In French rap, people often praise the “SACEM of Soprano“. Since his opus Cosmopolitanie, the artist who proudly claims the title of “rapper”, despite his ventures into pop music, has consistently achieved diamond-certified albums. Yet, his solo career began humbly with the track Moi j’ai pas, a true cry of distress from a “Jeunesse France” in crisis. Soprano has built an immense career, marked by artistic and political commitment. With Hiro, one of his early standout tracks, he rewrites cultural history through the eyes of a man who believes he can change everything. From Millionnaire to Everest, the young boy from the northern districts of Marseille has conquered France, filling the Vélodrome stadium effortlessly, much like the “team guys” honored by 3ème Œil in Hymne à la racaille de France. As a generational leader, he also contributed to 13 Organisé with Sous le soleil, a track that hovers like a shadow over the city protected by Notre-Dame de la Garde.
After years of dominating the charts, maintaining his cheerful demeanor, and avoiding excessive bling, Soprano returns with an album decidedly more “rap”: Émancipation. After all, the Psy 4 de la Rime made their debut with the hit Le son des bandits. In an interview with Laurent Ruquier, he recalled his father’s stern reprimand after his first success: “I sacrificed myself so you could tell people you’re a bandit?” But far from the gossip about his SACEM or personal life, he remains true to his roots as a Marseille rapper. From rap, he climbed to the top with Everest. Today, he unveils Faux Paradis, a collaboration with PLK.
Soprano and PLK explore the “Faux Paradis”
The instrumental composition of this track is crafted by Djaresma, an iconic figure in Marseille rap. This prolific beatmaker is behind hits like Mon Everest, Roule, En feu, and Mon précieux by Soprano. Having collaborated with major artists such as Alonzo and BigFlo & Oli, he delivers a powerful rap production, elevated by a catchy chorus where Soprano showcases his vocal talent. Alongside Gims, they rank among the biggest French vocalists.
The song seems to touch on a past relationship, without revealing too much explicitly:
“Every time I suffered, it was because of your sweet words / All your caresses that stroked my ego, your promises, your voodoo tricks, hey / You ended up enchanting me, casting a spell, I had your name, your face in my mind.”
PLK echoes back with a similar melancholy:
“I stick with those who knew me at my lowest, there are people behind me, [I’m at the front?] / You disgust your friends, hiding all kinds of troubles.”
Soprano and PLK deliver a track packed with emotion, exploring the weight of past relationships with sincerity and melancholy. This rare moment of vulnerability in their respective careers offers a poignant glimpse into their personal experiences.
