Ziak is a rapper with raw authenticity. He made a remarkable debut in the rap scene with the album Akimbo, which achieved gold record status in just a few weeks, even though he was still an unknown name to the general public. In 2020, he established himself as one of the leading figures in drill music, a rapidly growing genre, alongside artists such as Gazo, 667, and Lyonzon. From Chicago to New York, and even London, drill music is taking over international stages, marking the dawn of a new musical era.
Drill music, at its core, draws from the gang culture of Chicago, blending hard-hitting lyrics with visuals often marked by violence, surpassing even the intensity of trap. In London, this genre faces significant legal challenges, with multiple videos being removed from YouTube under police pressure. Yet, Ziak managed to turn this raw aesthetic into commercial success right from his first album, thanks to an approach that remains true to the movement’s roots. With Chrome, released in 2022, he enriched his style by incorporating sounds from Arabic instruments such as the ney, offering a rare musical depth. Other artists, including Rim’K, Sofiane Pamart, TIF, and Acid Arab, have also ventured into this genre fusion.
Ziak unveils his project Essonne History X
The title of this album is a direct reference to the iconic film American History X, which deals with the complex rehabilitation of a former skinhead after serving a prison sentence for murder. Staying true to his universe, Ziak maintains his dark flow and suffocating atmosphere, hallmarks of his projects. Today, he unveils “Belle Madame”, a track from his new opus. The title is misleading: this is anything but a light or danceable song.
Ziak pays tribute to “Belle Madame”
The production of this track, crafted by Focus Beatz, a longtime collaborator of Ziak, showcases exceptional expertise. This duo had already left a mark with several tracks from Akimbo, including “Akimbo”, “Shonen”, “Vrai/Faux”, and “Coffre”. Focus Beatz also contributed to the album Hiver à Paris by Dinos, notably with the track “CTRL + V”. On “Belle Madame”, the composition remains minimalist, carried by haunting piano notes and subtle bass rolls. This is pure Ziak, both striking and captivating.
The lyrics, deeply rooted in realism, reflect an unembellished daily life:
- “J’ferai jamais d’affaires-a avec ta p’tite équipe de cafteuses (Oh-oh)”
- “On aurait peut-être tout baisé ensemble si toi, t’étais pas devenu une suceuse (Sa mère) / Jeune dépanneur de poudreuse (Yo), non-stop dans une soirée pluvieuse (Oh-oh)”
- “Quand t’as maillé, c’est qu’t’as plus tort (Tort), j’ai un maillet, j’me prends pour Thor (La foudre)”
The music video, directed by Denys Bourbier, stays faithful to Ziak’s dark and immersive universe, though it features fewer special effects compared to his previous productions. Known for also directing Doudou Câlins by BR La B, Bourbier delivers a visual that matches the anticipation surrounding the upcoming release of Essonne History X, scheduled for this Friday.
