pretty knowledgable about hip hop for such a young age. By 13, I was actively painting and breakdancing whenever I could so I guess trying to have a go rapping was inevitable. The only ‘element’ of Hip Hop I’ve never done is DJing as it was just too expensive in those days, however, I make beats and produce music more than I do anything else nowadays so I guess that’s similar. I’m lucky that I’m still an active rapper in my old age and that it’s my job now, albeit not in a conventional sense or via the typical route. expensive in those days, however, I make beats and produce music more than I do anything else nowadays so I guess that’s similar. I’m lucky that I’m still an active rapper in my old age and that it’s my job now, albeit not in a conventional sense or via the typical route.

"I'm lucky that I'm still an active rapper in my old age and that it's my job now."

Do you think that Hip-Hop can help young people to express themselves like a therapy?

We run a project called ‘Room To Rant’ in partnership with Mankind Counselling which give young men the opportunity to ‘‘get shit off their chest’’. It’s not really a music project at all but uses lyric writing and freestyle as a therapeutic process. In a similar vein, some of the young offenders we work with have developed ways of managing their anger and antisocial behaviour

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by finding a positive outlet and a supportive community through music. Personally, I find beat making a very calming process too and a form of escapism - it’s one of the few times that I feel I can get some solitude.

Do you think that Hip-Hop can influence youth in their life?

I’ve seen it have a profoundly positive effect on young people over the years. The sense of community and positivity within the hip hop scene can really support those who feel disenfranchised or marginalised.

There are lots of transferable functional skills that are embedded within our work, which could see an increase in confidence, even creativity generally. However, I think it’s worth noting that there is the potential of negative influences too. There’s lots of media hype at the moment about how London Drill music is being associated with violent crime or exploitation. It’s similar with certain artists and their association with substance misuse. There’s a big problem with prescription drugs, such as Xanax, here at the moment and it’s definitely something being fetishised by many big U.S artists from what I see.

"Audioactive is a youth music charity that supports young musicians through workshops, gigs and artist development."

Is Brighton an important scene for Hip-Hop artists?

There has always been a scene in this city from the early days of UK Hip Hop and I’ve witnessed many incarnations of the scene come and go. When there was a regular Hip Hop festival on the beach was probably the pinnacle. There were article features about us in Hip Hop Connection magazine and a film was made called South Coast Style

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so the spotlight was really on what was coming out of the city. Through Slip Jam we put on early performances of Rag N Bone Man, the High Focus Records roster and many more. It’s perhaps not as big as it was in terms of profile but there are probably more active young rappers and producers coming through than ever before.

"I found myself with young portages under my wing."

How do you choose young artists performing at Audio Active?

Some young people come through the various projects we run and then feed into our wider programmes, other times we meet artists at out outdoor jams and cyphers who get involved. It’s usually through word of mouth really but we also get teenagers referred from other services and organisations who think our sessions would benefit their clients.

Do you have a new goal to achieve?

Either personal as an Hip Hop artist or with AudioActive?

I’m working on an E.P with a young rapper called Phonetic - she’s amazing and it’ll be the first project that I’ve produced entirely with one artist. AudioActive have our sights on building a ‘‘Centre of Excellence’’ and having a purpose-built location to run our project out of so watch this space. I’m also being nagged on a daily basis to restart the Slip Jam nights again… We’ll see!

Click on here for a RAP JAM WITH YOUNG RAPPERS FROM AUDIO ACTIVE ! © Words : Fanny Hill Scott ©Video YouTube : Fanny Hill Scott

Grime's playlist You’re curious about Grime music and want to know more about it? Here’s a selection of ones of the best songs of current Grime.

Dizzee Rascal

Bugzy Malone

Wiley

P Money

Lethal Bizzle

Stormzy

Izzie Gibbs

JME

« Ghost »

« 6 In The Morning »

« Fester Skank »

« M.E.N »

« 10/10 »

« Cold »

« Bark »

« Work »

Stormzy

Flowdan

« One Take Freestyle »

« Original Raggamuffin » 12

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G.A.N

G.A.N - from his real name Trésor Georges Mundende Mbengani - the Belgian rapper from Kinshasa who has a past quite difficult to handle rise up from his ashes to achieve his dreams. This single dad with an impressive career who took his first steps alongside famous artists such as Sexion D’Assault, Kery James, Youssoupha ... came back with his new single ‘Toi Ou Personne’ released last January. The artist with a deep and authentic honesty and also an impressive kindness has agreed to give us his precious time between recording studio and the promo of his new songs. The golden heart rapper told us with emotions what he feels and also the best moments he ever had in his career.

How did you become the rapper that you are today: a recognized Belgium rapper who makes thousands of views and streams?

What’s your background?

As I always say, I didn’t realize when everything started... Basically, I started, and it was a long way to finally end up here. From small venues to the legendary one of L’Ancienne Belgique, from small mixtapes to a first album that ranked number one in the Top Belge. I was able to build a fanbase that grew up as projects progressed. I’ve done the music, and fans did the rest.

