ISSUE NO. 5 / DECEMBER 2019
A Rap & a cup of tea
Featuring Rémy // Kemmler // Moka Boka & much more
ConTents 1
Rémy p.17
Kemmler p.27
• Editor's Speech p.3 • Punchlines p.4 • Reviews p.23 • Festival Hipopsession p.33 • Playlist p.16
Moka Boka p.5
LCR p.13
D'Moors p.35
• Who's? • Népal p.15 • Shay p.11 • McBuzzz p.34 • From Rap to Cinema p.12 • The Team p.37 • Credits p.41
Photography Cover © Fifou
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MERRY CHRISTMAS GUYS! I hope you all had a wonderful, bright and warmth Christmas time whether you're celebrating it or not. I have the naivety to believe that Christmas magic can touch every heart no matter our religion. The magazine sees the light of day once more and each time it's always the same emotion: I cannot believe that we're still here...five issues later! Five issues, five different universes, 23 artists interviewed, more than 10 countries represented through these artists and always a huge pride to highlight the Hip-Hop from all over the world. Today, we decided to take a closer look at what is happening in the Spanish Rap scene and you'll find some very nice articles and interviews. Needless to say, you'll also find the new leaders of French and Belgian Rap as always in the mag. You know guys that French Rap is forever in our hearts. We also went down to Brighton to meet a new musical treasure. Be ready for all these wonders guys. The magazine closes the decade in style and we're already looking forward to seeing you in 2020 to make you discover even more artists and we have loads of coming surprises for you! I hope, you're all ready for it as it's gonna be 'visually' delightful... Hoping that this new year will allow us to carry Rap music even further and higher. As Virat Kohli said, "Self-belief and hard work will always earn you success." Mom, I hope you're proud of me and all the passion and energy I've put in this magazine. You have to know that my only goal is to make you proud and to work with all my strength so you'll never lack anything again. Thank you for your endless love and bravery every day Mama Lova. To AdĂŠlaĂŻde, thanks for being my G and the best ally I could ever have dreamed of. Everything becomes possible by your side. Already looking forward to living new adventures with you. Finally, to all our readers and faithful supporters, we say thank you. Thank you so much for your devotion, your support and especially all the love you give us. Merci. With all my love, Fanny Hill Scott
fanny.hillscott
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Punchline "And I’m damaged like the banknote lodget in my pocket." Hatik
"Knowing what you want is knowing what you're worth." Tayc
"Fuck, I've got too much to say, I think I’m gonna throw up half my heart" 13 Block
" My choices have built my shoulders and my goals are obsessions." Aladin 135
"I gave my heart a few times it cost me a few damage" Kemmler
"Because I have Rap in my blood, Rap has lulled me, Rap has pierced me to the depths of me, do you feel it?" Diam's
Drawings ©DiCreem
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Moka bokA 5
It was in Nantes, during the Hipopsession festival, that we went to meet Moka Boka. This talented Belgian artist is grateful for the passion of his audience. With a smile on his face, a warm welcome and a friendly laugh, the one, who’d spent a year in London, in the Levisham district, gave his time for A Rap & A Cup Of Tea. He left his mark on the international scene thanks to his appearance on the Colors Show, and now has entrusted us talking particularly about his beginnings in music and his desire to take the time to ensure he releases high-quality music.This 26-year-old man from Brussel has been very honest about the music industry, which he learns more about every day. Always lost between failure and the ideal, Moka Boka from his real name Julien - told us about his life philosophy and the importance of his mixing in his music. Since he has been publicly validated by artists such as Romeo Elvis, Krisy and Lomepal, he won't fail to seduce you with his suave voice and honesty. It's impossible not to fall under his spell as he's destined for an amazing future. Did you fall in love with Rap when you were young, or has your love for it developed over time? I’ve been listening to Hip-Hop for a long time, but when I started rapping, I was 16. Now I am 26, so it’s been a while since I “fell in”. (laughs) How did this happen? I was born into an artistic family. My father's a musician, my mother's a dancer and I have always loved music. We listened to a lot of music, whether it was at home or on the way to school. I always liked the inspiring, creative side of things. Seeing rappers on stage like 50 Cent or Kanye West - or other rappers, female or male, for that matter - made me want to be one of them. I thought it was fascinating and it really made me want to rap. Your Rap style is often described as charismatic which is quite rare as a definition... How do you explain the charisma that you have integrated into your sound? Thanks for the compliment, I’m really glad. The charisma, I can’t really explain. Maybe it comes from being myself or my voice? I’m often told that my voice appeals so it would be possible for it to come from there, perhaps? (laughs) What attracts me most in Hip-Hop is the flow and attitude. That’s why I love english-speaker artists so much, because the emotions they convey to me are through those two factors. When I was a kid, I didn’t really understand what they were saying, but I was really trying to replicate what they were doing through their flow and their gestures.
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You had the chance to do the 'Colors Show', which is a Youtube channel that really serves to promote talent at the International level. Did you feel that it really brought you a new audience? The 'Colors Show' was incredible; it really boosted me as an artist but also helped my visibility. I was really happy to see that people outside French-speaking countries loved my music. I think that in music, there are no borders, and I was pleased to see that I had managed to get English-speaker to join my music. In the comments we can see that there are many Enflish-speaker people who congratulate your performance by commenting “I don’t really understand what he says but the flow is crazy!”. Is opening up to the International audience something you’d like to develop more? I won’t hide the fact that their reaction made me very happy, although I didn’t expect it at all. I’m curious to try new things now. You know, I didn’t really realize the impact that Colors would have on my career... I decided to take my time with it, and especially take the time to better understand the music industry. I do Rap, but I’ve never really used to hanging out with people from this industry. I was solo you know, I did what I wanted to do without really calculating everything that was going on around me. I was doing Rap in my room, I didn’t tell anyone about it, but now things have changed and I take the time to meet people to make connections. Are there any features with international artists that you’d like to do? I’d say Saba, J.Cole or Boogie; he’s really hot! I’d like to do something with them that could be cool to mix our musical universes. I saw that you were sometimes described as the 'Krisy's favourite' [e.d: a rapper, beatmaker and very talented Belgian producer who also used to works with Damso and PLK]... It's true that in Brussels, he was the first one who helped me. I did my project Pas De Pluie, Pas De Fleurs with him. So, I think I earned that nickname somehow. (laughs) Actually, at the time, he really supported me and I see him as a mentor because he's older than me, and he has more experiences too.
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A year and a half ago, you joined his label called Le Jeune Club. It must have been a turning point in your career? I had a lot of feedback from the Jeune Club fanbase, it was cool actually. I'm glad to be part of Krisy’s entourage because he certainly has a lot of contacts and he is, above all, an artist that I like. I have great respect for his career. We have a lot in common on a personal level but also in our way of working, because, just like him, I often record in my room, for example.
