Rim’K & Niaks Drop “Maradona” from Soleil de minuit

Some artists simply never go out of style. More than 26 years after the release of the legendary Princes de la ville with 113, the French-Algerian rapper is still going strong. His EP Soleil de minuit once again brings him together with two leading figures from the new generation, Guy2Bezbar and Niaks. Guy2Bezbar, the “Monégasque”, has entered a whole new league since the release of Monaco. There is a certain irony — or perhaps inevitability — in the trajectory of this pioneering generation of “drillers”, including Gazo and Guy2Bezbar, who reached even greater heights once they began moving beyond strictly street-oriented music. Signed to Bylka Prod, a structure that has been active in French rap for years, Niaks is, in many ways, one of the future faces of French gangsta rap. But how has Rim’K managed to remain so relevant when, almost 30 years ago, he was already receiving a Victoire de la Musique at a time when rap was barely acknowledged by the French music establishment?

The “Mutant” has lost none of his ability to adapt, and working with younger artists seems completely natural to him. Many rappers who emerged in the ’90s and 2000s remain tied to the sound that made them successful in their brash younger years, without ever really trying to evolve with their audience. Rim’K has never had that problem. 2-step, trap — he can switch lanes effortlessly. Even when teaming up with TIF and Sofiane Pamart to celebrate his Algerian roots, he remains a musical chameleon.

In fact, even before Kore released Raï’n’B Fever, Rim’K had already released Tonton du bled, produced by DJ Mehdi around a sample of a track by Ahmed Wahby. The resurgence of North African music within French rap — and popular music more broadly — is now in full swing, and Rim’K was one of the artists who helped pave the way. As he told GQ Middle East: “We wanted to delve into our musical heritage. That’s how Mehdi came up with the idea of sampling Wahby. It happened naturally, without any planning. It’s crazy to see that, 26 years later, this sound is still going strong.”

Over the years, the artist has collaborated with virtually the entire new generation. One of the major turning points came with Ninho on Air Max, and the collaborations kept coming from there. His status within French rap is such that he was invited to perform during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, performing by the Seine. Speaking to GQ Middle East about the moment, he explained: “Singing in front of the Seine, where many Algerians were drowned during the War of Independence, and representing hip-hop culture on this international stage is a very moving symbol.”

He has now unveiled the visuals for Maradona, featuring Niaks — the summer cut from Soleil de minuit.

Rim’K keeps going with “Maradona” featuring Niaks

According to the YouTube credits, the track’s instrumental production is credited to Wild MT. The producer recently worked with Niaks and Naza on Jeje. He also produced Les clés en main by Fresh La Douille and Saïf, as well as Chardonnay by Zé.

The track has a laid-back, summery feel that stands out in both rappers’ discographies. But neither Rim’K nor Niaks suddenly turns into a full-blown singer. This is a summer track made by two rappers who have no intention of pretending to be Latin-pop stars for a season. The lyrics and overall spirit remain firmly rooted in egotrip, confidence and good vibes. Summer is hardly the season for political speeches:

“When I was U20, I was burning street furniture

I stand out against the backdrop of the Méridien’s private beach

I invoke the Third Amendment like I was American”

Rim’K puts the emphasis on both his roots and the success he enjoys today. The days of Pour ceux now seem far away, when the entire Mafia K’1 Fry was setting the 94 ablaze with thousands of extras under the direction of Kourtrajmé.

The sleek, blinged-out and sun-soaked video was directed by Nextlab. The director has just come off the ambitious François Pizzaré project by Decimo. In this sprawling visual, Decimo retraces the story of Mantes-la-Jolie through several remixes and previously unreleased tracks. The director has also helmed Mala by Bag Jeune B and TRUE FORM by Kerchak. He has been particularly prolific lately.