Jo is a rapper from Noisy-le-Grand, specifically from the Pavé Neuf neighborhood. Proud of his Congolese roots, he takes advantage of the current turmoil in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to affirm his identity and pay tribute to his heritage. He recently dropped “2 en 1” on YouTube, his very first music video, and it’s already making waves. Right from the start, the rapper and singer from the 93 shows an impressive level of creativity, delivering a **true diptych**. This bold project blends drill and afro sounds, seamlessly transitioning through a guitar solo.
Jo makes a strong statement with “2 en 1”!
The track’s production is handled by Dreamo. The first half is deeply rooted in the drill scene, with Jo spitting sharp bars with undeniable confidence, proving that he belongs in the French drill movement. His egotrip is direct and striking, driven by a catchy line that’s bound to stick in listeners’ minds:
“Jojo doesn’t make the hood, the hood made Jojo.”
Then comes the switch. A guitar solo by Warren La Frappe disrupts the track, introducing a surprising tonal shift. This fusion of styles echoes the early bridges built between rap and rock by pioneers like Eminem and Cypress Hill. For Eminem, this blend began with “Rock Bottom”, a track from his first project where he sampled “Summertime” by Janis Joplin. Even today, artists like KPoint continue to explore this hybrid sound.
A powerful tribute to his roots
The second half of the track takes a completely different direction, embracing strong afro influences. In the background, the turquoise flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo waves proudly, symbolizing Jo’s deep connection to his homeland. Here, Jo delivers a **true stylistic exercise**, paying homage to legendary figures who have inspired him: Koffi Olomidé, JB Mpiana, and Fally Ipupa. He embraces a dual musical identity, drawing from both French rap and the mesmerizing rhythms of Congolese rumba.
With “2 en 1”, a track that serves as his **artistic business card**, Jo showcases his wide-ranging talent and influences. A perfectly balanced fusion that highlights his unique musical world. The video, directed by Recto Verso, reinforces this duality by alternating between dark and colorful visuals.