'' The first person who has to be satisfied with what we’re doing is ourselves.'' We also saw you in Lomepal's 'Planète Rap' on the French radio channel Skyrock, in this freestyle between France/ Belgium. It was powerful to see so many Belgian rappers gathered in a freestyle session. To be part of this great line of talented Belgian rappers is an additional benefit or just extra pressure? I wouldn’t say it’s a pressure. As I said, I’m really starting to come into the Rap game, and I’m trying to get in there. You know, in Brussels, 'everybody knows everybody'. I don’t think that all those Belgian rappers knew who I was before I started having people talk about me and my projects, so I didn’t see it as a pressure. This 'mini-pressure' that I sometimes feel, I try not to think about it. That’s why I prefer to take my time. For example, after my last project, I had tracks ready to be released, but I decided not to rush things on the basis that people 'expected something from me'. I’m really trying to find the balance between strength and pressure. It also proves that you’re being validated by such influential rappers as Romeo Elvis, who also brought you into his own 'Planète Rap'. It must be a lot of credit for you? Yes, it's incredible because he's an artist that I have been listening to for so long! I have seen his career and evolution, and in Brussels, he has become an important person. The fact that he liked what I did really boosted me, undeniably.
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'' The fact that Roméo Elvis liked what I did really boosted me.'' What’s impressive about your lyrics is that you find the balance between pessimism and hope. How do you do that? It's true that I have one side that's really pessimistic, and the other one is optimistic. When I realize that I'm really in the dark, I try to get out of it because it isn't a good state of mind and I know I have the ability to change that. It's true that sometimes I can be really negative but I have a life philosophy that believe that there's always hope. Sometimes you’re at your worst, you think you’ll never make it...but that’s not true. Until you’re dead, you still have the ability to get up and change things. That’s what I try to show in my music. But I'll never be an artist who only sends out optimistic messages, because it doesn’t really sound like me. When you started writing your album
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did you have a desire to connect your words with your audience and say "Don’t worry we’re all in the same boat" or was it really personal? Actually, I was surprised, I didn’t expect this. When I did this project, I wanted to show the state of mind I was in at the time and I didn’t really question whether people would like it or not. Therefore, I did not expect to have such feedback And now it’s changed the way you write? Yes, no doubt about it. Before, I wasn’t really used to writing on a theme, and now, I’m trying to give direction to my lyrics and to focus more on a feeling or an emotion. My aim is really to develop and test new things so I don’t do what I’ve already done whether textually or in beatmaking. It's good to try new stuff.
In an interview you did with Paris Match, you discuss your race and thefact that you questioned yourself for a long time. You say, "Among the Whites, I’m Black. Among the Blacks, I’m White. But who am I then?" Is that a question that still haunts you? No, it’s much better now. (laughs) It’s true that when I was younger, I wondered a lot about this. I find that the theme of mixed is something that really follows me, whether in my music, my choices of production...everything is mixed. I can’t really pick a side. I think it’s really related to all the different cultural influences that I’ve had since I was a kid. It really reflects what I do and what I am. In Heracles, you say "The objective: to be as free as possible"... Can you tell me more? My goal is to have as few restrictions as possible. Being free is very broad as well. Total freedom? I don’t know if it’s really attainable. You constantly lose some of your freedom in the choices you make. For example, if you are on a label you are less free than being independent. Would you like to be independent? Yes, that’s the objective. But right now, I still have so much to learn and understand. It’s the beginning for me, and I’m really into finding things out. I got into music without really being prepared for all that it entails, and I am constantly discovering how it works. I live day-today, and being independent is not my priority right now. I know I still have a lot to learn from the people around me through their experience and advice. I'm so intrigued by your nickname... Can you tell me more about what your name means? Actually ‘Boka’ is my last name, and in Congo – the country where my father is from – in the Kikongo dialect, ‘Boka’ means “the one who says things”. And ‘Moka’ is also a nickname that was given to me before, and so, in a way, my name means “Moka: the one who says things” and it fits me well.
'' Sometimes you’re at your worst and you think you’ll never make it... but that’s not true. Until you’re dead, you still have the ability to get up and change things. '' Can you tell me more about your plans? I am preparing a new project of about ten songs that should be released before 2020 and then I'll try to release as many things as possible and be as prolific as possible. The tracklist is ready and the project is almost finished so I’m glad about it. The last album was so successful. Are you anxious that this one might not succeed as well? I wouldn’t say I’m anxious, but I still have a little stress before I get a new album out, that’s for sure. Especially now, since it’s been a while since I released anything new and I want to please my fans. I think more about what I do and how to satisfy them, but I can’t be too clueless about it anyways, or I fall into a trap. The first person who has to be satisfied with what we’re doing is ourselves. Are there any goals you’d like to accomplish as an artist? I would really like to be heard everywhere no matter the borders. I also want to continue to perform on the stage; to go and shoot, but above all, I want to improve myself in what I do and to become even better. The goal is to be a good artist and have a great career. Kwami.Boka
Words © Fanny Hill Scott Photography © Adèle Boterf
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Shay Shay aka the female artist who knew how to make her mark in Rap. After 3 years of absence, Shay returns with her second album Antidote and we are more than happy with her return. From her real name Vanessa Lesnicki, this Belgian artist of Polish and Congolese origin has established herself in Rap as a black woman and we must say that her talent is impressive. Being the granddaughter of the Congolese artist and politician Tabu Ley Rochereau and niece of rapper Youssapha, Shay grew up in the music world. Indeed, it was her grandfather who called her Shay – which means “The one who brings light” in Yanzi dialect. Revealed to the general public after a collaboration with Booba in 2011, this young Belgian female rapper released her first album Jolie Garce in 2016 which will be certified gold disc. Known for her punchlines and assurance, Antidote reveals a real vulnerability and feeling of loneliness that had never been addressed before as it was the case in ‘BXL’ or ‘Notif’. Sold for more than 50,000 time and certified gold single, the song 'Liquide' featuring rapper Niska presents itself as the flagship song of the album. Feminist and engaged, she refuses the classic role attributed to women and denounces the clichés received via protest lyrics. In the tune ‘Prends Ton Time’ she denounces the sexist comments she has often been the victim of: “Why do you rap? It's not for women. Why do you stay late at night? Where is your family?” She alredy used to talk about this as in 2017 the track 'PMW': “Let us live the life we want.” Shay literally 'breaks' the image that people can have about her and starts all over again as she suggested it when she broke a representative portrait of herself in the video clip ‘Jolie’. Strong and independent, Shay doesn’t hesitate to shake the codes and keeps exposing her inner self even more to her audience through this new album. We can say that 2019 was a good year for Shay, and 2020 might be very hectic for this determined artist. Shayizi © Gloria Dominiak
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From Rap to Cinema (the ones you can see on screen) Nekfeu
Orelsan x Gringe Comment c'est loin
Tout nous sépare Les étoiles vagabondes
Kaaris
Bloqués
Overdrive
MHD
Joey Starr
Mon frère
Polisse
Dosseh
Sneazzy
Karma
La source
Disiz La Peste
Gringe
Carbone L'heure de la sortie Damien veut changer
La Fouine
Dans tes rêves
A toute épreuve
le monde Drawings © Tiffany Oger
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LcR LCR - from his real name Louis Crowley - is a young rapper with a bright future. Passionate, determined and talented, the one who managed to make his name stand out on the Brighton HipHop scene told us how he started music. With honesty and kindness, Louis spoke to us with great pride about the way music represents “everything he wants to do”. No doubt about the fact that his career is only at its beginning. Can you tell me more about you and your background? I was born in London Camden, but my mum moved us out to Brighton with my two brothers. When I was young, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I never really been motivated by anything until I started music. I knew I had potential and I realized I do love doing music non-stop and now I can’t see myself doing anything else. How did you start music? My mates told me to record something instead of just freestyling and I was seduced by the idea. Big shout-out to the guy who had the studio as he let me do sessions for free. After a while, I started to try more melodic stuff, so I got my own setup. Since there, that’s how I’ve been doing music recording the sound I wanted to.
