Niaks makes a powerful comeback with his latest album Tout droit, a raw and honest project backed by heavyweight collaborations with PLK, Leto, Mister You, and Niro. From day one, the artist has carved his path through uncompromising gangsta rap. Much like Lacrim — with whom he collaborated early in his career — Niaks embraces a fully earned street credibility. In an interview with Le Code, he reflects on his time in prison, not as a downfall, but as what he calls an “accident de parcours” — a defining turning point in his life.
Hailing from Mantes-la-Jolie, the hometown of the legendary group Expression Direkt — known for the French rap classics “Dealer pour survivre” and “Au-delà du réel” with Kery James — Niaks carries the torch of hardcore street rap. His flow, gritty and direct, often echoes the spirit of ’90s and early 2000s rap, a time when every bar had weight and consequence.
But this new album also shows another side of the rapper. On the single Jeje, featuring Naza, he steps out of the shadows and into the sun. It’s a bold and surprising collaboration. Niaks temporarily trades in his dark, intense universe for a feel-good, summer-ready anthem carried by Naza’s infectious energy.
Niaks and Naza are in full Jeje mode!
The beat comes courtesy of production trio Wild MT, Claro Beats, and Ayle. Wild MT, an acclaimed Algerian beatmaker, is a frequent collaborator of both Niaks and Fresh La Douille. His production credits include “Ninetta”, “Michel Cardon”, and “Perm” for Niaks, as well as “Pas carré” and “Pile ou face” for Fresh. On Jeje, he delivers a bright, reggaeton-tinged beat that injects the track with unexpected freshness.
And in a rare move, Niaks opens up emotionally:
“Back then, we weren’t the ones they called — we were the ones who ruined the party
She already knows she’s beautiful, gets in your head, but I know she’s not sincere”
The video, bathed in golden light and carefree energy, was shot in Ouarzazate, Morocco. Surrounded by friends and family, the two artists celebrate life, freedom, and a much-needed break from the hustle. The clip is directed by Arthur Keasy, the visual mastermind behind “So Bad” (Leto), “Wine Slow” (Franglish & Kalash), and “Hermès” (Gazo).
