Bylka, a rapper hailing from Sartrouville in the Yvelines region, is set to make a significant impact in 2025 with the release of his album Hors du Commun, scheduled for May 2. The lead single, La Cour des Grands, serves as a vibrant tribute to 1990s rap, a period he regards as the golden age of French hip-hop. Through this track, Bylka rekindles the spirit of his role models, blending authenticity with introspection.
Among his major influences, Bylka cites the iconic duo Lunatic, composed of Booba and Ali. Their synergy—combining Booba‘s raw intensity with Ali‘s wisdom—has profoundly shaped his artistic approach. This duality is evident in his track Anges et Démons, where he delves into the contrasts of the human condition.
Are you “Anges et Démons”?
Between La Cour des Grands and Anges et Démons, Bylka unveiled Barillo, a collaboration with a fellow artist from Sartrouville. This track, more upbeat than usual, combines an engaging atmosphere with impactful lyrics. Staying true to his 90s roots, Bylka never sacrifices substance for style.
The production of Anges et Démons is crafted by Lazy Prod, a regular collaborator. The track features a manipulated vocal sample, reminiscent of a cry in the night, and incorporates the mizmar, a piercing Arabic wind instrument, adding an apocalyptic ambiance to the piece.
In the vein of Hardcore by Ideal J or La Fin de leur Monde by IAM, Bylka addresses societal injustices head-on. Similar to Les Misérables by Ladj Ly, echoing Victor Hugo‘s work, Anges et Démons continues the tradition of sharp social critique, with verses reminiscent of his predecessors.
The music video, directed by V10 FILMS, is filled with current imagery, highlighting themes such as poverty, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the war in Ukraine, and the migrant crisis. Confronted with this harsh reality, Bylka poses a question: have we developed an extreme sensitivity to imagery? These sequences, sometimes unbearable, compel us to avert our gaze and return to normal activities.