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an international audience? I’d say that my music is relatable by everyone everywhere. It’s hard to put in a box and to describe it to someone that hasn’t heard it. You will have to listen to it and tell me what you think of. Are you doing everything on your own or do you have a team? At this point, it’s early on in my career, I’m still unsigned and I don’t have a manager so everything I’ve achieved for now is from me and my hard work. I’ve got a good network for promotion and I’m speaking with a couple of labels, but my real teammates are the people that support my music and my fans. They’re helping me to get where I need to be.
'' More and more people I didn't know were supporting me and it was such a good feeling.''
Is music a hobby or something you want to do more than anything else? For me, music is all I can do and all I want to do. Once I realized school wasn’t for me, I had nothing else to fall back on apart from music. I just decided to drop out of college to do music fulltime. Obviously, I needed to make money, so I decided to be a sound engineer for other artists as I was working on my own tracks as well.
How do you feel about the fact that your fanbase is constantly growing? It must be a pride to realize that fans are always asking for more songs... You know, more and more people I didn't know were supporting me and it was such a good feeling. I think I realized the success my music had at this moment. Now, I'm getting love from a lot of people and it’s a good feeling knowing your work is being recognized especially when you dedicate everything to it. I feel like I owe it to people listening and supporting me because they've got me to where I am now, and it only makes me wanna keep going.
How could you describe your music to
You reach more than 100k of streams
with the track 'Ambition', did you expect such a success? Definitely not. As I said I don't have a label backing me, so I wasn't even thinking of getting a lot. It was just getting my sound out there as the main goal you know. I was like: “Hopefully I’ll reach 50k streams” but I had no idea how. After a while, I released that the numbers just kept growing. You told me that you will release an EP in 2020... Can you tell me more about it? I think the EP is about inspiring other people and relating to topics that aren't spoken about usually. You know, starting this music from nothing, dropping out of college and other things. I had to do a lot to get where I am now, and also, I got to do lots more to get where I wanna be. You have very emotional songs such as 'Came Up'. Is it something difficult for you to open your heart this way through music? To be honest, I don't think it is. In real life, I don't really speak about this kind of stuff but when it comes to music, I feel like I can express myself through my voice and lyrics. For me, it speaks a lot more than words outside of music. Do you have any dream collaboration? Young Thug would definitely be an artist, I would love to work with. I think his sound is so different and also the way he expresses himself through music. How do you imagine your career in five years? Realistically anything could happen in five years, but at that point, I wish I could reach an international level. You know, doing shows in America, rolling loud, performing home at big festivals such as Reading, Wireless... Lcr_Official_
Words © Fanny Hill Scott Photography © Raph Haddad
Népal Terrible news that we learn on November 20, 2019, at the announcement of the rapper Népal’s. The French Rap is in shock. Népal - from his real name Clément Di Fiore - was also known as KLM or GrandMaster Splinter left us on 9 November at only 24 years old. This rapper, beatmaker and remarkable artist from the 14th arrondissement of Paris was also one of the leaders of the 75th session collective. Also known as Doums' loyal sidekick in the 2Fingz duo, Népal was a respected rapper whose talent was close to genius. Very affected, many close friends of the artist and his fans paid tribute to this legendary rapper. Being an important figure in the Parisian Rap scene, his latest EP 2016 - 2018, released in 2019 and bringing together all the freestyles and projects released in recent years, once again allowed him to seduce his audience through his own musical universe. Often inspired by Japanese culture, Népal knew how to introduce new sounds to his audience and gave great importance to writing. Always hooded, it was always difficult to put a face on this young rapper who wanted to preserve his anonymity and maintain the mystery. Sometimes discovered by the general public through hit featuring such as ‘Esquimaux’ on Nekfeu’s Cyborg album as well as ‘Domo’ with Sopico in 2018. Népal has participated in many projects with artists such as Lomepal, Di-Meh and Fixpen Sill. Dazzling and talented Népal marked French Rap with songs such as ‘Rien De Spécial’, ‘Babylon’, or ‘Règlement Space #3’. As his loved ones announced it through a post on the artist’s social networks, his first album Adios Bahamas will be released on January 10, 2020, to perpetuate his art and memory. Népal had also shot a few clips before his death, including the new titles that have just been unveiled ‘Là-Bas’ and ‘Daruma’. Brilliant as always, Népal will never cease to shine. Rest in peace. Nepal75e
© Gloria Dominiak
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Playlist Dadju
Hatik
"Bobo Au Coeur"
Lefa
"Déjà Fait"
"Mauvais"
Niska
Rémy x Leto
"Bâtiment"
"Alibi"
Lomepal
Naza
"Flash"
"Loin De Moi"
Tayc
Népal
"Emoji"
Nadjee
"Ewondo ou Bami"
"Pas Là-Bas"
Drawings © Gabriel Dominiak
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ReMy
Rémy Camus - from his real name - hails from Aubervilliers in the Paris suburbs, and he's not afraid to speak up. Born with the talent to create with his pen, at the age of 22, he's as funny and endearing as anyone you could hope to meet. The son of a caretaker, like his mother and grandmother, Rémy is today engaged in the creation of his second opus, named Rémy D'Auber, which he works on with passion, for the delight of his fans. He stopped his business studies to throw himself, body and soul, into music. Before the release of his first album C'est Rémy, this sincere, genuine and emblematic rapper said that the French Rap scene doesn't stop fascinating him. Between laughter and reflection, A Rap & A Cup Of Tea set off to discover this artist, who never ceases to dazzle us with his maturity and his attitude. Call him Rémy, just Rémy. Could you describe your particular style of Rap to an English audience who wants to know about you? If people translate the lyrics, they can understand. (laughs) The most important thing in my Rap is the message. I like to combine the message setting it to the flow. Whether by the choice of words or that of the melody, I try to always keep the importance of the message conveyed in sound. There’s always been that in French Rap, even if it’s a bit lost over time, because the music is very diverse. Do you find that it's sometimes difficult to place a Rap rather personal like yours in front of the Trap music which takes more and more place in the French Charts? I can be difficult, it's true. Precisely how you said it: personal Rap disappears more and more, so those who are in the mood for that are happy to find it through my songs. A homecoming always feels good for Rap enthusiasts. It allows me to be closer to my audience too, because I get a lot of DMs telling me: "I can let my son listen to your songs because there is no vulgarity but a lot of veracity". I'm glad to hear that. I'm trying to make mature songs that can be heard by audiences between the ages of 7 and 77, you know. You said that travelling for your gig tour after your first album enriched you to be able to make this second album. Can you tell me more about that? Before, I didn't really go out of the city where I grew up, and going on the road like that for my concerts, and meeting so many people allowed me to have a more open mind. Do you think this evolution was something vital for the conception of your second album? I think the most important thing in order for people to experience a musical evolution in your songs is that there is a personal evolution above all. And that’s clearly what happened.