It’s unusual to be a 30-years-old single dad in the Rap game. Is that where your strength comes from?

I think that what an artist lives next to his career can be felt in his work. It gives strength, inspiration, etc.

You often talk about your difficult chilhood as for example in ‘6 Min To Understand’. Did writing and music allow you to get rid of this heavy past?

I can’t really feel free from it, but it helped me to appreciate what I have now.

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Especially to fight more for what I want. I often sing about things which I can’t talk about.

Writing is a therapy for me. It’s also a way to leave something behind me.

I saw that you played live at L’Ancienne Belgique, a prestigious concert hall in Brussels. It was the first time that an urban music artist signed in an independent label played there. You must have felt such a pride to meet your fans in this venue. How did it go?

With my first gig in Kinshasa – Democratic Republic of Congo – it was one of my best memory on stage. Actually, I felt a lot of pride because it’s my own label Pafff Music which led this project to this historical moment for the Belgian rap. But I’m not only making HipHop music so it has brought together people from different music culture. It was my first solo show in my city, so I’ve met my own audience for the first time.

Speaking of Belgium, do you think there is a big difference - if there is one - between Belgium Rap and French one ?

Before, I would have said that there is one but today things have changed and I don’t see any - at least on the artistic level.

How did you end up being the support act of Sexion D’Assault? It must have been such an inspiring experience for your career?

Let’s say I was at the right place at the right time... Thanks to it, I’ve see that people from my native country enjoyed my music too. As I said earlier this is one of my biggest experience on stage.

There are lots of emotions that come from your music. How do you do to find the perfect balance with love songs such as ‘4 Seasons’ and more heart touching songs like ‘Call me G.A.N’?

I have to admit that sometimes, the balance is hard to find. The thing is that I write and I sing what I feel and like any human being, sometimes I’m in a good mood, in love and everything’s pink and enjoyable but sometimes I’m quite in a dark mood and fatalistic. As I heard recently, people say that the thing whom gathering my songs to each others is just me : my voice, my way of writing, my artistic way of seeing things etc.

So I guess it’s a good point.

"I often sing about things which I can't talk about. Writing is a therapy for me."

Who do you like to collaborate with for your video clips?

It depends on the song, my mood, etc.

At the moment, I really like working with Ashby Vermeirre, he made my video clip ‘La Muerte’ and we’re already working on another one.

You filmed your video clip ‘Toi Ou Personne’ in Maputo in Mozambique in Africa. Why did you choose this destination? It’s really unusual.

Here again, it’s just destiny. One of my best friends - who is also the one with whom we launch our own record label together : Pafff Music label - was getting married there last summer. We just combined pleasure and work. We met some wonderful local artists, including one called Glazdow. The clip was shooted by Behind Your Vizion.

"I've done the music, and fans did the rest."

You made featurings with artists such as Youssoupha, Kery James, Imani... it’s impressive! How did these collaborations happen?

Lino (Arsenik), Despo Rutti, Sir Samuel (Saïan Supa Crew)... All these meetings were very special and all of these artists gave me time and respect. If I have to talk about only one, it will be for sure the one with Kery James. This king of French rap has agreed to be featured in my first album and for me I achieved a dream. We met him in Brussels while he was on tour and my manager at the time succeeded to convince him to come listen to my music in the studio. He came the next day, we had an appointment at 1pm, he arrived at 12.59am (laugh). I remember that at that time, I haven’t recorded lots of songs, but he was agreed to meet an artist he didn’t know. So, we talked for a few minutes and then he said ‘‘Okay, let’s put some music on’’.

We played ‘Effet Boule De Neige’ and after he heard few punchlines from the song, he got up in the middle of the room and he was dancing holding his head. I was sitting in the corner and I hardly dared to raise my head as I was too impressed. At the end of the song, he asked ‘‘How did you do that?’’. Then he asked for another song and we played ‘Excusé De Peu’ and he done the same. And a year later, we recorded our own song together in Paris.

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Is it hard to break into music nowadays?

I would say that it depends. You could be lucky and your YouTube video could be published on a famous website and then it’s the jackpot for you! But on the other hand, I would say it’s difficult because there are so many artists and music is everywhere so it’s harder to make THE difference.

In ‘Le Point G’ you say ‘‘The more I suffer, the more I rap’’. What does Rap represent for you?

Rap is the way I found to fight my demons, like a therapy.

"I can't really feel free from my past, but it helped me to appreciate what I have now."

You’re often described as ‘The rapper who knows how to writes punchlines’. This nickname is well deserved. Have you always kniwn how to play with words since your beginning?

I wish I could say it’s easy but actually it’s not! (laughs). Let’s say I have my own little tips to do my job easier. I have a way of thinking that helps me when I’m in a creative process. Punchlines are very important for me, it accentuates on the important things I want to share in my songs.

