Youssoupha begins a new chapter in his rich family saga with the album Polaroïd Experience, where he expresses his love for his children through poignant tracks:
« J’suis un père de famille, je suis le père de Malik /
Et puis maintenant, imagine que j’suis le père d’Imany. »
The following project, Neptune Terminus, takes this intimate approach even further as it is entirely dedicated to his son Malik. Father and son appear together on the album cover, with Malik raising his fist in pride, mirroring his father’s iconic gesture. Then comes Mon Roi, a heartfelt open letter to his son. Just like Rudyard Kipling, a master of English poetry known for his famous If—, Youssoupha shares wise and powerful advice:
« J’vais pas t’mentir : face à l’argent, on n’est pas tous pareils /
Vu qu’c’est pas en travaillant dur qu’on devient riche, en vrai /
Sinon, toutes les daronnes africaines seraient millionnaires. »
In 2024, he released the spectacular Zequin Theory, an album filled with reflections on family bonds:
« Avec la famille, en c’moment, c’est pas trop ça /
Grande famille, c’est pour la vie mais, en c’moment, c’est pas trop stable. »
And this Friday marks the release of his latest project, Amour suprême, solidifying his status as the “Prim’s Parolier.”
Youssoupha doesn’t shy away from breaking stereotypes, especially in the extraordinary track Dieu est grande, dedicated to his daughter Imany. Backed by a stunning gospel production by Cehashi, he delivers a text that is both moving and incisive, worthy of the legacy of Black poets like Kery James. With this composition, Youssoupha once again counters prejudices about rap, which has been unfairly labeled as a “subculture for the illiterate” by figures such as Éric Zemmour.
Youssoupha and the Power of Dieu est grande
The instrumental production, driven by a majestic gospel choir, marks a stylistic departure for Cehashi, a talented beatmaker who has collaborated with Youssoupha on several tracks, including Polaroïd Experience, Mon Roi, Avoir de l’argent, and Noir Désir. Together, they explore musical landscapes filled with softness and depth. Signed under Bomayé Music, Youssoupha’s label, Cehashi brings a fresh perspective, moving away from the drill and trap codes to create a soulful melody enriched by a gospel choir.
With poetic and socially charged lyrics, Youssoupha speaks directly to his daughter:
« N’écoute pas les hommes, n’écoute pas les ordres, n’écoute pas les codes qui disent de la merde /
Apprends encore à aimer ton corps, à aimer tes formes, à t’aimer toi-même. »
This vibrant declaration of love echoes themes from Mon Roi, where he advised his son:
« Si vous sortez, c’est toi qui invites /
Les bails de “chacun paie sa part”, ça fait radin et puis ça tue l’charisme. »
The final lines of Dieu est grande resonate deeply, evoking Kipling:
« Tant que tu peux, il faut défier les lois, tant que tu peux, il faut défier les rois /
Et, s’ils te demandent c’que ta foi représente, réponds simplement que Dieu est grande, Imany. »
Kipling’s immortal words from If— come to mind:
“Then the Kings, the Gods, Fortune, and Victory / Will be forever your humble slaves, / And, what’s worth more than Kings and Glory / You will be a Man, my son.”
A Grandiose Clip for a Masterpiece
Initially announced as a track without a video, Youssoupha surprised his daughter Imany by inviting her to the shoot, transforming it into a memorable family moment. Supported by a breathtaking choir, the video, co-directed with Kounythemanse, is a visual gem. Known for his collaborations with Suspect 95, Kounythemanse elevates the rapper’s artistic universe while paying homage to his African roots.
A Musical and Literary Masterpiece
With Dieu est grande, Youssoupha reaffirms his unique talent for musical storytelling. Blending depth, emotion, and social critique, he once again pushes the boundaries of rap by incorporating literary inspiration.
An unmissable masterpiece!
