What is 13 Block really preparing? After a strong comeback and several notable releases, including “BLO”, Stavo recently announced that “BLO III” will ultimately not be released. A decision that raises questions, yet does not reflect any internal tension. On the contrary, Stavo, Oldpee, and Zed are each continuing their solo journeys, developing their individual identities while maintaining a shared foundation.
This dynamic echoes that of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, a pioneering force in American rap, whose members built successful solo careers before reuniting for a landmark album that became both a cultural and commercial milestone. While Stavo, Oldpee, and Zed are now evolving independently and stacking up successes within their respective lanes, the sonic signature of 13 Block remains unmistakable.
With “Malcom”, released in 2024, Zed fully reinforces this artistic direction, deeply rooted in American rap influences and a powerful cultural imagery. The album’s title directly references Malcolm X, an iconic figure in the fight for civil rights in the United States, giving the project a strong symbolic dimension. In its first week, the album recorded around 10,000 sales before going on to achieve gold certification. Hailing from Sevran, the rapper keeps the momentum going with a brand-new collaboration alongside Ninho, one of the most diamond-certified artists in France, alongside Soprano. Titled “Talbin”, the track delivers a laid-back, controlled vibe.
Zed and Ninho join forces on “Talbin”
The track is produced by Daddy Jo and Bloody, two established beatmakers known for their extensive list of collaborations. Daddy Jo has notably worked with Theodora on “Sorry Sorry So” and “Boss Babies”, while Bloody has delivered standout productions such as “Dans l’espace” for Gambi and Heuss L’Enfoiré, as well as “Ragnarok” for Frenetik. Together, they craft a melodic and immersive instrumental that perfectly supports the confident egotrip delivered by both artists:
“Quand j’compte moi-même, j’fais que m’tromper
La Rolex à DiCaprio, celle de Shaggy”
Or again:
“Toujours dans les faits divers, hein, été comme hiver, hein
J’ai toujours le cœur en pierre, hein, s’il faut leur faire, on l’fera”
Visually, the music video embraces a luxurious and polished aesthetic, directed by Arthur Keasy. A regular collaborator of Zed, he previously directed visuals for “Choppa” and “2.80”. He has also recently worked with Guy2Bezbar on “Rosé” and with Favé on “Tout donner”, further solidifying his presence in today’s urban music video landscape.
