Gims has unveiled his project “Le Nord se souvient” and its reissue “Le Nord se souvient : L’Odyssée” in 2024. The album features collaborations with Dystinct and his brother, Dadju. Today, he makes his return with a new single titled “Shaolin”.
Interestingly, the Shaolin monks have played a significant role in hip-hop history. From the early days of gangsta rap, the Wu-Tang Clan drew inspiration from kung-fu films, notably “The 36th Chamber of Shaolin” (1978) and “Shaolin and Wu Tang” (1983), shaping their mythology and musical universe in the album “Wu-Tang Clan: Enter the 36 Chambers”. These films were even sampled in their tracks. In France, the group IAM also incorporated Shaolin imagery and metaphors, particularly in their album “L’École du Micro d’Argent”.
But above all, don’t tell Gims—who has been stacking diamond records since his debut solo album “Subliminal”—that he makes urban music. The rapper has blurred genre boundaries, collaborating with Sting and Sia to create pop, while also returning to rap with his dedicated project “Le Fléau”.
Gims goes full “Shaolin”!
The choice of title is no coincidence. The instrumental composition, produced by Nikooo Prod & Gims, is built on a sample of traditional Asian music. Nikooo Prod, a renowned beatmaker, has previously composed for Vitaa (“Emmène-moi”, “Prie pour moi”) and for H-Magnum (“Te quiero”, “Médusa”).
The use of an Asian sample in rap is not new. In 2002, Rakim and Truth Hurts famously used an Indian sample for their track “Contagious”, just as the Pussycat Dolls did with “Jai Ho”.
But Gims goes even further. In a lighthearted and playful visual, he incorporates numerous elements inspired by Asian culture. The clip, directed by Neetch, extends this aesthetic. Neetch is no stranger to the scene, having previously directed “911” by Ninho, Niska & Koba LaD, “Cœur en Ice” by Naps feat. Gazo, and “300K” by Gazo & Tiakola.