We can see your impressive talent and your ability to create punchlines in the freestyle ‘Booska G’ that you made for the online magazine Booska. Where does all this inspiration come from?

The pressure that I feel, the desire to do better or to be the number one... That’s what gives me adrenaline and therefore inspiration. I’m lucky enough to be able to go often to the studio to recording.

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"If I have to remember only one collaboration it would be the one with Kery James."

Can you tell me a bit more about your musical inspirations?

Koffi Olomidé, Les Sages Poètes De La Rue, Mc Solaar, Kery James, Booba, Le Rat Luciano... All these artists influenced me, they’re so inspiring! I used to listening to them again!

You come back today with your new single ‘Toi Ou Personne’ which is a very touching song. Tell me more about it? In which state of mind did you compose it?

The composition of Selecta Killa really inspired me, so the words just came naturally.

I must have been in a romantic mood that day! (laughs) Your single ‘I’m 13 Years Old’ have a real meaning and talks about dramatic things especially about child soldiers in Africa or pedophile tourism in Thailand. Is it important for you to get socially involved?

At my level that’s all I can do for now... Talk about it, sing it, share it, raise awareness. I try to do it as much as possible.

What’s next?

My new album in September 2018!

© Words : Fanny Hill Scott © Photography (1) : Alexis Vassivière © Photography (2) : Behind Your Vizion © Photography (3) : Ohxigenes

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SINAY end. Everything’s depending on the degree of perfectionism that we want to achieve.

The young rapper originally from Arras in the north of France named Sinay begun his career in the Rap Game few years ago, and we can say that he greatly smashed it. Indeed, Sinay is an artist with a precious talent, endowed with an impressive verbal quality and revealing a real passion for words. Driven by honest convictions and also a massive love for urban music, he’s talking about his debut in Hip-Hop, his musical aspirations and especially his vision of Rap music.

Tell me a bit more about yourself, who are you?

My name is Yanis, I’m 20 years old, I’m in second year in a business school in France.

When did you start to rap?

In 2012, I heard a friend’s friend rapping in a party, it was the revelation for me.

Have you always had Rap in mind since your childhood or did it come over time?

I used to listen to classic French Rap musics

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Are you already playing live?

Yes, I live in Corsica and with my mates from Spiri2all who are two Corsican rappers as me, a gig was organized few times ago and we played there. I have done OpenMics in Lille in the north of France too and it was a real pleasure.

"My dream is to suceed, to do it, to make it" like Soprano with ‘À La Bien’, which was on the radio at this moment. In 1997, Rap was at its peak, less in the 2000s when I grew up. Suddenly, in 2010, it came back massively on TV and radio so I began to listen to lots of Rap music.

What is really Rap

for you: a hobby or a passion?

A passion first, I put my guts in it! My dream is to suceed, to do it, «to make it» as the American people say, when they mean to be successful in this industry.

Is it complicated or easy for you to write a text? Does it take time?

It depends on the aim of the text, the theme defined. Basically, it takes hours sometimes days to create a song from the beginning to the

Your song ‘Rebeu Des Bois’ have a real meaning. Is it important for you to be socially involved?

I don’t like to identify myself as a conscious rapper because I’m not confortable enough to teach people what they should think. For me, social involvement is politics and it’s not really for me, I do my thing, if it speaks to people it’s cool otherwise it’s not a big deal.

What’s next?

Basically, everything I can do, I’ll do it because it’s what I like. My next goal is to perform live. © Words : Fanny Hill Scott © Photography : Yanis Belkadi

Monthly Playlist PLK

« Dis-moi oui »

Moha La Squale « Bandolero »

« Fallait Pas»

« Djadja »

Sopico

Nemir

« La Nuit »

« Ça sert »

Naza

Doxx

« La Remontada »

« Fusée Ariane »

« Potentiel »

Marwa Loud

Aya Nakamura

S.Pri Noir

Lefa & Orelsan

« Sans Titre Pt.3 »

Dinos

Maitre Gims « Mi Gna »

« Les Fleurs Du Mal » 20

Summer 2o18

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You’re about to travel in France and looking for the best music festivals to discover new rappers? We have the answer to all your expectations. Here are the selection of the 10 festivals with the best Hip-Hop artists as headliners.

When? Where? Who? How much? Every details below!

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Credits Picture Cover: Kopeto Pictures Louis Aoda: Kopeto Picture Sinay: Yanis Belkadi Pictures G.A.N: Alexis Vassiviere / Behind your vizion / Ohxigenes Picture Contents: Kopeto YouTube Video: Fanny Hill Scott Interviews: Fanny Hill Scott Editor: Fanny Hill Scott Design: Fanny Hill Scott

THANK YOU Thank you very much to everyone who contribute to this magazine such as G.A.N, Louis Aoda and Sinay.

You can follow me here @fanny_hillscott 23