Guizmo was born in Paris’ 13th arrondissement before growing up in the suburbs surrounding the French capital. A key figure in French rap since the early 2010s, the rapper had not released a major solo project since “Lamine” in 2020. For several months, however, he had been quietly preparing his comeback with “La Tanière”, finally unveiled this Friday, May 22nd. The project was highly anticipated by his fanbase and features several high-profile collaborations with Soprano, La Fouine, and Freeze Corleone.
Much like a certain Eminem in the United States, Guizmo’s career has been built around a fragile balance between repeated downfall and constant rebirth. Since the beginning, the rapper has never hesitated to openly discuss his addictions, personal struggles, and some of the darkest moments of his life. That raw honesty has played a major role in shaping his reputation among listeners who value authenticity — something increasingly rare in today’s rap landscape. Tracks such as “André” and “C’est tout”, both deeply introspective and emotionally painful, have gradually become cult classics among his audience.
Just as he was preparing to release “La Tanière”, Guizmo was ultimately arrested and incarcerated. A situation that strangely echoes a famous line from IAM’s “Bad Boys de Marseille”: “Death strikes the bird murdered in mid-flight.”
Guizmo has now unveiled the visual for “Bender”, taken from his latest project. Right from the introduction, the rapper announces that he is now eligible for release. Important news for an artist who has never lied to his audience and never tried to hide his pain behind empty ego-driven punchlines. Through this track, “Bender” almost becomes the symbol of yet another rebirth after several particularly chaotic years.
Guizmo unveils “Bender”, a symbol of rebirth through “La Tanière”!
The instrumental was produced by Lil Ben. Originally from Ris-Orangis in the Essonne region, the producer has established himself in recent years as one of the most reliable beatmakers in the French rap scene. He notably worked with Ninho on tracks such as “Tout en Gucci” and “Mauvais Djo”, but also collaborated with SCH on “LIF”. He is also behind “Me Gusta” for DTF and contributed to Naps’ first major breakthrough hit with “Pochon Bleu”.
Guizmo has always had a special connection with old-school productions, often dark and melancholic in tone. Yet on “Bender”, the instrumental embraces a far more modern and contemporary sound. Another reminder that the rapper, widely respected for his writing ability and versatility, remains perfectly comfortable over today’s production styles.
Both in the song and in the visual, Guizmo reflects directly on his personal struggles and this constant idea of rebirth:
“I overcame the hardships, they were standing in my way / I don’t even know anymore if I’m a fox or a werewolf.”
Given the current circumstances, the visual takes the form of a montage made up of several recent clips showing Guizmo preparing for the release of his project. A raw and sincere format, perfectly reflecting the artist himself.
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