Dive into the World of Parisian Hip-Hop and Rap

One unforgettable night in Paris was witnessing NTM's return to the stage after a decade, alongside 20,000 enthusiastic fans at the sold-out Bercy Arena.

Rappers Joey Starr and Kool Shen reunited to mark their 30th anniversary as NTM, one of France's most legendary hip-hop groups. I watched as they exploded onto the stage against a backdrop of flashing lights, energizing a crowd that swayed and rapped along to their classic hits, from 'Ma Benz' to 'Paris sous les bombes,' reverberating through the venue.

How a Blend of Cultures and Influences Makes French Hip-Hop Stand Out

The first time I encountered French hip-hop was in the 1990s while visiting cousins in Paris, and I was struck by the depth of the lyrics from groups like NTM, IAM, and Assassin compared to the anglophone hip-hop we listened to in the UK. This period marked the golden era of the movement in France, which had its roots in the early '80s US scene featuring five key elements: rap or MC-ing, DJ-ing, break dancing, graffiti, and beatboxing.

Upon moving to France, my fascination with French hip-hop deepened as listening to its artists helped me grasp how the country's diverse cultures intertwined. The movement began shifting towards rap, led by artists often hailing from diasporas of former colonies, who expressed concerns about integration challenges, social exclusion, capitalism, and police brutality. In the late '90s, a significant influence from the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo emerged through Group Bisso Na Bisso, marking a pivotal moment for French rap that had previously drawn heavily from US and UK sounds. Congolese artists like Damso, Gims, Ninho, and Niska have become major figures in the scene, with Congolese rap accounting for about a quarter of the industry.

The rise of the internet in the early 2000s captured the hip-hop movement in a specific time, but the rap genre broke through and gained global traction. “Artists gained the ability to create their own blogs on platforms like Skyrock radio and MySpace, allowing them to manage their image, distribute their music independently, and directly engage with fans, organizing impromptu concerts without label support,” explains Narjes Bahhar, Senior French Rap Editor at Deezer France. “This led to the emergence of self-made rappers like Sexion d’Assaut and a surge of diverse rap subgenres.”

Rap in Paris has consistently mirrored societal changes, with artists addressing themes of colonization and life in impoverished areas, providing insight into the city’s varied communities. Today, rappers hail from a broader array of backgrounds and tackle relatable topics, reflecting the rich diversity of the Parisian population.

Notable names include solo French rappers Orelsan and Jul – I was surprised by their lyrics, tone, and catchy beats, which differed significantly from the gangsta rap style I was familiar with. Discovering the rap duo PNL, known for their vocals enhanced by a vocoder, was another eye-opener. “Rap culture is so robust that it has branched off from hip-hop,” says Narjes. “We now refer to rap cultures in the plural because of this genre hybridization.”

Where to Discover It

With French rap becoming incredibly diverse – as Narjes and I discussed, covering styles like drill, trap, Jersey, cloud, afro-rap, afro-trap, and DMV flow – I was uncertain if I would experience the same vibe as the old-school gangsta rap I love, or enjoy the venues as much as the more underground spots typically hosting gigs.

For example, Orelsan's slower enunciation allows for a deeper focus on his lyrics and societal reflections, offering insight into the lives of those from his background. In contrast, artists like Damso emphasize lyrical flow while also encouraging movement and dance. The diversification of French rap has led to a variety of venue types, ranging from large arenas for blockbuster shows featuring veterans like NTM and Booba to smaller, lesser-known spots such as New Morning, Boule Noire, Cigale, Olympia, Elysée Montmartre, Philharmonie, 211, Trabendo, Trianon, Bellevilloise, La Machine du Moulin Rouge, and the Bataclan, which recently launched an annual hip-hop festival called “Triple H.”

Rap and hip-hop artists frequently appear in the lineups of various summer festivals, such as Paris' Lollapalooza, where Damso, Niska, and Doria will be performing this summer. The best way to find gigs is to check the lineups of different venues and festivals on ticketing platforms or visit Lylo.fr, a fantastic resource for all the events happening in the city. Some reliable options include:

La Place

La Place serves as a hip-hop culture center located in the glass structure over Chatelet metro station in central Paris, initiated by the city hall during the area's revitalization. It has developed into a vibrant hub, hosting high-profile events year-round, including concerts and conferences like the four-day L2P Convention featuring masterclasses, debates, discussions on street culture, and the evolving landscape of hip-hop, along with performances including the French team's debut in break dancing at the 2024 Olympic Games.

