Gambino and Alonzo Deliver Summer Vibes on “Zone à risque”

Gambino has gradually established himself as one of the leading figures of Marseille’s new rap generation. Raised in La Solidarité, a neighborhood in the northern districts of Marseille, the masked rapper has built his career by staying true to his roots while developing a sound that resonates with a wide audience. In 2024, he released “Capsule” through his own imprint, Total Ndé Production, reaffirming his commitment to artistic independence.

Musically, Gambino carries on the legacy of the Marseille sound popularized by Jul. What Mouloud Achour and the founder of D’Or et de Platine once described as the “Jul sound” during an interview on Clique has evolved into a signature style of its own. Bright productions, infectious melodies, heavy use of Auto-Tune, and an emphasis on feel-good energy all define this movement. Much like Aftermath‘s West Coast sound brought a sunnier, more melodic alternative to the darker aesthetic of the East Coast in the 2000s, Marseille’s rap scene has become the brightest and most uplifting branch of French hip-hop.

For years, Gambino deliberately remained an enigma. He rarely gave interviews and kept collaborations to a minimum, preferring to let his music speak for itself. More recently, however, he has begun opening up, teaming up with artists such as Mister You, Houari, and, of course, Jul, the undisputed godfather of Marseille rap, while also sharing more of his personal journey.

During his appearance on Midi Minuit—the first full interview of his career—he revealed that a new project is already in the works following “Capsule”. He also explained that his growing number of collaborations simply comes from the people he has met along the way, saying: “I’ve met people.” Like fellow Marseille artist TK, he continues to hide his face, choosing to keep the spotlight on his music rather than his personal identity.

Today, the rapper continues that momentum by joining forces with Alonzo, another pillar of the Marseille rap scene. Together, they deliver “Zone à risque”, a summer-ready anthem where melodies, holidays, and success take center stage, replacing the darker themes both artists have often explored throughout their careers.

Gambino and Alonzo celebrate summer on “Zone à risque”

The instrumental is produced by Rkaz, best known for his work with Uzi on “Ma chérie” and “Back in Business”. Staying true to Marseille’s new wave, the production delivers a warm, uplifting atmosphere built around catchy melodies and sun-soaked instrumentation. Set against the backdrop of an airport, Gambino and Alonzo rap and sing about travel, freedom, and the lifestyle that comes with success.

“Thailand, we’re looking fresh, she wants to hold me close. Brunette or blonde, she’s got it all.”

Rather than relying on technical punchlines or aggressive street rap, Gambino and Alonzo focus on infectious melodies, positive vibes, and a carefree summer atmosphere. It’s a formula that has become one of the defining trademarks of Marseille’s most popular rap exports.

The music video is directed by Klyde X Comm. Filmed across several iconic locations in Marseille, it captures the city’s Mediterranean lifestyle through upscale restaurants, lively terraces, nightlife, and luxury cars. The elegant visual aesthetic perfectly complements the warmth of the song. The director previously gained recognition for directing “Biff pas d’love” by Bouss, among several other acclaimed productions.