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It's often said that the first album is an artist's calling card, that's where he lays the foundations and shows what he's worth and your first album was melancholier than the second. Were you afraid of being locked up in this box of a "melancholic rapper"? Yes and no. I’m a melancholy rapper, it’s true, but I’m not only that. It’s like saying to Niska, "You’re a rapper who makes people dance." This is partly true but yet he's so much more. People have seen me make songs like ‘Repeat’, or through freestyles in parkings, you know. I think it was from the second album that people really started to understand that I knew how to touch different registers. If you listen to songs like ‘Alibi’ (featuring Leto) and 'C Pas Que', you quickly realize that they have nothing in common. People have also labelled me an old school rapper, but in truth, I don't mind, as long as we talk about my music, that's the main thing. (laughs) Despite everything, you continued rapping on piano tunes and the titles 'Notes De Piano' 1 and 2 are much melancholier than the rest of the album. It’s important because I still love doing it and I
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don’t think I will want to stop it one day. I did it naturally, by instinct. It wasn’t reflected songs, it’s even more important to me. The main thing is to do what you want. Besides that, you have completely opposite productions, with 'Isolé' and 'C Pas Que' for example. How did you find the balance between these two different universes? Songs like that are the ones I wrote on the tram to go home, or in the tour bus to go on tour. I always write according to the environment and my state of mind. Our mood changes every day, we don't wake up every morning on the right foot, and on this album, there are 13 tracks and it's a bit like there were 13 different days. Each song is like a new story that I tell. It’s a bit like if an author wrote five books with the same story, it wouldn’t make any sense at the end. And I'm aware of this fact. I want to diversify my music as much as possible. You see, I like to make more danceable songs, even if I have no idea how to dance. (laughs) You said "Every sentence you write, you question yourself, you wonder if
'' The first album is simpler, you say everything you have to say but for the second you ask: 'And now what do I say'.'' you’ve already said that sentence before. It requires constant concentration." It's true that we do not necessarily imagine all the work that it takes. It was more complicated for sure, because I have to evolve and people have to feel it. The first album is simpler; you say everything you have to say but for the second you ask: "And now what do I say?". I'm not someone who writes quickly. I'm more in quality than quantity. I take the time to think about each sentence I write. Every words have to make sense. The song 'Daron' is a kind of “painful” sound. You're talking about the paternal absence and I saw that lots of fans reacted on social networks by saying:
"Dude, you said exactly what I feel". People react more because it's not a song which deals with my situation only, but it reaches thousands of people. This song brings people together. Human beings always think that they're the only ones to live in such and such a situation, but it's false. We're all the same in many ways. Deep down inside me, I knew that this song would please, because there are so many of us living without a father. I attach myself to the melody and the emotion transmitted, not to the buzz that it will generate. Besides, in TV program Clique you also mention the taunts you were victim of as a teenager because of your physical appearance. Was it obvious for you to talk about this subject? People think weakness is talking about what hurts. Personally, I think it’s the opposite. To be strong is to speak and point a finger at what's wrong. There are people for whom it's easy to confide, but not in my case. I can't say that I was brave to make a song like this, I just had to talk about it, and I did it without asking any questions. You have to listen to yourself first, before listening to other people's good advice.
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You also talked about the importance of Mac Tyer in your career [e.d: a French Rap pioneer also from Aubervilliers, like Rémy, and who took him under his wing when he started] ... You must be a pride in your neighborhood as he is too? Pride, I don't know... In my neighborhood, there is a big group that is proud of what I'm becoming, and there is also another that is jealous of this success. Pride comes from mothers most of the time, because those your age are often the ones who let you go.
'' I attach myself to the melody and the emotion transmitted, not to the buzz that it will generate. The most important thing in my Rap is the message. '' We see that you have enriched yourself with all these trips that you have made, it can be heard in your songs, and yet you have recorded the entirety of this new album in Aubervilliers. It's hard for you to stay away from the city where you grew up? No, in truth if I recorded this album in my neighborhood, it's because that's where my studio is. If I could do that on the 20th floor of a building, with an amazing view, or in a villa facing the sea, I would have done it. (laughs) I could make more "Rio de Janeiro songs", but for now, it's better to make darker songs in the hood; at least you're in the right context. (laughs) Do you see yourself leaving Aubervilliers one day? Yes, of course, but not to wipe Aubervilliers off my map, it's impossible. I know the neighborhood by heart, and everyone knows each other. I like my privacy and have my share of secrecy. Do you know why I want to move? To be able to barbecue! Have you ever tried to make one on a balcony? It really sucks. (laughs) I have lived in this city all my life, I know its advantages and disadvantages, and the more you grow, the more you realize that you're never really free here.
You already said that you were able to give advice to Kanoé [e.d: a rapper of 15 years who created the buzz with a freestyle broadcast on social networks] when he came to your Planète Rap at Skyrock radio station. So, more generally, what advice would you give to a youngster who wants to get into Rap as you did? Already, I would tell him not to stop school like I have. I was lucky because, before I made this decision, I had spoken at length with Mac Tyer, who had plans for me and it immediately materialized. Already, you have to know your true level. You know, every day there are people who come to speak to me and who say to me: "I rapped since ages but nothing happened yet". During all this time, if you have never succeeded to break through maybe it's because Rap isn't for you. The problem is that now people want to "break into" everything they do, but sometimes it's not realistic. I would tell them to do this out of passion, and not for the money. It's the love for what you do that will make you achieve what you really want. Are you going to play a show in London soon? At the moment I have nothing planned, but I am waiting for you to invite me. (laughs) Soon enough, with my teammates, we'll start to work on my tour. I would love to come and do a live concert there to be honest. However, I think it would be impossible for me to do interviews because I don't speak English. Or if I try to speak English, the interview will end very quickly. (laughs) But London is a great idea. CestRemy Words © Fanny Hill Scott Photography © Fifou
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Reviews
Albums
Fame
LEFA
10/2019 © 2L Music Wow, what an achievement! We’ve been looking forward to it since his last album 3 Du Mat and we’re clearly not disappointed by this triumphant comeback! There's one thing that we can't deny with Lefa is the richness of his pen and the beauty of his texts. It's rare to see so many texts worked to perfection always with a subliminal message or a story to tell. It’s a real nofault writing level. Lefa has set up the bar very high from the first notes of his return single 'Fame' by saying: "All those people who called themselves 'best friend' and act as if they knew you forever... They're only here for the fame..." Lefa - from his real name Karim Fall - took a step back from the music scene allowing us to see the reverse of success. He directly gave the tone of his future album: it will be honest and realistic. This is a quality that is often attributed to the rapper: his extreme honesty in his texts. As a real musical treasure, we must admit that this 33 years old Parisian rapper made an impression with his track 'Mauvais' and the spectacular clip that goes with it, not to mention 'Bitch' featuring with Vald. There are also truly moving tunes such as 'T'y Arrivais Pas' which is surely one of the most beautiful breakup songs of this year 2019 with a bittersweet taste. In brief, we congratulate the talent of this artist whose reputation is no longer to be made. Lefa hasn’t said everything yet and we’re still asking for more. To be continued... © Fanny Hill Scott
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Heavy Is The Head
Rooftop
12/2019 © Hashtag Merky Music
11/2019 © Rec.118 / Warner Music France
Stormzy - originally from Croydon in South London - is a rapper on the cusp of greatness. He released his sophomore album the day after the UK has its most important election in a century, and he knew exactly what he was doing.