FGO Barbara

FGO Barbara, located in the 10th arrondissement and adorned with one of street artist Kouka’s iconic warrior paintings, is dedicated to promoting emerging and independent musicians across all genres, including hip-hop. The venue features a performance space, six recording studios, and two rehearsal rooms. In addition to hosting its own events, FGO Barbara collaborates with La Place to support various activities during the L2P Convention.

Le Tamanoir

As part of the “Grand Paris” initiative, which aims to expand the city, venues like Le Tamanoir in Gennevilliers, just north of the ring road, are becoming integral to the Paris hip-hop scene. This underground venue serves as a platform for a diverse range of music, including Voodoo rock, Comores blues, hip-hop, rap, and reggae, and it hosts various events and workshops throughout the week.

Key Artists to Know

Navigating the diverse currents of the Paris rap scene can be quite challenging, so Narjes has highlighted some key rap “bosses” to keep an eye on. Additionally, there’s a vibrant roster of emerging artists like Bekar, TIF, and Meryll making waves.

Damso

Though he is Belgian-Congolese, the award-winning Damso significantly influences the French rap landscape, making him one of the most streamed artists in the nation. Active since 2006 and introduced to the scene by French rap icon Booba, his lyrics frequently explore themes of love and blend various styles, from gangsta to trap and even new wave, characterized by beats reminiscent of Kinshasa’s music scene.

Jul

France’s top-selling rap artist, Jul had sold 4 million albums by the age of 30. His music blends trap with a style known as 'Thai beat.' Hailing from Marseille, he burst onto the scene in 2013 and consistently produces two platinum albums each year, establishing himself as one of the most prolific artists in the industry. His album Je ne me vois pas briller (I don’t see myself shine) achieved triple platinum status, and some of his music videos have garnered 164 million views.

Ninho

Ninho began his rap journey at the age of 12 in his hometown of Essonne, just outside Paris, and has been officially active since 2008. His style is shaped by the music of his parents’ homeland, the Congo, along with influences from trap and pop, and four of his albums have achieved triple platinum status.

Gazo

Alongside Pop Smoke, Gazo is credited with popularizing drill music in France. He officially launched his career in 2019, though he had been performing for years prior under the name Bramsou. Gazo became the first French artist to sign with the American label Epic Records, which also represents global rap stars like Drake and Travis Scott.

Doria

An artist who gained recognition on Instagram after Booba praised her energetic and catchy gangsta-style rap, Doria solidified her place in the French rap scene with appearances on various rap shows, including Fianso’s Rentre dans le Cercle in 2018, Couvre-Feu, and Skyrock’s Planet Rap.

Le Juiice

A self-made rapper of Ivorian heritage, Le Juiice embraces the title “Trap Mama,” reflecting her musical influences and leading her own label, Trap House. After appearing on a hip-hop show, she left her finance career in 2018 to pursue music full-time. Since then, she has released several EPs that showcase the rich diversity of African cultures.

What to wear

The variety within French rap today means that dress codes and etiquette aren’t dictated by a single artist or subgenre anymore. Each musician establishes their own style, which can range from the latest streetwear collaborations to high-end designer labels like Balenciaga. To steer clear of fashion missteps in French rap, it’s best to check out artists’ social media for inspiration on their current looks.

Take it home

Many record stores in Paris cater to a range of musical styles, with those featuring a hip-hop and rap section including Music Avenue, tucked away in the Bastille area near Faidherbe Chaligny. You’ll also find excellent dining options nearby, like the slightly upscale Paul Bert bistro, renowned for its classic French cuisine.

Dizonord, a clever twist on the word 'dinosaur,' frequently hosts events, especially during Disquaire Day (record store day, held every April). It’s conveniently located just a short stroll from the Jules Joffrin station in the 18th district, where a variety of independent restaurants and bars await, particularly along rue Versigny. Check out Patakrep for delightful crêpes and La Timbale for drinks. Betino’s in the 11th is another great spot, perfectly situated between the lively Bastille and the charming Marais.