It has now been two years since Youssoupha released his last project. The artist, who was already on “Sur les chemins du retour” by his second album, has since settled in Africa, reconnecting with his roots. The Prim’s Parolier has built an exceptional career, marked by punchlines etched forever in collective memory. When he took a jab at Éric Zemmour in his iconic track “À force de le dire”, he found himself in the spotlight, sued for “death threats”. In “Menace de mort”, he brought together the rebellious voices of rap—a fittingly ironic choice, considering that “only c.* will say Youssoupha does conscious rap”. Originally from Kinshasa, the artist is a master of language and cultural references. With his eponymous track, he pays homage, after much reflection, to the “Négritude” of Aimé Césaire.
With “Neptune Terminus”, Youssoupha proudly appears alongside his son, continuing the family saga he began with “Polaroïd Experience”. In the track “Mon Roi”, he offers wise advice, much like Orelsan does in “Notes pour plus tard” for future generations, or akin to Rudyard Kipling in his timeless poem. Youssoupha has also unveiled his latest single, “Zequin Theory”, a “fake” collaboration with Zequin. The latter, after promising on social media to deliver “a classic”, doesn’t actually sing but fits seamlessly into the song, complementing the thoughts of the rapper from Colombes in this unique piece.
Youssoupha dives into the “Zequin Theory”
The production of “Zequin Theory” is crafted by Tudoben, a talented beatmaker who has worked with major figures in French rap, such as Kery James on “Trop Bizarre” and “Je peux”, and Stavo on “Calcio”. He has also collaborated with Naza. Built on a vintage loop, Tudoben provides ample space for Bakary Potter to weave his poetic lyrics, blending love, respect, and tolerance—an uplifting breath of hope in often bleak political times.
Youssoupha’s punchlines, filled with wisdom and irony, highlight his unmatched talent: “Wisdom doesn’t wait for paradise”, “Hate is the gangsta version of sadness”, and “I deserve Oscars for how much I make up stories”. In an introspective moment, he nods to his artistic past: “Now I have enough money to see a therapist”. This is a poignant reminder of when, in “Mourir mille fois”, he declared: “You believe in your therapists; let me believe in my prophet.”
In the music video, Zequin embodies a personal version of Youssoupha, acting as a mime and accompanying him in a life far removed from the bling-bling stereotypes often portrayed by other rappers. Directed by Giovanny Scott, Youssoupha, and Axel Lauhon, the video is a visually stunning achievement. Notably, Giovanny Scott is also the creative mind behind “Crazy” by Lil Baby, shot in Paris.