SCH made a massive comeback at the end of 2019 with his new album Rooftop and it's perfectly what we needed to finish the decade.
STORMZY
Heavy Is The Crown is a fantastical mix of grime, pop, and even the occasional slow song. It’s a continuation of his freshman release Gang Signs & Prayer which also hit the top spot on the album charts in 2017 when it was released. He's also been very clever by putting his number one single 'Vossi Bop' as the last track, everything is just a lead up to it. Stormzy is on the brink of world domination, and this is the perfect album to take him there. He has the type of talent some rappers only dream of, and at 54 minutes long, it’s time well spent listening. In my opinion, it’s been worth the two-year wait. Stand out tracks for me include the slower, atmospheric 'Crown', and opener 'Big Michael' making reference to his real name Michael Ebenazer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr. And with guest appearances from Ed Sheeran with 'Own It' and Aitch with 'Pop Boy', there’s something for everyone on this brilliant second release from the dazzling London rapper aged of 26. © Emma Lawrence
SCH
It has already been a few years since SCH - whose real name is Julien Schwarzer - came out on the list of the most listened rappers in France. Born on 6 April 1993 in Marseille in the south of France, he became known with his song ‘Champs-Elysée’. His musical identity is characterized by a deep voice, with many references to horror movies and gangsters or even Trap and banger's instrumentals. Rooftop consists of 17 tracks of unexpected collaborations and surprising novelties. Contrary to his previous album JVLIVS, powerful and very personal, SCH offers us here a very flawless album presenting a quite apocalyptic world with differents beats between Pop, Rap and Electro. A number of topics were discussed, including violence, a statement on his life and the anguish of passing time as with the song ‘Ah Gars’. With five featuring on Rooftop, this album becomes the one with the most guests of his discography with Rim'k, Heuss L'Enfoiré, Capo Plaza & Soolking, Gims, and Ninho. After only a week of release, the album is already in the third position in the top albums sale. At the same time, SCH announced his signature in his own label Maison Baron Rouge. I guess that we’ll keep hearing about this artist in the coming months. © Gloria Dominiak
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Iona
Taciturne
11/2019 © 2019 S.O.N
11/2019 © SPKTAQLR
In November, Klashnekoff released his long-awaited album entitled Iona. The album is a true masterpiece that tracks the emotional ups and downs of Klashnekoff’s life along with his classic social commentary woven throughout.
After a first album named Imany released in 2018 and praised by the critics, the talented Dinos returns this year with a new album called Taciturne and we can say that he smashed it.
KLASHNEKOFF
Listening to the entire album traces Klashnekoff’s life in terms of emotional turbulence and growth it becomes obvious that this album is a piece of emotional catharsis and healing for him as it almost punches the listener with its depth of emotion particularly in its discussion of his experience dealing with the deterioration of his mother’s health and losing her. This is most notable within the eerie melancholy and echoing vocals that run through the sampling and production of certain tracks such as 'Worth It', 'Angels', 'Freedom', and even the speech heavy tracks 'Outro' and 'Uncle Derek Says'… This album certainly doesn't fall short of Klashnekoff’s musical talent and the layering on the production of this album rises to the caliber of Klashnekoff’s potent lyricism complimenting it perfectly. The album features lots of speech and real-life sounds which creates a more peripheral narrative of the rapper’s life and his emotional struggles which tap into sounds that almost trigger certain emotions and linger within the listener such as sounds of traumatic phone conversations. This album is a heavy listen but a true testament to the processing of emotional trauma through music, all framed within the most well-constructed verses and sound production. © Gugundeep Kaur
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DINOS
Nicknamed Dinos Punchlinovic during the Rap Contenders era in 2011 thanks to his legendary freestyles, Dinos - from his real name Jules Jomby - is a 26 years old rapper from Cameroon. Recognized as one of the best lyricist of our generation, he returns today with an album composed of 15 titles for the classic edition and 19 titles for the special edition called 'night' and 'day'. The first album's track is called 'On Meurt Bientôt' which means "we'll die soon" - and finished with 'En Revoir' - "goodbye" - and we can translate here the results of his last years. He evokes several times, the life in the surbubs, the lack of money and the fear of loving as he said in the song 'Arob@se': "I didn’t want your heart, I just wanted your arobase". From melancholic melodies to heart-touching lyrics, Dinos that we interviewed last June for the magazine, offers us moving songs such as 'Mack Le Bizz', 'Quand Les Cailleras Prient' and 'Les Garçons Ne Pleurent Pas'. By addressing themes such as the fear of his future in Rap, his past failures, his childhood or death, the rapper who grew up in La Courneuve in the Parisian suburbs in 93, was able to draw inspiration from the depths of his soul. It's impossible not to fell under his spell with the lyrical and melodic prowess performed by the artist. © Gloria Dominiak
Concerts
13 BLOCK
RILES
Transfert Nantes 11/10/19
Zénith Lille 21/11/19
Gaddem it was phenomenal! What can we say about this performance that literally set fire to the Hipopsession festival in Nantes? It was crazy, and we're asking for more, more and even more.
At just 22 years old, the rapper from Rouen in France released his first album Welcome To The Jungle last August, becoming the first French artist produced by Republic Records - the label that has made several big rap names known such as Drake or Lil Wayne. Even if he's French, Rilès, this artist, who has trained himself in an autodidactic way, sings only in English. This is something that should delight and allow you to perfectly understand his excellent lyricism.
