With JVLIVS, SCH has reached the pinnacle of a style he has been refining since his early days. From the first promotional visuals of the mixtape A7, the S laid the foundation of a powerful narrative universe, inspired by works like Gomorra or Champs-Élysées. His artistic identity, deeply dark and “nwar”, is etched into every one of his music videos, like scars that linger in the memory. In this sense, JVLIVS represents the culmination of the journey of an artist who has redefined the codes of French rap.
Next week, the final chapter of this legendary saga, titled JVLIVS: Ad Finem, will be released. Since the launch of this monumental project, SCH has alternated between studio albums and new chapters, leading up to this eagerly awaited finale. The first single, Stigmates, released a month ago, already paved the way for a poignant introspection. Today, the S takes us even deeper into his universe with La Pluie, an ode to solitude and melancholy.
SCH Sings Under La Pluie!
Since the 1960s, France has maintained a unique relationship with music. While rock was never fully embraced, the “chanson française” thrived, emphasizing lyrics as much as melodies. In NGRTD, Youssoupha proudly declared: “C’est nous la chanson française.” Today, “urban music” (despite the debate around the term) has dominated French listening charts since 2019. Many rappers, once confined to sharp flows, are now exploring more melodic paths, following in the footsteps of artists like Booba and Ninho.
However, with his dark universe and razor-sharp punchlines, the S seemed far removed from this evolution. Yet in La Pluie, he sings, alone with his demons, delivering a performance that is both vulnerable and visionary. This track feels like a forewarning of the drama that might conclude JVLIVS: Ad Finem.
An Enchanting Composition
The emotional power of La Pluie also lies in its refined composition, crafted by Amakuno, Seezy, and Manu Manu. Seezy, renowned for his collaborations with Vald, also composed Stigmates, the project’s first single. The subtle arrangements—soft piano notes, a delicate cello, and classical instruments—create a unique atmosphere, making this track a standout piece in SCH‘s discography.
Poetic and Striking Punchlines
In this track, punchlines give way to raw poetry, filled with melancholy:
“Tonight, the lighthouse no longer calls the sea; tonight, peace doesn’t even have tears left.”
Yet, the darkness remains:
“Crowbars between the crossbar and the door, a razor blade against the aorta.”
“Some bitterness in the esophagus, the product sweats through the cellophane.”
Betrayal and regret also surface in the lyrics:
“People betrayed me, then came back; I think they were born long before shame.”
“My mother cries over memories that are now just memories / My rage cries, I pull through, so she thinks about her future.”
A Minimalist and Symbolic Visual
Visually, Stigmates depicted SCH wandering alone in an empty mansion. In La Pluie, he sings alone in a deserted church, his voice echoing through the hollow space. This simplicity, directed by Stéphane Bohée, amplifies the emotional impact of the track. Bohée, who also directed the music video for Reste by Gims featuring Sting, delivers a striking visual depth here.
