Oxmo wasn’t always the sage lyricist we know today. With Pucc’ Fiction, he brought sharp storytelling, punctuated with punchlines that remain etched in stone. Then came Soleil du Nord, an anthem for the youth of the projects, where an entire generation saw itself: a modest family surviving on a single paycheck, finally seeing the sea at 20 after 19 summers of struggle. It’s no coincidence that he later reimagined Amsterdam by Jacques Brel in his own style. He also teamed up with Hamza and Christine and the Queens on a remix of the iconic Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Always ahead of the curve, he spotted talent early, working with the Kourtrajmé collective long before it launched the careers of Romain Gavras, Ladj Ly, and Kim Chapiron. October 17 won’t just be a release date—it will be the closing of a chapter in rap history.
As a prelude, he unveiled the single Magique, featuring Tuerie. While Tuerie has yet to rack up gold and platinum records, he’s already carving out his space with a unique style that blends singing, gospel, and rap. With Brel listed among his influences, the connection feels less like coincidence and more like destiny.
Oxmo will remain magical
The production on Magique was handled by Pandrezz, Epektaze, Roy Markson, and P.Prod. Pandrezz and Epektaze had already made waves alongside Yamé with the track Bécane, which helped him break out of the underground and into the public eye. P.Prod first gained recognition working with Kik and later collaborated with Djadja & Dinaz on Essayer. The result here is a jazz-tinged beat, weaving wind instruments and piano over a classic, steady rhythm. No, Oxmo never stooped to cheap trap clichés. True to his style and his pen, he hits the pavement effortlessly—without noise, without force.
The lyrics showcase his trademark sharpness:
Lack of love turns us into subjects of study
Those who never did anything never speak kindly of those who get things done
And his commentary on the digital age cuts just as deep:
Everyone’s got an opinion, everyone chimes in
Art is difficult, while posts stretch for miles
Tuerie delivers the hooks with lines tinged with irony and melancholy: I’m just a superhero outside a corner store / reshaping the world around a magic cigarette.
The magic, though, is real. The stripped-down video—no vixens, no rain of cash—was directed by Augure, who also shaped the visual identity of Bahway by Yamé. Everything is set for Oxmo to reach la hauteur de la lune on October 17.
