With a record-breaking crowd of 100,080 fans filling the Stade de France on May 15 and 16, Jul once again proved that he operates on a level of his own. Few French artists can claim this kind of popular appeal. His latest music video, “Ils sont pas carré”, serves as a visual time capsule of the historic event, featuring footage captured during those two unforgettable nights. Just days earlier, the Marseille native had already released his new album, “Oubliez-moi”, continuing a work ethic and release schedule that remains virtually unmatched in today’s music industry.
Ever since the release of “Dans ma paranoïa”, his debut project, Jul has maintained an astonishing pace, averaging nearly two projects per year. That consistency has gradually established him as one of the most prolific and commercially successful artists in French rap history. Yet his rise was far from straightforward. When he released “Je trouve pas le sommeil”, some critics seemed more interested in pointing out the absence of a grammatical negation in the title than recognizing the cultural phenomenon that was beginning to take shape.
Only a few months later, Jul earned a Diamond certification with “My World”. A decade later, he’s selling out the Stade de France twice over and continues to stack victories without showing any signs of slowing down.
On “Ils sont pas carré”, the unconventional phrasing remains. But with Jul, language has always transcended grammar. It has become a cultural marker, an instantly recognizable signature. For years, traditional critics viewed him with skepticism, yet the Marseille rapper never compromised his identity. His audience, meanwhile, never stopped believing in him. Much like Aya Nakamura, he embodies the ongoing disconnect between certain cultural gatekeepers and a younger generation that has long since chosen its own icons.
While the debates continue, Jul‘s rise shows no signs of stopping. His influence now extends far beyond France. From the Balkans to Southern Europe, his musical aesthetics and unique approach to rap have inspired a new generation of artists who continue to borrow from the blueprint he helped create.
Jul Celebrates His Stade de France Triumph with “Ils sont pas carré”
For this new release, Jul reunites with Kakou, the producer behind “Je t’aime” and “C’est dur d’aimer”, two recent singles taken from “Oubliez-moi”. While those tracks showcased a willingness to explore new sonic territory, “Ils sont pas carré” reconnects with the musical DNA that made the rapper a household name. It’s a formula that has become instantly recognizable over the years and remains one of the defining sounds of contemporary European rap.
As is often the case in his music, Jul turns his attention to the hidden side of success. Behind the record-breaking numbers and accolades lies a more personal reflection on human relationships, loneliness, and the way money can reveal people’s true intentions:
“Because when things get heated
I don’t see you around
When there’s nothing left
They don’t care if you’re doing alright
When you’ve got money
They come swarming like piranhas”
The video was directed by William Thomas, who has become one of Jul‘s closest creative collaborators in recent months. Their artistic partnership appears stronger than ever, with both men sharing a clear visual vision. Through backstage footage, live performance shots, and intimate moments captured throughout the event, the video documents the remarkable journey that led to the rapper conquering the Stade de France.
Several familiar faces also make appearances, including Morad and Naza, who joined the Marseille star to celebrate the occasion. More than just a promotional music video, “Ils sont pas carré” feels like a commemorative piece designed to preserve another milestone in the extraordinary story of Jul. And judging by his trajectory, that story is far from over.