We must admit that we have rarely been able to attend a concert as hot and intense as this one. 13 Block is the squad that brought the 'Ghetto Rap' to the front scene in the french Rap's Charts with a winning success last April after the release of their album named BLO. By interpreting hits such as 'Vide', 'Petit Coeur', 'Amis D'Avant' and 'Balayer', the band gave the best of themselves for the greatest pleasure of their fans. Moreover, it was impossible to miss the long-awaited 'Fuck le 17', this song that became a reference for the revolted youth. It can be said that Sidikeey, Stavo, Zefor, and Zed - all from the 93 in the Parisian suburbs - quickly imposed themselves as the messengers who came to denounce the abuses of the French policemen and the several violence which have been silenced by the French media. 13 Block is above all a quartet with 4 totally distinct voices, which allows each rapper to stand out while keeping a real group cohesion and this is exactly what we were able to witness on stage. They knew how to smashed this gig and reach its peak. No doubt that they will surely be scheduled at several festivals this summer and you're strongly advised to attend to one of their gigs. You could fully understand what we had the opportunity to experienced. Be ready for it! © Fanny Hill Scott
After several concerts that took him from Germany, to the United States or Canada, the artist started in November 2019 a Zenith tour - the biggest French venues - but he also came to London at the Electric Brixton on December 8. Rilès set the bar very high for and leave a wonderful memory to his audience. Tthis deserving and talented artist has made himself known to the general public by challenging himself to release one title a week on Youtube for 1 year. Now, Rilès has hundreds of millions of views on YouTube and even had the opportunity to shoot a video with Snoop Dog, for the track 'Marijuana' - something to be proud of! Real show-man, Rilès hasn't hesitated to keep his audience alive with his two musicians, six dancers and a stage installation made of moving screens with an incredible light show. Dancer, singer, beatboxer…this guy can do everything! After a gig without any dead time, he gets a nice and deserved ovation. There's no doubt that Rilès seems to be a key figure in Rap in the years to come. © Appoline Montier
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kemMLer
Kemmler, the rapper from Marseille in the South of France, is a breath of fresh air for the French-speaking Rap landscape, and we have every reason to fall under his spell. A chill side, a cool side, and a voice that takes the time to find the right words to express things as best it can. A devouring passion for music that takes precedence over the rest of his life, and a genuine desire to make human warmth prevail in the music industry, one that is often too business-oriented. This is what defines Kemmler, this great lover of his audience. This artist with an innate talent with words, talks to A Rap & A Cup of Tea on his primordial need to go to the end, and live from his passion. The one who describes himself as an “eternally dissatisfied”, is above all sincere and authentic. Kemmler’s been with the same squad for 15 years, and it pays off for him. Through his sacrifices and hard work, he indulges gently in what is his strength today: that of never having lost his soul on the road to glory. I heard that you “fell to the Rap” at 14 in college quite randomly. Is this true? Yes it is. Back then, my friends and I used to listen to a lot of Rap, but we never thought we could do it. The truth is, we were so bored by spending lunch time at the canteen. One day, there was a Hip-Hop culture worker who came into college. At first, we were not too motivated, but then it quickly became an addiction. You knew right away that this is what you wanted to do and nothing else? I had no other passions besides football, and I knew I wasn’t at the level to have a career. In school I had facilities, but I never really felt good in school, and I didn’t know what to do with my life in all honesty. I very quickly quit school and did jobs that I hated, and I didn’t want to get to 40 and say, “Fuck, I ruined my life”. So, I put all my strength into music.Obviously, there were ups and downs but I never gave up. The thing is, my only goal has always been to be able to live from my passion. I never did it for the money, but I always did it for the love of music. From now on, I have the life I love, even though I am aware that everything can stop overnight. In the song 'J'Avoue' you discuss the difficulty of being an artist, and especially of breaking into that world. You say, “I see the ones older than me snooping when I rapped or laughting at me / I see myself crying nights trying to change my fate, faking celebrity interviews.” Now, your Rap is respected, and you do
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interviews and so on, what perspective do you have on the situation? I'm an eternal dissatisfied guy, I will always want more, so I have trouble taking a step back. Three years ago, if I had been told, “You’re going to sign a label” I would never have believed it. I’m someone who’s always working. Even when I’m not properly working, I’m thinking about what I could do and so on. So, I would still like to take it to the next level and achieve the goals I’ve set for myself. I never feel satisfied in truth. What exactly are these objectives? My goal is to reach a large audience without misrepresenting who I am, and what I want to do as music. My only feeling of satisfaction comes from my audience. The most beautiful feeling I can experience through music is when I receive messages from fans. It’s an indescribable thing. Yet I still feel uncomfortable when people recognize me on the street because it’s new to me. Being able to go out and meet my audience, play big shows and respond to their message is what I care about most.
'' I knew I had to have my own thing. I really looked for what could define me.''
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I’d like to go back to your journey. It’s impressive, being signed to Def Jam in such a short time, since your first project named Rose released in June 2018. It’s a very famous and influential label, it must make you very proud, right? At first, I worked in the shadows for a long time, I invested my time, my money, etc. Working with my best friend, we had released a single that had worked really well on Facebook and I was soon contacted by independent Rap labels, but when I talked with them, we had no chemistry. They were all talking about business without ever talking about music and I wasn’t comfortable with that. My passion was music, and I had to work harder, and harder, to reach a good level. And then one day, I was contacted by the Dancecode label that makes electro music, and after our first exchange I really thought, “This is who I want to work with”. Musically, I still needed to find myself, and we worked like crazy for two years before releasing Rose, my first album. Sales were not great, I have to be honest. But in the professional world, it was a real upheaval. Before the album came out, no label wanted us, but once it came out, everyone wanted me back. I was even contacted to write for other artists, it was a crazy thing.
Can you take the time to answer your fans' messages? I try to do it as much as I can, even if from now on, it gets more and more complicated because I get more and more messages. I try to respond to the latest messages I receive, but I also take the time to enjoy my loved ones without always being overwhelmed by my phone. You know, I already work a lot and I'm often on the road or in the studio, so when I am with mypeople, I try to be physically and mentally there. The goal is not to succeed in music and end up alone with myself. (laughs)
Was that revenge for you? Not necessarily, because in real life I wasn’t really popular enough to sign a record label. I felt that no one really understood my music, and my world. Until the day I met Pauline Duarte [e.d: Def Jam’s label boss] and she showed me a real enthusiasm for my music, and what I was doing. I felt that Def Jam could take me to the next level. It’s a really street label that has signed artists like Rémy [e.d: interviewed in this magazine] Koba La D, Alonzo, Kaaris, etc. Nobody did what I do. I also liked the idea of taking people off guard and showing that I wasn’t going to sign where everyone thought I was going. Here we have just released ‘Ça Me Gêne’, which is the first single before the album’s release, and we are in the in the middle of a promo and I'm happy to be there.
I heard a lot of your fans would love to see you on the Colors Show? It’s something I’d like to do for sure. I find it clean, without artifice, it puts music at the centre of everything. You big up an artist much better this way. Colors is a platform that we follow with my team.
This album you just mentioned, when is it planned? It should be released in early 2020. The goal is to really create a buzz around its release via the singles, before we begin to unveil it fully, and see the reaction of the public.
It's often said of you that you have a “surgical flow”: you take every emotion through an in-depth examination. You think that's a definition that fits you? That’s a nice definition. (laughs) Actually, I needed to stand out from those I was rapping with at the time, and who had a crazy level including my sidekick Verbal - who became my backing performer on stage now. I knew I had to have my own “thing”. I really looked for what could define me. Naturally, I decided to talk about the things I experienced personally, and the way I lived it, to give a real authenticity to my writing. I'm also a real perfectionist, if I have to make a new song 200 times to end up at the emotion I want to convey, I do it without hesitation. You know, I think a sentence can be said in a thousand ways, and until I figure out how I want to say it, I keep working and working.
