Houari continues to build his career under the banner of Rien100Rien, the label founded by Jul, with distribution handled by AllPoints. First introduced to a wider audience as a member of Ghetto Phénomène, the Marseille native has gradually established himself as one of the most authentic representatives of a scene that has reshaped French rap over the past decade.
Much like his mentor, Houari blends infectious melodies with the uplifting energy that has become synonymous with the modern Marseille sound. Since breaking through in 2014, Jul has crafted a musical identity so distinctive that it first conquered the streets of Marseille, then spread across France, before reaching audiences throughout Europe. The impact of his influence is undeniable. During an appearance on Clique with Mouloud Achour, Jul even revealed that he had heard artists adopting his style as far away as Sweden.
In 2025, Houari reached another milestone with the release of his album “Insomnia”, highlighted by the collaboration “Tana” featuring Jul. The project further showcased the strong artistic bond between the two artists, with Houari regularly taking part in the collective ventures launched by the Marseille superstar. Now, just a few months later, he returns with “Rue de la paix”, a new single perfectly suited for the summer season.
Houari picks up the pace with “Rue de la paix”
A songwriter, composer, and performer, Houari is also heavily involved in the creative process behind his music. According to the credits listed on Spotify, he personally composed “Rue de la paix”.
Driven by an energetic rhythm and a fast-paced production, the track fits seamlessly into the Marseille-inspired sound that continues to dominate a significant portion of mainstream French rap. Comfortable in this lane since the beginning of his career, Houari delivers a dynamic performance while maintaining the melodic touch that has become one of his trademarks.
Beyond its infectious energy, the song also carries a more introspective dimension. Houari reflects on his personal journey and the importance of staying grounded when facing life’s challenges:
“You’ve got to keep a cool head, I can’t afford to lose myself.”
To accompany the release, William Thomas delivers a visually striking music video in which Houari is surrounded by a pack of white wolves. Staying true to his signature style, the director relies on refined visual effects that enhance the atmosphere without overshadowing the artist himself.
The collaboration also highlights the increasingly important role William Thomas now plays within Jul‘s creative universe. While the Marseille rapper once worked with a variety of directors, he appears to have placed growing trust in Thomas, who has been behind several of his most recent music videos.
