by Hélène Deconinck
Eminem, Wiz Khalifa, Lil Wayne, Pitbull, those names are synonyms of Hip-Hop/Rap. What do they have in common? They all are American artists. Indeed, Rap is by design an American invention, but does it mean that only Americans can rap?
Since 2000, a Parisian hip-hop collective cracks down the French capital. Sexion d’Assaut is a musical band with numerous collaborators: Maître Gims, Lefa, Adams, Maska, JR O Chrome, Black Mesrimes, Doormams, L.I.O…and so many more. First difference with their American big brothers who prefer a solo career multiplying featuring, Sexion d’Assaut is a rich contribution. The family Wati B is also a label and a brand! Proud of their Parisian roots, Sexion d’Assaut music grew up in Anvers Parisian neighbourhood that they renamed La Terre du Milieu. That’s where they started with their first underground mixtapes: La Terre du Milieu (2005), Le Renouveau (2008), L’écrasement de tête (2009) before they met a huge success with L’école des points vitaux (2010). After becoming the number one French rap collective, they went on with En attendant l’apogée (2011), a pre-project announcing the anticipating release of their last opus L’Apogée (2012).
In France, where the hip-hop culture is very popular, Sexion d’Assaut is a big reference. The collective could have been a simple pale copy of Americans rappers but…they are not; their rap is involved. Where most hip-hop artists generally promote parties, violence, sex and drug; Sexion d’Assaut speaks to youth, denounces socio-cultural injustices while celebrating their African roots. In their last album L’Apogée, with their subtle cutting lyrics they stand far from rap clichés, dealing with education (“Mets pas celle-là”, “Ma direction”, “l’Endurance”), politics (“J’reste debout”), immigration (“Africain”), and family (“Avant qu’elle parte”)… and some beats to party too (“Disque d’Or”, “Paname allons danser”, “Wati House”, “- 75degrés”).
No need to understand French to catch their energetic vibes. That’s the universal language of music. Without borders, taste the unique style of Sexion d’Assaut. Their big, loud beat will make you shake your head, put your hands up and bounce your bottom. Determined to deliver their message with their powerful sound, Sexion d’Assaut excellent vibes is worthy to be heard outside France borders. Check them out on their youtube channel, http://www.youtube.com/user/sexiondassautonline, follow them on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sexion-DAssaut/96039300768?sk=info or on their official blog http://sexiondasso.skyrock.com/.
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