SDM Makes an Impact with ALVALM and “Cartier Santos”!
In 2024, SDM released his highly anticipated project, ALVALM, an album featuring a lineup of influential artists, including Werenoi, Hamza, Josman, Tiakola, and Skread.
Among the standout tracks, Cartier Santos has quickly become an essential hit. Recently accompanied by a music video, the track has officially become the fastest diamond-certified single of 2024.
After making waves with his gold-certified project OCHO, SDM has once again shattered records.
In just one week, ALVALM sold 29,409 copies. Two weeks later, it was certified gold, and after five weeks, SDM reached platinum status.
“Cartier Santos”, a Unique Track
More than just a hit, Cartier Santos represents a shift in SDM’s artistic direction.
Departing from his usual high-energy flows, he opts for a more laid-back approach.
He doesn’t aggressively rap or fully sing but rather delivers the lyrics with restraint and emotion, like a storyteller.
The song explores a recurring theme in rap: materialistic women.
This subject has been tackled before by IAM with Elle donne son corps avant son nom, and by Rohff in Starfuckeuse.
However, while others approach it with arrogance or critique, SDM narrates it with calm and sadness, bringing an introspective touch.
SDM, Lost in “Cartier Santos”!
The production is another major highlight. Crafted by the talented Atake and Fabio Aguilar, it delivers an immersive atmosphere.
Atake, a Francophone producer, has worked with Zola, but is best known for his work with Quavo and TakeOff on tracks like Integration and Tools.
Meanwhile, Fabio Aguilar, a California-based beatmaker, has collaborated with Migos and Pop Smoke, including on Light It Up.
The result? A track with a unique rhythm, highly technical, where SDM seamlessly blends into the beat, letting his emotions take center stage.
A Raw and Melancholic Narrative
In this track, SDM depicts a toxic relationship with striking clarity:
“You’ll need faith and courage, a relationship full of rage built on broken foundations (Hein, hein)
She left me, acting all heartbroken, while her heart screamed ‘Hooray’ and mine shattered into a thousand pieces (Hein, hein)
Down by the building, they call you ‘the little social media girl’ (Hein, hein)”
Stripping away the usual egotrip, SDM delivers a raw and unfiltered story, detailing lost illusions, broken hopes, and the harsh reality of manipulative relationships.
The music video elevates this vision with a deeply symbolic visual direction.
The materialistic woman is portrayed as a serpent, reinforcing the themes of manipulation and betrayal.
The artistic direction is led by Loïc Foulon, who previously created the mesmerizing video for Whisky Bleu by Elia.
Watch the official music video below:
