On the occasion of the reissue of “L’Enfant Sacré de Bellevue”, the artist doesn’t just revisit his work—he expands it. After inviting Abd Al Malik and Conway the Machine on earlier chapters of the project, Benjamin Epps pushes the boundaries further by collaborating with Lous and the Yakuza, Dip Doundou Guiss, Le Chiller, Ibrahim Maalouf, Noemie Marian Richards, Dany Dan, and Jah Lil.
The guest list reflects the scope of his ambition: iconic figures of French rap like Dany Dan, pillars of the Senegalese hip-hop scene like Dip Doundou Guiss, and the world-renowned Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf, who joins Epps for a subtle reinterpretation of the legendary Fugees hook on “Fu-Gee-La”.
This reissue isn’t just an update—it’s a bold opening to the world. True to his Gabonese roots yet constantly evolving, Benjamin Epps turns L’Enfant Sacré de Bellevue into a sonic travel diary. The journey begins with an Afro-inspired track featuring Lous and the Yakuza.
Known for her distinct vocal flourishes and previously featured on “Cœur en miettes” by Damso (from the album QALF), Lous and the Yakuza explores new territory here, lending her voice to a hypnotic and immersive Afro-infused production.
Benjamin Epps, for his part, continues to shape his legend as a true “savior” of French-speaking rap.
The instrumental is crafted by renowned producer OG’s, known for hits like “5G” by Booba and “Hier encore” by SDM. Driven by subtle yet striking Afro rhythms, the track stands out in Epps’ discography: here, he puts aside pure rap and sharp flows in favor of a more melodic approach.
At a time when most labels push artists toward commercial openness, the Gabonese rapper carves his own path—unbothered by trends, including drill, which he deliberately sidesteps.
From the very first notes, Lous and the Yakuza’s silky voice evokes the nostalgic intro of “Hijo de Africa” by MC Solaar, lending the track a poetic and reflective tone.
With the precision of a wordsmith, Benjamin Epps, supported by Lous and the Yakuza, delivers one of his most delicate and introspective pieces to date.
The music video, minimalist and effective, captures a silent dialogue between two souls. The artists move around a car, brushing past one another, speaking without ever exchanging a glance. A stripped-down visual narrative that says more than words ever could.
