Rim’K and Leto Unveil the Melodic “Charbon & Diamant”

Rim’K belongs to the first generation of artists who laid the foundations of modern French rap. In the late 1990s, he released “Les Princes de la ville” with 113, the iconic group from the Vitry-sur-Seine – Choisy-le-Roi – Orly triangle, a region that would become one of the historic birthplaces of French hip-hop. Widely regarded as a classic, the album left a lasting mark through both its groundbreaking production—from the funky groove of “Jackpot 2000” to the North African influences of “Tonton du bled”—and its socially conscious songwriting, with timeless tracks such as “Hold-Up”, recorded alongside Les Intouchables.

More than two decades later, Tonton is still writing new chapters in his career. In 2018, he earned a Platinum certification with “Mutant”, proving that his music continues to resonate across generations. One of the secrets behind his longevity is his ability to evolve without ever losing his identity. Rim’K has never been afraid to embrace the new generation. Whether teaming up with Ninho on “Air Max”—one of his biggest streaming hits on Spotify—paying tribute to his Algerian roots alongside TIF and Sofiane Pamart, or experimenting with 2-step and Afro-inspired production, the rapper has always pushed beyond his comfort zone.

During an appearance on “Le Code” hosted by Mehdi Maïzi in 2024, he summed up his artistic philosophy in a single sentence: “What keeps things moving forward is innovation.” Unlike some artists from his era, Rim’K has never looked down on younger rappers. Instead, he continues to experiment, take creative risks, and surprise his audience. Many years have passed since his unforgettable arrival at the Zénith in a Peugeot 504 to collect a Victoires de la Musique award, but his mindset remains exactly the same.

In 2025, he reaffirmed that forward-thinking approach with “RUN Evolution”, a project featuring some of today’s biggest names in French rap, including SDM, Kekra, Zamdane, TIF, TH, and Sofiane Pamart.

Today, the rapper from the Val-de-Marne continues promoting the project with the music video for “Charbon & Diamant”, featuring Leto, one of the leading voices of PSO Thug. It’s an unexpected collaboration that reveals a softer, more melodic side of two MCs best known for their razor-sharp lyricism and hard-hitting delivery.

Rim’K and Leto reveal a more intimate side on “Charbon & Diamant”

According to the YouTube credits, the instrumental was produced by Scvlra, Raed, Yats, with arrangements by Zafy. Scvlra and Raed, both members of the Winterfel collective, have been working with Leto since the beginning of his career, producing everything from hard-hitting trap records to more atmospheric compositions. More recently, they teamed up again on “Pineapple”. Yats, meanwhile, previously collaborated with Leto on “Trahison pour du paper” and “Titanic”.

The production stands out thanks to its subtlety. Built around an airy atmosphere with a rhythm loosely inspired by Brazilian baile funk, the beat gives plenty of room for both artists to showcase their vocal chemistry. Rim’K and Leto effortlessly switch between rapping and singing, revealing a surprisingly delicate side that contrasts with the tougher image both artists have cultivated throughout their careers.

For his part, Leto has continued to expand his artistic range. After exploring new musical directions on “Life” in 2025, he returned to the raw street rap that built his reputation within PSO Thug on “Thug Ceremony”, released in 2026.

“Charbon & Diamant” is ultimately a celebration of love, chemistry, and emotional connection:

“We complete each other like the Crips and the Bloods / I’m gonna buy you every jewel in the Louvre.”

Directed by HAMZA Hrc, the video places both artists in an elegant world of fine dining, luxury cars, and timeless moments. Its refined visual aesthetic perfectly complements the warmth and softness of the track. The director is already familiar with Rim’K‘s artistic universe, having followed the rapper during his performance at Les Ardentes in 2024 and directed the documentary “Algiers Through My Eyes”.