'' I never did it for the money, but always for the love of music.'' Are there sometimes things you keep in mind and think "I have to talk about this", or do you write on instinct? It really depends on everything; my mood, the albums I listen to, etc. I write all my ideas down on my notes, and sometimes I read them and think, “I don’t even know why I wrote this”, and then I come back on it a week later and say, “Wow, that’s hot!”. What helps me to start writing lyrics is the idea I want to pass on, or a theme I want to address. But I know that I often write about love and the different angles that this theme can take because it's something that inspires me a lot. Moreover, the sound ‘Dansé’ has a very strong message because you talk about a breakup. Isn’t it hard for you to be so open in that way? When I have to talk about such an introspective theme, it's always more difficult. Sometimes I want to make a song, but I don’t know how to do it, or how to express myself well on a subject that affects me.
story you tell in this song. Are you also involved in the audio-visual production of your videos? Yeah, on that piece I totally got involved. I had already worked with Louis Azaud - the director - and I had felt this alchemy between our two universes. And for this clip, I knew that it was he who could best stage the idea I had in mind, and I wasn't mistaken. In the future I also want to get involved this way. Are there career models that inspire you? In truth, there are artists that I don’t necessarily listen to but in interview I find them truly inspiring. There are some who have an incredible background and it may be weird to tell you that, but sometimes I’m more passionate about their journey than their music. For example with Fianso, we really feel that he worked hard to get there and he's happy to be here now. He’s someone I like because he’s telling the truth in saying “Damn it, I’ve worked so hard to get there”, and it’s that sincerity that touches me. And there are feauters that you would like to do with artists that you like? The process of going to someone and saying “I like what you do, can we do something?” is something that bothers me a little. I prefer to have a nice, human encounter that ends up leading to a collaboration, rather looking for people. For example, with Youssoupha, there was a real human connection during our meeting, and this is what encouraged us to work together on certain projects. He’s someone I get along with really well, and I’m glad I can have the human side go with the musical side. Ke2mler
Words © Fanny Hill Scott Photography © Fifou
The making of the video 'Ça Me Gêne' is really great, it looks like a collection of archival videos that represent the
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Festival Hipopsession
From 11/10/2019 to 12/10/19 We took it in with our eyes and ears at this Nantes-based festival in France made of Hip-Hop only, and we're already looking forward to coming back next year! Since its beginning in 2005, the Hipopsession festival remains one of the main Hip-Hop events in France, inviting the biggest names in the headlines of French charts along, such as 13 Block, Lefa and Georgio, as well as emerging artists such as Moka Boka, 404 Billy and Zed Yun Pavarotti, not to mention the legendary pillars of French Rap like Hocus Pocus. Like Hip-Hop, a culture that has become one of the most important to this new generation, this festival has become increasingly important over the years. A hundred times people tried to denigrate Rap and make it disappear, but a thousand times it reinvented itself. What binds people to each other doesn’t come loose easily. That's why, despite political contempt, police repression and media humiliations, Rap has adapted to become more and more powerful, and that's exactly what we feel at festivals: Rap is at its peak. Driven by the association Pick Up Production, Hipopsession aims to enhance the richness of Hip-Hop, and all of its disciplines such as music, including Rap, DJ-ing; from beatboxing through to breakdance, and visual art; from photo to graffiti. An atmosphere of madness during these two days of festivals reached its peak with the performance of 13 Block and its title, ‘Fuck Le 17’, becoming now emblematic of a rebellious youth. We must admit that we have rarely seen such a raging audience - a phenomenon that was repeated during Georgio’s concert, and his mythical ‘Appel A La Révolte’. Radio Mouv, [one of the leading urban music radio channels among 15-35 year olds, after Skyrock] had made the trip to host a special program. An experience made possible by the festival that allowed festival-goers to attend a live show. In brief, it was dazzling and we're already looking forward to coming back next year! Words © The Magazine Team Photography © Maximilien Marie
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Mc Buzzz MC Buzzz - originally called MC Buseta - brings an alternative perspective to the Spanish Trap, as a São-Paolo born and Barcelona-raised artist. He implements Brazilian baile funk into his own version of the Spanish Trap, utilizing his distinctive experience which has enabled him to bridge the two genres together. Raised in El Raval, in the center of the Catalonia capital, MC Buzzz has gained strength for his music career. A few years ago, he was one of the former members of Los Sugus, which was featured and interviewed by Vice in Spain as an ‘Urbano boy band’. Not long after, MC Buzzz released his first mixtape Heart Breaker with La Vendición Records in May 2018. In the same year, MC Buzzz also became the face of Nike’s campaign for the launch of Air Max 98s. Since then, MC Buzzz has collaborated with a range of other artists such as Florentino, a Colombian producer for a summer track and MC Bin Laden a Brazilian rapper. Their song ‘Na Fuga’ aims to share the idea of freedom and to not caring about what others think. MC Buzzz was also featuring notable albums from other artists including $kyhook’s ‘Por Dinero’ with Israel B. In September this year, the young rapper released his latest mixtape Baile De Rua at the age of 20. Across his songs, we can see his Brazilian background with ‘Bota Bota’ and ‘Maluco’, where MC Buzzz mixes between Spanish and Portuguese. He was also joined by the Swiss rapper Di-Meh on this track. The way he succeded to go from one music genre to another is a common characteristic across MC Buzzz’s music, as something he has already done in the past with songs like ‘Novinha’ and ‘Garotinha’. Baile De Rua offers a more extensive representation of the innovation that MC Buzzz has brought to the Spanish scene such as songs like ‘Paris’ and ‘Kodak Black’. Without any doubt, the beat is a baile funk but both lyrics and flow remain Spanish to the core. It's the same process with ‘Todos Os Dias’ and ‘Toma’ two dazzling single track. The novelty of MC Buzzz is essentially in his ability to execute a fresh flare in the Spanish Trap music that hasn’t been attempted before. McBuzzz © Cristina Conde
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D'MOORS D’Moors - singers Adnan and Fares - is a Barcelona-based band of singers and dancers, who meld cultures by way of melody, artistry, and language. Their style, ranging from Afrotrap, Reggaeton and Hip-Hop is representative of the multicultural city scene. Often working with youth centers to support social integration, they reveal the importance of their cultural identity. Supporting their community from Barcelona's street life along with their other passions besides music, they told us everything in this interview.
