Ziak unveils his latest album, Essonne History X, an ambitious project featuring Kaaris, TH, and Jolagreen23. The title is a clear reference to the cult film American History X, which explores the journey of a skinhead trying to escape his past after serving time in prison.
Like his previous albums Akimbo and Chrome, Essonne History X is just as “nwar”. However, this time, Ziak allows himself to be carried even further by the sounds of his beatmakers. The track Story is a perfect example—an introspective piece where he recounts his journey, enhanced by a strikingly classical violin sample. Meanwhile, La Nuit features a jazzy production reminiscent of the golden era of the East Coast. While embracing new influences, Ziak remains true to his musical identity—no zumba, no Latin beats.
To further promote his project, he delivers a powerful visual for his collaboration with Kaaris on Rien ne remplace. For a “street” rapper, teaming up with Kaaris is a badge of honor. Though some may challenge his legacy, Kaaris remains one of the pioneers who introduced the Trap sound to France with his classic Or Noir. His collaboration with Therapy left an undeniable mark on French rap history. Since then, Dozo has continued to evolve, releasing the third installment of Or Noir and a joint project with Kalash Criminel titled SVR. On this track, he answers Ziak’s call, immersing himself in an apocalyptic atmosphere laced with echoes of Game of Thrones.
For Ziak and Kaaris, “Nothing can replace it”!
The production of this track is signed by Rosaliedu38, a beatmaker who also left his mark on Room, another standout track from Essonne History X. He has also worked alongside La Fève, producing tracks such as Sameshit and Kanye West. The Drill rhythm is reinforced by eerie piano notes, amplifying the dark ambiance that defines Ziak‘s style. Every visual accompanying his clips aligns perfectly with the intensity of his flow and the weight of his productions.
Ziak sets the tone right away with sharp, steel-hardened punchlines:
“Kipsta, I’ll never be in a suit, Pigalle, I take twelve bars with a flash
Abdou just got out of card-pla, he spends three hundred bucks on a shisha
You take their rhymes for facts, you’re naive, me, I don’t like cameras
Little dealer, the hood salutes you, little dog, you bark when the gypsies pass (Ouh)”
Meanwhile, Kaaris stays true to himself with hard-hitting punchlines:
“You can search among us, it’s all guts, no kittens
We know you’ll act tough (Hey, hey, hey, hey) until the day we snap your neck
I roll a joint, take a puff, in my head it’s Call Of: Warfare
Word, word of a West African, I’ll never give up my share”
Ziak has always been drawn to visually stunning clips packed with special effects. This time, he plunges us into a chaotic, post-apocalyptic world. Like SCH, he doesn’t just impose a signature voice—he crafts a unique visual universe. His directors work to capture this distinct aesthetic that has defined him from the start.
The visual for Rien ne remplace, directed by Swann+Yoann, immerses us in a world on the brink of collapse. References to Game of Thrones appear throughout—whether it’s the burning oak tree, the flaming swords, or the raven scavenging for prey. The result is simply breathtaking. Swann and Yoann, who recently directed the short film Monsieur Mouche, once again showcase their talent for cinematography.
