The countdown is on for Kaaris. This Friday, the Sevran native will unveil “BYAKUGAN”, a mixtape that already feels like a deliberate return to the raw DNA that built his reputation. While some listeners viewed “Day One”, released in 2023, as the work of a more reflective artist leaning toward introspection and storytelling, the first previews of this new project suggest a very different direction. With “BYAKUGAN”, Kaaris appears determined to reconnect with the uncompromising intensity that helped define an entire era of French rap.
From the seismic impact of “Or Noir” to “Le Bruit de mon âme” and later “Day One”, Kaaris has always balanced two sides of his artistry. On one hand, the aggressive, instinctive, and dark rap style that made him famous; on the other, a recurring desire to experiment with more narrative-driven songwriting. Regardless of the approach, his influence on French hip-hop remains undeniable. Alongside his longtime producer Therapy, and with the support of Booba during their landmark collaboration on “Kalash”, he played a major role in introducing and popularizing sounds inspired by Chicago and Atlanta within the French rap scene. After “Or Noir”, the landscape of French hip-hop would never be the same.
The first single from “BYAKUGAN” already made its intentions clear: no compromises, no detours. The second release, the freestyle “Petzi”, follows the exact same blueprint. There are no melodic hooks designed for radio play and no crowd-pleasing choruses. Instead, the track is driven by an endless barrage of razor-sharp punchlines and a controlled aggression that recalls some of the rapper’s most iconic performances.
Kaaris Goes on the Offensive with “Petzi”
The production is handled by Jerzey and Jaka, two producers who understand the codes of modern street rap inside and out. Thanks to his successful collaborations with Werenoi, Jerzey has established himself as one of the most influential beatmakers of his generation. In recent months, his name has appeared in the credits of “5 Bleus” by Ninho, “Agaccu #5” by Bazbaz, and “7AR” by Ashe22. His growing catalog confirms his status as one of the key architects shaping the sound of contemporary French street rap.
Meanwhile, Jaka recently made an impact through his work on “Grünt #74” alongside Le Rat Luciano. Together, the two producers craft a dark, electrifying, and oppressive instrumental filled with heavy basslines and ominous textures, providing the perfect backdrop for Kaaris. The result speaks for itself: the rapper sounds re-energized, channeling the raw intensity and controlled rage that turned him into one of the defining figures of French rap.
“Instead of asking God for forgiveness,
I’m sure your prayers are really asking for my downfall.”
A punchline that perfectly captures the spirit of the track: defiance, clarity, and an unwavering sense of confrontation.
Behind the camera is Sponge Production. Staying true to its minimalist visual identity, the collective places Kaaris inside a dark setting dominated by blue and black tones, allowing the intensity of his performance to take center stage. The visual feels like a natural extension of the song itself: raw, direct, and stripped of unnecessary distractions.
In recent months, Sponge Production has also directed “Love” by Kerchak, further solidifying its position as one of the most sought-after visual teams in French rap. With “Petzi”, the collective perfectly complements what appears to be a return to Kaaris’ roots, just days before the highly anticipated release of “BYAKUGAN”.