For those who don’t know you yet, how would you introduce your music? Adnan: D’Moors can be defined with a message that comes from people raised by the street. It's kinda deeper than what you would typically expect. It's like a message that people don’t usually address or express: our music reflects the inner world of a street guy. Could you explain the meaning behind your stage name D’Moors? Adnan: Our stage name is originally from an ethnic group known as Moors, from North Africa. They were a mixture of North Africans, Arabs, Jews, Western Europeans. They were a revolutionary tribe. They criticized the government and always shared a meaningful message. Their music was very melodic, like something very similar to flamenco. We're a mixed group as we’re Moroccans but we're working with Spanish and Italian people. We looked for a name that could reflect our mixture. How did you end up working together? Fares: We’ve been friends for a long time... We started being dancers together at 8 years old and after a while, we started doing music as well. Adnan: We started by rapping freestyle first. We
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had a friend who had a studio and we enjoyed the process of recording, making music and seeing what we could do with it. When we released our first song we realized that a bunch of people enjoyed it. So we were like "Wow, this is something we could do." In the song ‘Se Reían’ you talk about the opinion of others but also of the importance of the people you're taking with you on your musical journey... Adnan: When we released this song, lots of people from Barcelona messaged us because they could identify themselves in the song. They felt that we were expressing their way of thinking and experiencing life. In the end, anyone from the street who succeeds to get out of here wants to be with their people - the ones they met in the street. In this song, you also talk about the way you want to advise young people. Fares: Through music, we want to show kids that there isn’t only one path. There are many ways to get out of the street, and music is one of them. We started as kiddo as well, so we know what we're talking about. Your music also is very energetic like your new song 'Hey Gyal'. How do you compose your music? Adnan: We're always looking for a melody that carries some kind of emotions through the beat we choose. It's important for us to create songs where people can dance on it while representing our 'street vibe'. Your birth identity is also something that you show a lot, especially on social media...
Fares: We’ve always been surrounded by people of our ethnicity so it influences us a lot when it comes to making something artistic. We're proud to be who we are - the children of immigrants Maghrebin people living in Spain now. I’m born Algerian but I’m Spanish too, I rap in Spanish.
'' It's important for us to create songs where people can dance on it while representing our 'street vibe'. '' You have a song called 'Barna' with Lil Moss, which is visually very nostalgic. Barcelona is considered a hub for artists and musicians. How does this city influence you? Adnan: I wouldn’t be able to describe how Barcelona hits you. There's something special here. We used to live there when Barcelona wasn't huge as it is now and it was so different... Now, it’s quite full of tourists. These changes have influenced us a lot. There are good and bad things in everything, and this is what inspired us. I noticed that you have songs having the name of footballers 'Ronaldinho' and 'Piqué'. This trend is also visible
with other artists such as MHD in France with 'Roger Milla' and in the U.K. with 'Drogba' by Afro B and 'Thiago Silva' by Dave. Do you know where this trend comes from? Adnan: On a marketing level, talking about a footballer or someone very famous is quite good because you have more chance to be heard when they people will search for this person on the web. (laugh) You’ve collaborated with a variety of artists. Any dream collaboration now? Fares: Personally, I’d like to work with Moroccan artists. It would be an honour to work with them and also Toto. We identify a lot with their music and we have the same vibe so I could be great to do something together. What's next? Adnan: In January, we’ll release few new songs with video clip as well. Right now, we’re also securing dates for some gig in 2020. Hopefully we'll come to London. For now, the plan is just to keep making music, performing live, and keep making people to talk about us. DmoorsOfficial Words © Cristina Conde Photography © Costa Social Club
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The team 37
Wanna join the team ? Fell you free to email us at a.rap.a.cup.of.tea@gmail.com Everyone’s welcome, whether you’re journalist or just someone fancy to write about music. If you like design, editing or even advertising, let us know as we always looking for trainee and contributors! a.rap.and.a.cup.of.tea a.rap.and.a.cup.of.tea.mag
Drawings © Tiffany Oger
Adélaïde Dominiak-Gorski
Tiffany Oger
My name is Adélaïde and I'm 22 years old. I'm passionated about travel and learning new languages. I like how it feels like to travel, to visit a new country and to discover other cultures. I think it’s always a good way to grow up and learn more about life. London is my favorite destination but I love Poland as well because it’s so peaceful and nature is everywhere. In music, I often listen to R'n'B and Hip-Hop songs. I'm the social media and marketing manager of the magazine and I'm also the one in charge of the Instagram and Twitter account of the magazine. I love doing it because that’s a nice way to interact with our community.
My name is Tiffany, I'm 23 years old and I'm a true world traveller! I travel a lot - I visit 18 countries so far - and I find a real serenity in travelling and getting to know new cultures. I find it enriching and exciting. I quite always travel with my older brother Kévin who's also passionate about travel and we have created a travel blog together to share our adventures, give our good tips etc. Beside travel, I'm studying to be a teacher for young children because I really like to share my knowledge and teach to younger. I think it’s important to make them aware from their young ages of basic values such as respect, tolerance, and ecology purpose which is an important. I’m also very interested in graphic design and visual creativity.
Jyaimislespieds Sibling_Travel
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Gloria Dominiak My name’s Gloria and I am 19 years old. I was born in France but I’m really proud of my Polish origins, coming from both of my parents. I’m also from a huge family, with an artistic dad, so we all grew up with art around us. That’s why I’m really into art and creation. What I like the most in my life is Music. Indeed, I write songs and I love singing. For me, Daniel Caesar and Marco McKinnis are my main inspirations. I’m a big fan of Mariah Carey and Sik-k too. I also really like Asian culture, like Korean Rap mangas, animated movies – it’s all quite fascinating for me. I wish I could travel to Asia – that is one of my dreams.
Naughty_Minsik
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Omar Zaki Hi! My name is Omar, and I’m a futur teacher. I’m really into music, and aim to be a music teacher one day! I play the guitar, which I love more than anything. Listening to music never gets boring - so much variety! I really like pop music. I love Bruno Mars, Charlie Puth, and a lot of other artists too. I’ll listen to just about anything, but that’s the stuff that particularly gets me. I also really like psychology, and so one day I hope to qualify in that to some degree! So that’s me. It’d be really cool to be able to use psychology in teaching, and maybe one day I’ll even try teaching it! My dream is to work under the NHS as a Clinical Psychologist - all in good time! I love music, I love psychology, and that’s me.
Cristina Conde My name is Cristina and I’m a 22-year-old Londoner. Growing up in a multicultural space, music has always been one way I was able to connect to so many nationalities and stories, having spent my life listening from everything starting with Brazilian baile funk to Jamaican dancehall, English ska and punk, to old school reggaeton, classic rock, and even Romanian manele music. I listen to it all! I love travelling to new places, discovering new cuisines and learning about different cultures, traditions and languages. Some of my greatest passions include writing and film. I’m interested in visual arts, especially cinematography, and I currently write a blog dedicated to the medium – discussing everything about film including reviews, analysis and music videos.
Crischenko Cristinaswriting
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Credits
Founded by : Fanny Hill Scott Publisher : Fanny Hill Scott Advertising :
- Gorski
Design : Tiffany Oger /
Fanny Hill Scott
Social Network : Adélaïde Dominiak - Gorski
Translator / Corrector : Omar Zaki Contributors : Valérie Bouvet
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Adélaïde Dominiak
Gugundeep Kaur Emma Lawrence Gloria Dominiak Sarah Ababsa Le bureau de Sarah Noémie Bonjean Aude Sabarly Olympia Production Johan Mabit Florian Berger Johan Mabit Pick Up Production Annaïg Harnois Astérios Spectacles Humbert Batlle
