5 minute read
Albums Reviews
ORELSAN
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Civilisation
11/2021 © 7th Magnitude // Wagram Music
In November 2021, Orelsan released his fourth studio album. With Civilization, the rapper returns to the French Rap scene by the front door. A return eagerly awaited by the public, part of which grew up listening to the famous French rapper.
Successful, the album is composed of 15 tracks in which Orelsan still reveals new facets to us through his recognizable style. The rapper uses simple words to talk about social facts, which speak to everyone and invite us to reflect. The texts are indeed sought after but accessible and effective. Thus, the rapper manages to create an album that is both personal and also about society, hence the title "Civilization".
Social networks and new medias are subjects strongly present in this album, which we find in "Seul Avec Du Monde Autour", "Rêve Mieux", "L’odeur De L’essence" or even "Manifeste". In this track, Orelsan also mentions the terms Covid, Ouïghours, retirement, stress, genderfluid and vegan; words that speak to us since they are part of current concerns. Orelsan invites three artists for this album; Skread, The Neptunes and his friend Gringe with whom he forms the duo Casseurs Flowters. The song is called "Casseurs Flowters Infinity", and the track reminds us with nostalgia the music of the famous duo.
In addition to offering us an album of great richness in texts and melodies, the rapper also offered two surprises for his fans. Like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Orelsan has hidden 5 gold tickets in the CDs on sale which allow lifetime access to all his concerts. Moreover, around fifteen different editions of the CD have been commercialised. It’s enough to hope to be one of the very lucky ones!
© Anna Hias
B.B. JACQUES
La Nuit Sera Calme
09/2021 © NBOW
How to perfectly describe one of the best albums of 2021? How to find the right words at the height of the pen and the talent of this artist who is undoubtedly the breakthrough artist of the year?
B.B.Jacques also known as BlackBird Jacques, or Tino has everything to him, literally everything. A sharp pen, the punchlines’ skill, the gift to sublimate words, an incredible choice of music beats, a gripping and palpable passion for Rap, and especially an innate talent.
From songs like “Boom Boom” as an intro to the project that lays the foundation to “Bleu Cristal” or “Éclair Brut”, Tino delivers a touching and brutally honest project. The tone of the album oscillates between melancholy and shattering truth. Just listen to the song “Loin D'ici” to understand the essence of the project and measure the artist’s musical ambition. As he says: “I'll do it with great talent and very few contacts”. We can clearly say that he kept his promise because this first album is a real gem for French Rap.
Evocative, fascinating and captivating, B.B. Jacques shoots everything and everyone. His words form part of his diction and are at the service of an enchanting Rap that we listen to over and over again. As if each listening session allowed a new interpretation.
What can we wish for this large-scale artist? All the success he deserves - far more than many current mainstream rappers. Do not miss this raw talent!
©Fanny Hill Scott
ZIAK
Akimbo
11/2022 © Errro // Chrome Castle
Certainly one of the most popular artists this year, justified by his productivity between 2020 and 2021, Ziak just released his first studio album Akimbo last November. With 17 tracks including only one featuring on the album (with Maes - such a guest!) on the title "Rhum & Machette".
Ziak made a name for himself through his mysterious universe that intrigues his fanbase. His nonchalant gait, his masked face, and recognizable gimmicks such as "free all my buddies" and "the worst is already over". The artist has all the visible criteria of the U.K. Drill with the prods, the flows, the lyrics, the gestures as well as the violence. The Drill being more and more present in the French Rap, just like the Trap was in 2014/2015, Ziak fits perfectly in the codes of Drill. For his flagship video clips such as "Rasputin" or "Fixette", Ziak has always remained in the typical Drill codes but for Akimbo it was different. Risks were taken, whether in the subjects discussed, the prods, as well as his character who saw himself open up a bit more especially on "Shonen". We met a Ziak more melancholic, sweeter in his words, who also lower less on his voice and shown us a more vulnerable part of him.
"Badman Trip" is a piece that divided the audience. This is justified by a beat "less Drill" which is closer to a "techno" vibe universe, while keeping a flow and lyrics similar to his usual register. Personally, I find this sound interesting, because of the diversification and the colours that this track can bring to the album. The sound that hit me the most is undoubtedly "Lloret de Mar" with its more melodious side that allowed a little calm before the storm that triggers the sound "Lauiss".
In short, Akimbo is a very successful first album, Ziak knew how to keep his footprint that he masters to perfection while taking risks that proved gagging. As a diligent listener of Ziak, I look forward to his new release!
