How do you become a Top Boy?
Born in northern Paris, Kenzy Amellal first made waves with his iPhone-shot films — a bold creative choice that earned him the respect of a whole generation of urban filmmakers. His philosophy echoes Orelsan’s words in Notes pour plus tard:
“To film, you just need something that films. Saying ‘I don’t have the gear’ or ‘I don’t have the contacts’ — that’s a loser’s excuse.”
Often focusing on the youth of Belleville and their social realities, his work stands out for its raw sincerity and sharp visual direction. After directing the music video for Titanic by Leto, the filmmaker now joins forces with RK for the short film Tracklist — a project that blurs the lines between fiction and confession.
In the film, RK lays himself bare, reflecting on his path and identity:
“But how do you become a Top Boy?”
Torn between street life, suspicious friendships, and the pressures of business, he portrays himself as a “young wolf” hungry for legitimacy. This creative direction follows a growing trend in French rap, where short films serve as personal statements — as seen with ZK on his latest project or Dosseh, who portrayed both his downfall and rebirth through cinema.
The tracklist, revealed at the end of the film, showcases the project’s depth. On Top Boy Tome 1, RK teams up with Ninho on Sale État, IDS from L2B on Top Boy, and Genezio on Viano. A strong lineup for a mixtape that’s already shaping up to be a standout release in the French rap landscape. Mark your calendars for October 10 — a new chapter begins.
